Mewtwo was not born naturally but rather cloned from the DNA of Mew, a legendary Pokémon. This unnatural origin leads Mewtwo to question its purpose and the ethics of being created for specific, utilitarian reasons. Is Mewtwo merely a tool, or does it have intrinsic value and autonomy?
2. Existential Crisis
Mewtwo’s awareness of its origins as a clone sparks an existential crisis, as it wonders why it exists and whether its life is meaningful. It’s an exploration of what it means to be truly alive when one's very existence was engineered. This speaks to human existential questions about life’s purpose, the search for meaning, and the need for personal significance.
3. The Search for Identity
Struggling with its self-identity, Mewtwo repeatedly asks, “Who am I?” Throughout its journey, it seeks not just to understand its origins but also its true self beyond the influence of its creators. This mirrors human philosophical quests for self-discovery, where individuals question their roles in society and their inherent value beyond external labels.
4. Free Will vs. Determinism
Mewtwo’s life was shaped by human hands, raising the question: Can it have true free will? The deterministic nature of its creation suggests that it might have been "designed" for certain purposes. However, over time, Mewtwo strives to make its own choices, especially in rejecting the role it was forced into, challenging the very notion of determinism.
5. Revenge and Anger
Initially, Mewtwo is filled with rage and vengeance against its creators for manipulating its life. This quest for revenge drives much of its early behavior and is a reflection of the dangers of unresolved anger. It poses the question of how anger can be justified and what it costs both the person holding the grudge and the object of that grudge.
6. Humanity vs. Non-Human
Throughout the story, Mewtwo grapples with whether it is more like humans or more like the Pokémon it commands. Its self-perception as a non-human entity—combined with its disdain for human treatment of Pokémon—challenges assumptions about what makes someone human. This leads to broader discussions about human exceptionalism and the moral considerations of our treatment of non-human life.
7. Empathy and Compassion
Over time, Mewtwo learns the importance of empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others—and compassion, realizing that these traits are not limited to humans. This transformation highlights the philosophical idea that true moral growth comes through understanding others’ suffering and acting to alleviate it.
8. The Nature of Evil
Initially, Mewtwo sees humanity as evil, focused on manipulation and control. It’s an exploration of moral absolutism, where certain groups (humans, in this case) are seen as inherently corrupt. Mewtwo's evolution suggests that evil is not necessarily inherent in any being, but can arise through actions, particularly those stemming from ignorance, fear, or a thirst for power.
9. Morality and the Nature of Power
Mewtwo’s immense power allows it to dominate, but this power is an ethical dilemma. Power itself is neutral, but how it is used defines its morality. Mewtwo questions whether it should use its abilities to assert control over others or whether it has a higher responsibility to act morally, highlighting the ethics of power.
10. The Right to Life
The question of whether Mewtwo deserves to exist at all—especially given that its life was artificially created—raises significant ethical issues. Does it have the same right to life as natural-born beings, or is it inherently inferior because of its origin? This parallels human debates over the moral status of beings like clones, AI, or genetically modified organisms.
11. Self-Determination
Over the course of its journey, Mewtwo learns to assert its self-determination—the ability to shape its own future, independent of its creators or the expectations placed upon it. This theme of autonomy echoes existential ideas about the freedom of the individual to choose their path in life, regardless of past circumstances.
12. Ethics of Cloning
Mewtwo’s very existence raises questions about the ethics of cloning: Is it right to create life for specific, utilitarian purposes? The controversy surrounding genetic manipulation and artificial life—whether in humans or animals—has been a topic of significant debate, especially with the possibility of creating beings without consent.
13. Nature vs. Nurture
Mewtwo’s internal conflict between its genetic nature (the clone of Mew) and its nurturing experiences in the world illustrates the classic debate between nature and nurture. Is Mewtwo’s sense of identity and morality determined by its creation, or can its life experiences redefine it? This explores the idea that both intrinsic traits and external influences shape an individual.
14. Suffering and Redemption
Mewtwo’s suffering is integral to its character development. It starts as a being defined by pain, rejection, and anger but ultimately transforms through self-awareness and redemption. This resonates with religious and philosophical ideas that suffering can lead to personal growth, spiritual awakening, and moral redemption.
15. The Illusion of Control
Mewtwo’s desire to control other Pokémon reflects the illusion of control—a common philosophical topic. It believes that by dominating others, it can find peace or purpose, but ultimately realizes that true control is an illusion and that life is better when guided by understanding and compassion, not domination.
16. Reconciliation with Self
A major theme in Mewtwo’s journey is the reconciliation of its fragmented sense of self—struggling between its created purpose and its evolving identity. Its eventual realization that it can shape who it becomes represents the philosophy of self-acceptance and personal growth.
17. The Power of Choice
Mewtwo’s arc is about learning that its choices matter. As a clone, it initially feels constrained by its origins, but as it evolves, it realizes the freedom of choice and the responsibility that comes with it. This resonates with existential philosophy, which emphasizes the individual’s ability to choose their destiny.
18. Transformation Through Love
By the end of the story, Mewtwo understands that love—both for itself and others—is the key to transformation. This challenges the belief that power alone can provide meaning, proposing that emotional connection and love are the real sources of healing and change.
19. The Role of Sacrifice
In its journey toward redemption, Mewtwo ultimately chooses self-sacrifice for the greater good. This mirrors the ethical concept that sometimes, in order to protect others, one must give up personal desires or security.
20. Relational Ethics
Mewtwo's relationship with Ash Ketchum and other Pokémon demonstrates the importance of mutual respect and moral relations between sentient beings. True morality is seen not as an individual pursuit, but as something that is realized in relationships and interactions with others.
21. The Nature of Creation
Mewtwo’s creation sparks reflection on the nature of creation itself: Who has the right to create life? What is the moral responsibility of creators? Is the created being inherently subordinate to the creator, or does it have equal worth?
22. Conflict Between Mind and Heart
Mewtwo’s internal struggle is not just physical but also a philosophical conflict between logic (its intellect) and emotion (its growing empathy). This tension reflects the balance between reason and emotion, which has long been a subject of debate in philosophy.
23. The Fear of Death
Mewtwo confronts fear of death, both literal and existential, as it questions its place in the world and the eventual meaning of its life. The fear of non-existence or insignificance is a deeply philosophical concern that many struggle with throughout life.
24. The Question of "Playing God"
Mewtwo’s creators attempt to "play God", manipulating life without understanding the consequences. This raises a critical question: Is it ethical to assume godlike powers over creation, and what responsibility comes with such power?
25. Existence and the Absurd
Initially, Mewtwo feels like an absurd being, thrown into a world without inherent meaning or purpose. This mirrors Albert Camus’ philosophy of the absurd—the tension between humans’ search for meaning and the universe's indifference. Mewtwo’s journey represents the choice to create its own meaning.
26. The Power of Forgiveness
Mewtwo’s eventual forgiveness of its creators and others teaches the moral power of forgiveness—letting go of anger and resentment to find peace and healing, a key lesson in moral philosophy and spiritual growth