This science fiction anime was originally created by GAINAX and directed by Anno Hideaki.
A total of 26 episodes aired on TV Tokyo (TNX) from October 4, 1995 to March 27, 1996. The manga version preceded the anime, having been serialized in Monthly Shonen Ace since the February 1995 issue. Because the manga began first, many people believe that the original work is the manga, but it is the anime that is the original. A remake titled "Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo" aired from 2007 to 2009, and is planned to consist of four parts.
This work depicts the battle between 14-year-old boys and girls who become Evangelion pilots and the "Angels," with an emphasis on portraying emotions such as the relationships and various conflicts that arise.
The keyword "Human Instrumentality Project" appears many times while watching the anime. Many people probably just watch it casually without thinking much about it.
This time, I'd like to explain what the "Human Instrumentality Project" is as clearly as possible.
What is the purpose of the "Human Instrumentality Project"?
The goal is to collect the souls of all humanity, unite them within Lilith's egg, and return them to their pre-birth state.
From there, they will be reborn as complete, single organisms.
Specifically, using Adam, Lilith, and the Spear of Longinus to cause the Third Impact using Evas as catalysts,
they will bestow both the "Fruit of Life" and the "Fruit of Wisdom" upon humanity, evolving all of humanity into a completely integrated, single lifeform.
Gendo Ikari's "Human Instrumentality Project"
While their goal is to evolve into a perfect, single lifeform, Gendo seeks to seize control of the "Human Instrumentality Project" in order to achieve that goal himself. He is willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goal, even sacrificing his subordinates and son.
All of this is in order to become a god and reunite with his beloved wife, Yui.
Why the "Human Instrumentality Project"?
During an excavation, Seele discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of books that predicted the arrival of the Angels, and learned the origins of humanity. The Angels were given the "Fruit of Life," while humans (the Lilim) were given the "Fruit of Wisdom." Despite being the 18th Angel, the Lilim, humanity was dissatisfied with not being granted eternal life, and desired the "Fruit of Life" possessed by the Angels. Therefore, they united through the "Human Instrumentality Project" and attempted to fuse with Adam.
What is "Seele," the organization that carries out the "Human Instrumentality Project"?
This secret society is said to have been secretly controlling the world since ancient times, operating under the cover of the United Nations.
It has 12 top executives, and its leader is said to be Kiel Lorenz of Germany.
It issues orders to the special agency NERV through the Human Instrumentality Committee. Incidentally, Seele apparently means "soul" in German.
If the Human Instrumentality Project is successful...
When the "Fruit of Life" and the "Fruit of Wisdom" become one, forming a single lifeform, the A.T. field is neutralized, and the boundaries between oneself and others disappear.
The concept of a physical body disappears, and one gains eternal life, but they also lose emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, and happiness, becoming like air.
In the anime, this is depicted as a liquid similar to L.C.L.
The End of the Human Instrumentality Project
In a world where all human souls are united, all of humanity rests in the hands of Shinji Ikari, who is at the center of this unification.
"If you desire the existence of others, the A.T. field will once again separate everyone, and the fear of others will begin again," Rei tells Shinji.
From the bottom of his heart, he yearns for a world where others exist, wanting to see everyone again. At that moment, the souls that had been united were separated and returned to Earth. And so, the "Human Instrumentality Project" planned by Seele and Gendo ended in failure.
Easy to Understand! A concise explanation of the "Human Instrumentality Project" for those who don't quite understand it.
This concludes the explanation of the "Human Instrumentality Project."
I've tried to keep it as clear and concise as possible, so if you're interested, I encourage you to dig deeper.
