Demon Slayer has plenty of memorable battle sequences from the anime that stand out, but those aren't the only scenes that will stick with viewers. During their journey to becoming powerful members of the Demon Slayer Corp, the characters gain plenty of wisdom that helps further their character arcs.
There have been so many memorable and inspirational Demon Slayer quotes, as character impart the lessons they've endured through their thoughts and words. Not everything the characters talk about is relevant to everyday life. Sometimes it's not even all that wise. However, there has been plenty of wisdom imparted to viewers over the years that will inspire generations to come.
19 "There Is No Other Way To Go."
Season 1, Episode 3, "Sabito and Makomo"
Tanjiro had no idea at the time that Sabito and Mamoko were the ghosts of Sakonji Urokodaki former students who didn't survive their training. As they trained with the boy who would later go on to avenge their death, they taught him one of the most important lessons he needed to learn at the time. He couldn't go back, no matter how badly he wanted to.
His awareness about the darkness in the world had been forever altered by the brutal slaughtering of his family, and there was nothing he could do to change that. This early quote still resonates because it's applicable in so many situations. It's impossible to go back and change the past. The only way a person can ever go is forward through the darkness until they see the light again at the end.
18 “Feel The Rage."
Season 1, Episode 1, "Cruelty"
When Giyu tells Tanjiro that he should allow himself to feel the rage over what was done to his family, it seems like negative advice; after all, we often associate anger with negativity. But anger can be a driving force, and Giyu's sentiment here is actually more inspirational than it initially comes off as.
If Tanjiro gives into despair, he won't be able to avenge his family and move forward. Giyu tells him to use anger to his advantage instead. And if done correctly, most people can hone anger and frustration to work for them instead of against them.
17 "Always Live Your Lives With Great Pride"
Season 1, Episode 15, "Mount Natagumo"
When Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke rest up at Hisa's house after their battle with Kyogai at Tsuzumi mansion, she took very good care of them. Despite Zenitsu and Inosuke constantly referring to her as an old hag or witch, she still sent them on their way with a traditional blessing and a reminder to always be proud of who they are. Whether heading off to battle dangerous demons, or simply seeing to one's every day tasks, it's important to hold one's head high.
This would also include making good choices, not doing anything that might give cause for feeling ashamed. While that may sound archaic, it's still applicable in the modern day. A person doesn't need to head out to battle actual demons to be proud. Sometimes, simply following a good path in life is as good a reason as any for one to hold their head up and be proud of their accomplishments.
16 “You Have No Choice But To Go on Living."
Season 1, Episode 7
This is another quote about Tanjiro's losses, but this one comes from Tanjiro himself. As one of the only members of his family left alive, he realizes that he has to go on -- even if the thought seems unappealing in his grief. And this is a revelation that many people need to face when experiencing loss.
It isn't easy to pick up the pieces and live, and many are tempted to wallow in the darkness until there is nothing left of them but grief and sorrow. It seems callous in some ways, but life does go on. Finding a way to pick up the pieces and work through the devastating blows that land in life's path are part of the bigger picture.
15 "It's Okay To Do Things A Little Differently"
Demon Slayer, The Entertainment District Movie
When facing potential defeat against Gyotaru, Tengen found himself remembering his past. He'd gone against everything he was taught by his past on the road to becoming a shinobi, and at times that left him feeling like he'd made too many mistakes. While unconscious on the ground, he saw Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, who reminded him that it was okay to forge one's own path.
This advice applies to so many aspects of life, whether slaying Upper Rank demons, working through a complicated life problem, or simply making a choice about who a person wants to be in their life. Kyojuro Rengoku lived his life to the fullest, enjoying every bite of food and relishing in the delight of it. His approach may have seemed quirky to the people around him, but he was perfectly fine being exactly who he was.
14 "Just Like Me, They Were Human Too.”
Season 1, Episode 2, "Trainer Sakonji Urokodaki"
When Urokodaki first meets Tanjiro, he claims that the boy won't be a promising Demon Slayer if he continues to have empathy for demons. But Tanjiro's ability to empathize with others -- even those who don't deserve it -- actually proves to be one of his strengths as the anime continues. And this quote gives viewers some insight into why that is.
Because of what's happened to Nezuko, Tanjiro understands better than anyone that demons were once human beings just like him. And even if he needs to eliminate them now that they've begun killing innocent people, Tanjiro still understands that they weren't always monsters. He doesn't take joy in defeating them.
13 “All I Can Do Is Work Hard! That’s the story of my life!”
Season 1, Episode 2, "Trainer Sakonji Urokodaki"
It's clear from the first episode that Tanjiro values hard work, and this quote from him only drives that point home. In the beginning, he seems more than willing to do whatever it takes to support his family. And even after they're gone, he focuses all his time and energy on saving Nezuko and becoming the best Demon Slayer he can be.
This is a simple quote, but it's a testament to Tanjiro's work ethic. He knows firsthand that working hard will pay off in the end. And while there are always obstacles to take into consideration, there's no denying that hard work can be satisfying -- especially when it does bear results.
12 "All You Did Was Memorize A Fact."
Season 1, Episode 3, "Sabito and Mamoko"
Sabito tells Tanjiro this while they're training together, asserting that Tanjiro's inability to master his Water Breathing Technique is the reason he can't cut the boulder Urokodaki puts before him. And Sabito's commentary here is applicable to anyone who has studied something but hasn't yet mastered applying it in real life. Just because you generally know how to do something doesn't mean you have enough experience to actually master that skill yet. But practicing often can change that.
11 "It's Not About Going First. It's About The Overall Flow."
Season 1, Episode 15, "Mount Natagumo"
Inosuke says this to Tanjiro during the Natagumo Mountain arc, and though it's mostly a remark about Inosuke's fighting style, it's applicable in so many other situations. Inosuke acts on impulse, rather than analyzing every detail of the situation like Tanjiro does. While neither method is necessarily better than the other, they work well for the individual.
Inosuke's words ring true in situations outside of fighting, too. Being the first to do something doesn't matter if a person isn't fully engaged or doing their best. Many times, people think that going first will make them special because they got to experience something before anyone else, but experiences, just like Tanjiro's method vs. Inosuke's method, are are different for every individual.
10 "Don't Cry, Even If You Have Regrets!"
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train The Movie
Inosuke has one of the most unique outlooks on life. He's prone to yelling, and he struggles to remember Tanjiro's actual name most of the time, so to hear him tossing out a thought so profound sheds a whole new light on his character. Underneath his rough exterior is a heart of gold that knows how important it is to carry on living, no matter how awful life feels.
The fact that Inosuke spends a great deal of his time yelling makes makes this even more profound because it's as if he's shed the ability to feel humiliation at all. Whether this is because he was raised by a boar, or some other life lesson he learned out in the world on his own, it's obvious he's overcome a lot. Feelings of inadequacy, humiliation, none of those things slow him down, but it's almost guaranteed he learned to move on the hard way.
9 "Fate Is About To Take A Dramatic Turn."
Season 2, Episode 18, "No Matter How Many Lives"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki has watched the darkness reign for a long time, but when he gets news about the Demon Slayers having defeated an Upper-Rank Demon, he was ecstatic. For the first time in his life, things were starting to turn around, which meant they would no longer be fated to suffer Muzan's eternal rule as the Demon King.
Considering how sick he is, he imagined he would not see such a turn in his lifetime, but it was a glorious moment that was a long time coming. Demon Slayer is filled with many reminders throughout both the manga and the anime adaptation, that giving up should never be an option. No matter how hard things are, no matter how long it takes, one should always keep going.
8 "I Can Do It. I Know I Can Do It."
Season 1, Episode 13, "Something More Important Than Life"
Tanjiro's upbeat spirit carries him through all the terrible things he experiences during the first season of Demon Slayer, and his statement here highlights why he's able to overcome so much. He views himself as someone who gets things done, and he doesn't doubt his own abilities. Those components of Tanjiro's personality are ones many could benefit from adopting, and they'd certainly help viewers conquer their own self-doubt.
The recurring theme of never giving up rises again and again, all throughout the series. It's not always Tanjiro ploughing forward, despite his obstacles, but it is true that he is one of the first people to talk himself into picking up, dusting off, and getting back on track to achieve his goals.
7 "Who Cares If You Don't Acknowledge Me?"
Season 2, Episode 8, "Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui"
Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui is one the most outrageous characters in Demon Slayer, but underneath his flashy exterior there is an obvious heart of gold. While this quote may not seem as inspiring as the others, reading more deeply into it paints a picture of Tengen that is hard to miss. He's flashy, yes, but he's proud of who he is. He doesn't care who is watching him, he's going to keep doing what he does best because his confidence is through the roof.
All too often, people get caught up in what others think of them. They do certain things or behave in a particular way because they want to be acknowledged, but much of the time they aren't being true to themselves. Tengen's lack of worry over what other people think of him is inspiring. He never tones himself down or puts on an act to impress others. He just goes through life being exactly who he wants to be.
6 "If You Can Do One Thing, Hone It To Perfection.
Season 1, Episode 16, "Letting Someone Else Go First"
Zenitsu's instructor, Jigoro, tells him this when he's training to master his Thunder Breathing, and it's a piece of advice that Zenitsu carries with him. We see evidence of this in the boy's flashbacks when he fights one of the Spider Demons on Natagumo Mountain.
And although Jigoro says this in reference to becoming a Demon Slayer, this quote is truly applicable to any craft. If you're talented at something, you should put your energy into honing that skill. And doing so "to the utmost limit" will likely result in becoming an expert.
5 “Don’t Ever Give Up."
Season 1, Episode 17, "You Must Master A Single Thing"
This quote is a sentiment that Zenitsu recalls during and after his fight with the Spider Demon on Natagumo Mountain. He's been poisoned and beaten down at this point, but he refuses to forfeit -- forcing himself to defeat the demon despite the physical pain he's in. Given how difficult it is for Zenitsu to be brave, this is an inspiring moment, and yet another instance of how important it is to keep going, even when things don't go as expected.
Refusing to give up, despite how uncomfortable one is, is a surefire way to achieve your goals. Zenitsu's right that taking the easy way out doesn't accomplish anything, and that's a piece of advice many would do well to hold onto in their toughest moments.
4 "But Anyone Who Creates Poison That Can Kill Demons Can Be Quite Amazing."
Season 1, Episode 15, "Mount Natagumo"
This quote from Shinobu holds a powerful message within it. Although she could easily sulk about the fact that she's the only Hashira who can't cut a demon's head off, she instead decides to focus on what she can do. She asserts that her strengths make her a powerful opponent in spite of her flaws, and her willing ness to stand and fight regardless is inspiring.
It's not always easy to celebrate our strengths, especially when they are so vastly different from the strengths of those around us. Taking time to respect the things that come easy, instead of fixating on what's impossible or hard, builds confidence. Everyone could use a little bit more of that!
3 "Set Your Heart Ablaze."
Season 2, Episode 7, "Set Your Heart Ablaze"
The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku failed to achieve his mission, dying from a fatal wound at the end of a harrowing battle in the Mugen Train arc. Tanjiro's sadness was overwhelming, as the incredibly powerful Hashira lay dying, but Kyojuro wouldn't stand for it. With his dying breath, he encouraged Tanjiro to stay strong and set his heart ablaze
Kyojuro's advice would carry Tanjiro throughout the rest of his journey, a reminder that the purpose within him will always keep him going forward.They barely knew one another, but the short time they shared, fighting side by side in battle, was enough to reveal the kind of man Kyojuro was, and what a tragic void his death would create.
2 "Whatever You Do For Others Comes Around"
Season 4, Episode 3, "A Sword From Over 300 Years Ago"
Spending time one on one with each of the Hashira has been a different experience for Tanjiro, and Muichiro's stoic silence and introspection made him seem a little standoffish and distrusting at first. While talking in the Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro offered to go find Hagenezuka together, and it took Muichiro by surprise. When he asked Tanjiro why cared so much about others before looking to serve his own needs, Tanjiro's reply actually took the Wind Hashira by surprise.
Muichiro is the youngest of the Hashira, at just 14 years old. As viewers get a closer look into his past later in the Swordsmith Village arc, it became clear that he has not seen much kindness in his short life. It's no wonder he's surprised to meet someone as selfless and giving as Tanjiro, who often seems too good to be true to everyone around him.
1 "Thank Goodness!"
Season 4, Episode 11, "A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light"
It's such a simple phrase, thank goodness, but it plays a major role in the final episode of season 4. Each time it is repeated, it's in response to Nezuko surviving the sunlight at the break of day. Tanjiro thought she was burned to ash, and in his grief everything he had fought so hard for crumbled to dust. As he sees his sister standing in the sun, not just alive, but responsive and able to speak for the first time since she was nearly killed by Muzan, she repeats his words, "Thank goodness."
It's enough to bring a viewer to tears, and it resonates as inspirational because the moment itself lingers long after the credits roll. After everything that happened in the Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro doesn't think about the pain he's in. He doesn't thank whatever gods are watching over him that he survived the most brutal encounter he's yet to face. He's only grateful that his sister is alive, and that there's still time for him to save her. It's all the matters to him.
