Dragon Ball may have ended almost 30 years ago, but Akira Toriyama’s goodbye at the end of the story offers some life advice that’s actually pretty good when you think about it. While there are a lot of things about Goku that one shouldn’t emulate, Toriyama points out the one trait that everyone can benefit from: a zest for life.

In the final volume of Dragon Ball, a thank you is attached, written personally by Akira Toriyama. It mostly says what one might expect, like a thanks for reading and an indication that it’s time for Toriyama to take on new projects and new challenges. However, drawn next to the message is Toriyama’s avatar character, Toribot, who states “Tackle life with as much energy as Goku! I’ll try to do the same.”

It’s strikingly poignant for anyone familiar with Goku as a character, because it really is true–from the first chapter to the last, Goku faced everything with energy and excitement, even his greatest challenges.

Toriyama Advocates Living Life Like Goku

Goku’s Enthusiasm For Everything is Infectious

From the very beginning, Goku is a curious boy who wants to learn about the world around him. A bit easily amused, Goku would often enjoy himself while engaged in even the simplest activities. As Goku grew older, he developed an appreciation for competition, as he recognized how it can help him to grow. Still, he never lost his childish excitement, often brimming with energy at the thought of battling a powerful opponent. Goku’s strength and vitality are arguably among his most recognizable traits, and they manifest in his character as that excitement.

Even among other shonen protagonists, Goku’s enthusiasm is pretty unique. It’s partly a result of his character having grown throughout the story from a child; Goku may not have had this enthusiasm if the story started out with him as an adult. For Goku, there’s always something new to discover, new levels to achieve and new powers to find, and his excitement is almost infectious, spreading to the audience as well. His carefree attitude also spawns from this, in part, as he’s able to dismiss even dire concerns if there’s an opportunity to grow somewhere in there.

Toriyama’s words suggest that everyone should approach their lives the way that Goku did: with enthusiasm and joy, taking pleasure even in those moments where the challenge feels insurmountable. After all, most of life’s problems are, in fact, temporary. The good times will come again, and these times of adversity can make you into a better, stronger version of yourself. Goku’s power is partially the result of having been so close to death on so many occasions, so if Goku can face that down and still look at life with excitement, then surely fans can, too.

There are certainly a lot of worse role models one could base their worldview on than Goku, even just in the realm of shonen manga. Goku’s love for his life is something that anyone would be envious of, but fans can always try their best to live like he does, facing each moment with excitement and enthusiasm. As parting words go, Toriyama’s message is perhaps the most fitting for Dragon Ball fans, as everyone could stand to be a little more like their heroes.