One of Dragon Ball’s Best Quotes Proves Why Still Holds Up 40 Years Later

Summary Master Roshi taught Goku and Krilin the "Turtle Hermit Way" to focus on self-growth and work ethic.

The quote emphasizes that strength comes from balancing physical training with mental growth.

The principle of Master Roshi serves as a life lesson from Toriyama to fans, highlighting the essence of Dragon Ball and the relevance of the series after 40 years.

The Dragon Ball franchise is more present than ever. The new series Dragon Ball Daima is set to premiere in fall 2024 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the manga by Akira Toriyama. Since its release, DB has become one of the most iconic manga and anime worldwide, making Goku the embodiment of childhood for many, and one of Dragon Ball’s best quotes of all time proves why the series holds up 40 years later.

One of Dragon Ball's most popular characters, Master Roshi, is a martial arts expert, founder of the Turtle School, and trainer of Goku and Krilin. But Master Roshi didn’t teach them his special technique, Kamehameha, he preferred his students to grow on their own. That’s why he encouraged them to train and develop their own techniques.

Master Roshi also wanted Goku and Krilin to become good people, not only good martial artists, and he confirmed that in one particular quote that stands out till now as an endearing representation of why fans have loved Dragon Ball for so long.

"We must master the art of peace in addition to the art of war. Work hard, study well, and eat and sleep plenty. That is the Turtle Hermit way to learn!"

Related Dragon Ball: Goku's Kamehameha Isn't Why Master Roshi Trained Him A random character Goku meets in chapter 3 of Dragon Ball is why Master Roshi ends up taking Goku under his wing, not because of what fans think.

The Meaning of the "Turtle Hermit Way" Quote

"Turtle Hermit Way" is a principle that Goku has always followed.

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The “Turtle Hermit Way” quote by Master Roshi, from episodes #17 and #18 of Dragon Ball season 1, contains a valuable lesson that he teaches to Goku and Krilin during their training for the World Martial Art Tournament. Master Roshi said that a strong body is a waste without a smart mind, so he sends his students around the island to deliver milk as morning training, plow the fields with their hands, study, take a nap, and do construction work. It was a training program designed to increase Goku and Krillin's physical strength while developing them as individuals.

The Turtle Hermit Way means that real strength comes from self-growth, work ethic, and a healthy lifestyle. Goku has always followed this principle of Master Roshi, believing that resting is essential to gaining strength. When he was heading to Namek in the Capsule Corp spaceship, he took the last day to rest after 5 days of intense training. Also, during the remaining 9 days before the Cell Games, Goku and Gohan took three days off to rest, three days for training, and three more days to rest.

The Quote Represents Akira Toriyama's Lesson to Dragon Ball Fans

Dragon Ball Super Episode #105: "A Valiant Fight! Master Roshi's Blaze of Glory!"

The Turtle Hermit Way quote is reminisced by Master Roshi during the Tournament of power in Dragon Ball Super episode #105:

"Goku... Krillin... You're the ones who showed this old fossil he still had something left to give. That it was too soon to let the limits of age sentence him to sit idly by on the sidelines. You boys who were never content to stop, who kept aiming for and climbing greater and greater heights want me to take it easy? Now, listen to me boys, always remember these words: Work hard, study well, and eat and sleep plenty. That is the Turtle Hermit Way! We must master the art of peace in addition to the art of war. The Turtle Hermit School will be with you... always!"

This quote represents the true meaning of Dragon Ball and a life lesson from Toriyama to the fans: people can always strive to be a better version of themselves by following the Turtle Hermit Way. It also confirms why Dragon Ball is still relevant after 40 years and one of the most popular series of all time, because “The Turtle Hermit School will be with you... always!.”