The comic is all about paradoxes and this particular paradox is found and discussed in plenty of real philosophy, especially in context of martial arts and warfare. Why is it that in pursuit of non-violence, you have to learn how to commit it on others? Why is it that in order to defend yourself, you have to become something others would wish to defend against? Why would you prepare for war if you wish for peace? Why put yourself at risk of pain and injury if those are what you wish to avoid? Why learn how to wield a sword if it leads to the realization that it's an useless chunk of steel and you are an idiot for ever picking it up?