“The more fragile a person is, the more likely they are to weave a complex chainmail. And often, this chainmail ends up wounding their own skin.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「傷つきやすい人間ほど、複雑な鎖帷子を織るものだ。そして往々この鎖帷子が自分の肌を傷つけてしまう」
English
“The more fragile a person is, the more likely they are to weave a complex chainmail. And often, this chainmail ends up wounding their own skin.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the idea that individuals who are emotionally fragile or sensitive often create complex defenses—symbolized by the chainmail—to protect themselves from hurt or rejection. The chainmail represents the psychological barriers people build to shield themselves from pain. However, Mishima suggests that these very defenses, which are meant to protect, can often end up causing harm. The fragility of the person makes them more prone to overprotecting themselves, leading to the creation of intricate emotional walls that, in the end, might wound them more deeply than if they had remained more vulnerable. The metaphor highlights the self-destructive nature of excessive defense mechanisms, where the fear of being hurt leads to complicated emotional armor that ultimately causes more harm than good.
This reflection ties into Mishima’s broader themes of human vulnerability and the psychological struggle between self-preservation and emotional openness. Mishima often depicted characters who, in their attempts to maintain control over their emotions or their sense of self, end up alienating or isolating themselves from others. By building emotional defenses, these individuals may avoid immediate pain, but at the cost of creating a barrier between themselves and the possibility of authentic connection. Mishima’s insight into the human condition suggests that while vulnerability may expose us to hurt, it is also the path to genuine connection and personal growth, while excessive defensiveness only leads to self-inflicted harm.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the psychological challenges faced by individuals in a society that often values strength and resilience over vulnerability. Today, many people build emotional armor to protect themselves from the pressures and expectations of the world around them, leading to mental health struggles such as isolation, anxiety, and depression. Mishima’s words serve as a reminder that while defense mechanisms can provide temporary relief, they often come at the cost of long-term emotional well-being. His message encourages us to reflect on how vulnerability, rather than being seen as a weakness, is an essential part of human connection and the ability to navigate life’s inevitable challenges.
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