“Society never asks for intelligence from the young, but at the same time, when it encounters a youth who is too balanced, it tends to be suspicious from the outset.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「世間は決して若者に才智を求めはしないが、同時に、あんまり均衡のとれた若さというものに出会うと、頭から疑ってかかる傾きがある。」
English
“Society never asks for intelligence from the young, but at the same time, when it encounters a youth who is too balanced, it tends to be suspicious from the outset.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima highlights a contradiction in society’s expectations of youth. On one hand, society does not demand that young people possess significant intelligence or maturity, often expecting them to remain more passive or conformist. On the other hand, when a young person does display a sense of balance, composure, or wisdom that exceeds the expected level of naivety or impulsiveness, society becomes suspicious of them. This suggests that society is uncomfortable with youth who do not conform to the typical, often unrefined or disorganized, behavior expected from them. A young person who exhibits too much self-control or maturity is seen as potentially unnatural or inauthentic, leading to distrust and skepticism from others. Mishima points to this contradiction as an example of how society limits the potential of youth by imposing contradictory standards that discourage both individual expression and authentic maturity.
Mishima’s observation reveals his disillusionment with the way society shapes and constrains youth, often valuing conformity over individuality. He critiques the way society undermines or distrusts young people who deviate from the expected norms, particularly when they exhibit qualities that could be seen as signs of independence or intellectual maturity. In his view, this tension reflects a broader cultural issue where individuals are not allowed to grow authentically but are instead molded to fit predefined roles that society finds comfortable and predictable. Mishima’s words challenge us to consider how societal expectations can often lead to a suppression of genuine growth and the potential of youth.
In a modern context, Mishima’s critique resonates with the ongoing struggles of young people who are often caught between the pressures to conform to social expectations and the desire to express authenticity and individuality. In today’s world, the pressure to fit in with society’s ideals can often be compounded by the rise of social media, where youth are expected to present a carefully curated image of themselves. Those who display too much wisdom or balance may still be viewed with suspicion, as society is often more comfortable with youthful impulsiveness or chaos. Mishima’s words encourage us to reflect on the contradictory nature of societal expectations and how they can hinder the genuine development of the younger generation.
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