“A man is stronger than a woman only in terms of physical strength and intelligence, and a man who lacks both physical strength and intelligence has no superiority over a woman.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
- He became a representative figure of postwar Japanese literature, and was highly acclaimed both at home and abroad. He pursued his own unique aesthetic with themes of beauty and death, and ultimately committed seppuku at a Self-Defense Forces garrison. His life, which combined literature with action, continues to have a strong influence today.
Japanese
「男が女より強いのは、腕力と知性だけで、腕力も知性もない男は、女にまさるところは一つもない」
English
“A man is stronger than a woman only in terms of physical strength and intelligence, and a man who lacks both physical strength and intelligence has no superiority over a woman.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima critiques traditional views of gender superiority, specifically addressing the belief that men are inherently superior to women. He acknowledges that men may have physical strength and intelligence as traits that historically provided them an advantage, but he asserts that in the absence of these qualities, a man has no intrinsic superiority over a woman. Mishima’s statement highlights that equality is not based on arbitrary distinctions but on the presence of meaningful qualities like strength and intellect. Without these qualities, Mishima suggests, men and women are essentially equal, underscoring the idea that superiority should not be defined by gender alone but by personal attributes.
Mishima’s view here touches on his broader thoughts regarding human potential and individual qualities over broad societal roles. In his works, he often emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and individual excellence, regardless of one’s gender. The quote challenges the notion that masculinity is inherently superior to femininity and questions the traditional assumptions about gender roles. By focusing on intelligence and strength as defining qualities of superiority, Mishima pushes for a more meritocratic view, where individual abilities are the true measure of a person’s worth, not their gender.
In a contemporary context, this quote resonates with ongoing discussions about gender equality and the deconstruction of traditional gender roles. Mishima’s point remains relevant in a modern world that increasingly values individual skills and abilities over outdated notions of gender-based superiority. His emphasis on intelligence and physical strength also reminds us that personal capabilities, rather than inherited societal roles, should define equality. The quote challenges the patriarchal norms that have historically placed men in positions of power, suggesting that true equality is only possible when we evaluate people based on their personal merits rather than their gender.
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