“A single drop of youth must immediately crystallize and become an immortal crystal.”
- 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
「青春の一つの滴のしたたり、それがただちに結晶して、不死の水晶にならねばならぬ」
English
“A single drop of youth must immediately crystallize and become an immortal crystal.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima expresses a profound vision of youth as something that should be transformed into an immortal and lasting essence. He uses the metaphor of a single drop of youth, suggesting that even the smallest part of youth—with its energy, potential, and vitality—should be capable of transforming into something eternal. The imagery of crystallization suggests that youth, which is fleeting and transient, has the potential to be captured and preserved as a form of immortality. Mishima’s idea evokes a sense of urgency and importance in how one approaches youth, emphasizing that the moment of youth should not be wasted, but rather shaped into something lasting—something that will endure beyond the passage of time.
Mishima often explored the fragility and impermanence of life, particularly in relation to youth. His idea that a drop of youth must quickly become an immortal crystal reflects his belief in the potential of youth to create something of lasting value. It also carries a sense of imperative action—the idea that youth is a precious resource that must be cultivated and preserved through purposeful action and artistic expression. This crystallization of youth symbolizes not just immortality but also the refinement of raw potential into something timeless and meaningful. It challenges the view that youth is simply a transitory phase, instead presenting it as an opportunity to create something of enduring beauty and value.
In a modern context, Mishima’s reflection on youth speaks to the cultural pressure many young people face to achieve and make their mark during their most energetic and creative years. In today’s world, youth is often seen as a time to build or create something that will endure, whether through art, career, or personal development. Mishima’s metaphor of turning a single drop of youth into an immortal crystal serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals to seize the fleeting moments of their youth and transform them into something timeless—a reflection of both their potential and their ability to create something of lasting significance.
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