“Anxiety is the priceless treasure we can steal from youth.”
- 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
「不安こそ、われわれが若さから竊みうるこよない宝だ。」
English
“Anxiety is the priceless treasure we can steal from youth.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on anxiety as an inherent part of youth, portraying it as a precious and irreplaceable aspect of being young. The phrase “steal from youth” suggests that anxiety is not something that naturally belongs to us as we age, but rather something unique to the youthful experience. It implies that youth—with its sense of uncertainty, instability, and struggle—produces a kind of anxiety that can be seen as a valuable treasure in retrospect. This anxiety may drive young people to question their identity, their place in the world, and their purpose—all of which are catalysts for growth and self-discovery.
Mishima’s use of the word “treasure” indicates that anxiety is not simply a negative or burdensome experience, but something that contributes to the formation of character and the development of depth. In youth, anxiety represents the vividness of life’s uncertainties and possibilities, providing a kind of fuel for action, creativity, and exploration. For Mishima, this anxiety is indispensable to the process of becoming fully alive and self-aware. Over time, however, as we grow older and life becomes more settled, that anxiety diminishes, and with it, perhaps a certain vitality and passion associated with the youthful experience.
In a modern context, Mishima’s reflection can be applied to the way young people today often experience anxiety about their future, their relationships, and their identity—especially in a world filled with social media pressures and uncertain job markets. This anxiety is frequently seen as a negative force, but Mishima’s words suggest that it can also serve as a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth. In a world where many try to escape or avoid discomfort and uncertainty, Mishima’s quote encourages us to embrace the anxiety of youth, recognizing it as a treasure that shapes us in profound ways and allows us to experience the richness of life’s complexities.
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