“For the youth, rebellion is life, and loyalty is death.”
- 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
「青年にとって反抗は生で、忠実は死だ。」
English
“For the youth, rebellion is life, and loyalty is death.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima contrasts two seemingly opposing concepts: rebellion and loyalty, associating rebellion with life and loyalty with death. The idea that rebellion is life reflects his view of youth as a time of individualism, freedom, and the pursuit of one’s own ideals. For the young, rebellion is a form of self-expression, a way to break free from the constraints of tradition, authority, and societal expectations. It is an assertion of the self, where the individual seeks to define their own path, often in opposition to the established norms. Rebellion embodies the vitality, creativity, and energy of youth, as it challenges the old and strives to create something new.
On the other hand, Mishima associates loyalty with death, which may suggest that unquestioning obedience or subservience to authority or tradition can stifle personal growth and the spirit of independence. For Mishima, loyalty in this context may represent conformity or the surrender of one’s individual will to a higher power, whether it be a societal structure, tradition, or institution. This kind of blind loyalty leads to the death of the self, as it suppresses the youth’s natural desire to question and rebel. In this sense, loyalty to external forces is seen as a loss of vitality, a submission to something that may ultimately restrict personal freedom and creativity.
Mishima’s words reflect his broader philosophy that values individual freedom, independence, and the power of youth to challenge the status quo. He frequently explored the tension between tradition and modernity, and in this quote, he emphasizes the importance of rejection and rebellion as vital forces that drive youth toward personal and cultural renewal. In a modern context, this quote serves as a reminder of the dynamic energy of youth, urging young people to question the systems around them and not to accept authority without considering its implications. While loyalty can be a virtue, Mishima suggests that in youth, it is more important to seek one’s own truth and challenge established norms—even if it means rebelling against them.
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