“For youth to seek happiness is a form of decline.”
- 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
「若さが幸福を求めるなどというのは衰退である。」
English
“For youth to seek happiness is a form of decline.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima challenges the conventional idea that youth is synonymous with the pursuit of happiness. He suggests that when the young focus on seeking happiness, it represents a decline—possibly because it indicates a lack of deeper purpose or spiritual development. Mishima may be implying that true growth or fulfillment in life does not necessarily come from the simple pursuit of pleasure or comfort, which is often associated with youth. The act of seeking happiness might be seen as an incomplete or shallow approach to life, one that avoids the complexity or suffering that might lead to more profound experiences.
This statement could also reflect Mishima’s belief in the value of struggle, suggesting that the pursuit of happiness without the willingness to face hardship or sacrifice results in a moral or existential decline. Youth, in Mishima’s view, should not be focused solely on pleasure or comfort, but on developing a deeper understanding of life, which might involve embracing its more challenging and painful aspects. The decline mentioned in the quote refers to the shallow nature of seeking immediate happiness without a more meaningful pursuit, which can lead to a stagnation of personal growth.
In a modern context, Mishima’s view may offer a critique of youth-oriented culture, where the emphasis is often placed on instant gratification and happiness, especially in a world driven by consumerism and social media. His words challenge the conventional wisdom that youth is a time for seeking pleasure, suggesting that true fulfillment comes not from happiness alone, but from engaging with life’s complexity and struggles in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
