“How can one die young, and preferably without much suffering?”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「どうしたら若いうちに死ねるだろう、それもなるたけ苦しまずに。」
English
“How can one die young, and preferably without much suffering?”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the dark and tragic desire for an early death, one that comes without prolonged suffering. This desire could reflect a sense of disillusionment with life or a search for escape from the complexities, hardships, or emotional pain of existence. Mishima’s words delve into the fragility of youth, the yearning for release from life’s demands, and the contemplation of mortality. By focusing on the idea of dying young without suffering, Mishima touches on the immediacy and inevitability of death, suggesting that the brevity of life might be seen as both a curse and a desire in a world that can seem too overwhelming or filled with uncertainty.
Mishima often grappled with themes of mortality, death, and the struggles inherent in living. He viewed death not as a fearful end, but as a natural and defining part of human existence. This quote can be interpreted as reflecting his personal conflict with the realities of life, and his desire to escape the societal constraints and expectations that he felt trapped by. Mishima’s contemplation of early death without suffering suggests a desire for freedom from a world that often felt suffocating or disconnected from his ideals of honor and beauty.
In a modern context, this quote can resonate with contemporary experiences of anxiety, depression, and existential dread, particularly among young people who might feel the weight of societal pressures, identity crises, or a lack of meaningful purpose in life. Mishima’s words could be seen as a reflection on the often hidden struggles that youth face, where mental health and personal conflict can lead to feelings of hopelessness or a desire for escape. His quote challenges us to reflect on how society and individuals engage with issues of suffering and death, and how we might better address the complex realities of youthful distress in a world that can sometimes seem indifferent to these struggles.
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