“How harsh a grace it is to be young.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「年少であることは何という厳しい恩寵であろう。」
English
“How harsh a grace it is to be young.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the paradox of youth, describing it as a “harsh grace”. On the surface, youth is often seen as a time of vitality, freedom, and potential. However, Mishima emphasizes that this period is not without its own burdens or difficulties. The term “harsh” suggests that youth, while a blessing or gift, also comes with responsibilities, struggles, and the weight of unfulfilled desires. Young people often experience intense emotions and uncertainty, and the potential for both great achievements and great failures can be overwhelming. The grace of youth, therefore, is not just about the beauty or promise of the years, but also about the challenges that arise from its inexperience and vulnerability.
Mishima’s use of the word “grace” evokes the idea that youth is a blessing bestowed upon individuals, but one that is often coupled with harshness or difficulty. Youth is a time of self-discovery, but also of striving against external pressures and internal conflicts. Mishima often explored themes of beauty, impermanence, and struggle in youth, and this quote suggests that youth is both a privilege and a trial. In this way, he acknowledges the inherent contradiction in youth: it is a time of possibility but also a time of hardship that can shape and transform the individual.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with how youth, while often romanticized, can also be a period marked by uncertainty, identity crises, and the struggles of finding one’s place in the world. In today’s world, the pressures of social media, career expectations, and personal development can make the experience of youth feel both like a gift and a burden. Mishima’s reflection invites us to consider how youth is not only about freedom and opportunity, but also about learning to face and endure the inevitable challenges and transitions of life.
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