“If we were to speak of the privileges of youth, it would be, in a word, the privilege of ignorance.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「青春の特権といえば、一言を以てすれば、無知の特権であろう」
English
“If we were to speak of the privileges of youth, it would be, in a word, the privilege of ignorance.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima highlights a central privilege of youth: ignorance. He suggests that the lack of knowledge and experience that comes with youth is not necessarily a flaw, but rather a privilege that allows young people to live without the weight of understanding or responsibility. This “ignorance” refers to a freedom from the complications that come with deeper knowledge or awareness—whether it be about life’s difficulties, society’s expectations, or personal limitations. Youth, in Mishima’s view, can be an era of unquestioned freedom, where one is not burdened by the awareness of consequences or the complexities of life. This privilege of ignorance can provide a sense of lightness, allowing young people to explore the world with a kind of innocence and recklessness that might not be possible in later years when experience and awareness impose more constraints.
Mishima’s perspective on ignorance reflects his broader view on youth as a transitional period—a time when individuals are shaped by external forces but have not yet fully confronted the complexities of existence. The “privilege” of ignorance allows for unfiltered experiences and unexamined actions, which can lead to both joy and regret. While it might seem like a freedom, it also comes with the drawback of not yet understanding the true nature of the world. Mishima’s reflection might carry a subtle critique of youth, implying that while ignorance offers the luxury of freedom, it also carries the risk of naivety and missed opportunities for growth and understanding.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words invite us to reflect on the role of ignorance in youth today. In a world filled with instant information and constant connectivity, ignorance might seem less accessible or natural to modern young people, who are often exposed to the complexities of the world earlier than previous generations. Yet, Mishima’s idea remains relevant: there is still a certain freedom in youthful ignorance, where one can embrace the joy of discovery and the lack of responsibility that comes with not fully understanding the weight of the world. This quote serves as a reminder that ignorance, while not without its drawbacks, can also be a powerful force for personal exploration, growth, and unfiltered experience during the formative years of life.
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