“If you tell a child who knows neither west nor east, ‘You can go wherever you want,’ all you will do is create more lost children.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「西も東もわからぬ子どもに、『どっちへ行ってもいいよ』と言えば、迷い児がふえるだけのことである。」
English
“If you tell a child who knows neither west nor east, ‘You can go wherever you want,’ all you will do is create more lost children.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima emphasizes the importance of direction and guidance in shaping a person’s path, particularly for the young and inexperienced. He suggests that indifference or lack of clear direction can lead to confusion rather than freedom. The child, unable to distinguish between right and wrong or east and west, would only become more lost if given the freedom to choose without any guidance. Mishima uses this metaphor to illustrate the necessity of structure, discipline, and clear leadership, especially in the context of youth, who may be overwhelmed by too many choices or uncertainty.
Mishima often explored the tension between individual freedom and the need for structure within society. He was critical of too much freedom without the guidance of tradition or moral values, believing that such freedom could lead to chaos and disorientation. In this sense, the act of telling a lost child that they can go anywhere is not an act of liberation, but rather an invitation to confusion, as it removes the anchor or anchor points that could help the child navigate their world. Direction and purpose are needed to avoid the risk of aimlessness.
In a modern context, this quote may be relevant to education or parenting, where providing guidance is crucial for young people in the face of an overwhelming world. In today’s society, with its many options and distractions, it is easy for individuals, especially youth, to become disoriented if left without clear values, purpose, or guidance. Mishima’s reflection challenges us to consider the balance between freedom and structure in helping individuals find their way and avoid becoming lost in the face of too many choices.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
