“In the prime of life, everything that seems impossible is granted, and everything that seems uncertain comes to fruition.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「人生のさかりには、無理と思われるものもすべて叶い、覚束なく見えるものもすべて成るのだよ」
English
“In the prime of life, everything that seems impossible is granted, and everything that seems uncertain comes to fruition.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the optimism and possibilities that come with the prime of life—a time when one’s energy, ambition, and potential seem limitless. He suggests that during this period, even what appears impossible or uncertain can be achieved or realized. The phrase “無理と思われるものもすべて叶い” (“everything that seems impossible is granted”) conveys the idea that, in youth or in the prime of life, there is a sense of boundless potential and a belief that almost anything is achievable with enough effort or willpower. Similarly, the notion that “覚束なく見えるものもすべて成る” (“everything that seems uncertain comes to fruition”) speaks to the sense of confidence and certainty that can come during this stage, where doubt and uncertainty are often replaced by clarity and success.
Mishima’s words highlight the power of youth and the optimistic perspective that often accompanies it. He contrasts this period with the later years of life, when energy might be more limited, and ambitions can seem more distant or unattainable. The “prime of life” is marked by a sense of invincibility and a belief that anything is possible—traits that fuel great achievements and personal growth. Mishima seems to suggest that during this phase, idealism is often the driving force, and the impossibilities that arise in the earlier stages of life are gradually overcome through determination, youthful exuberance, and the eagerness to make one’s dreams a reality.
In a modern context, Mishima’s reflection speaks to the experience of youthful ambition in today’s world. Whether in career pursuits, personal goals, or creative projects, the prime of life is often associated with high aspirations and the belief that obstacles can be overcome with resolve. Mishima’s words remind us of the power of optimism and the sense of possibility that many young people feel when starting out in life, where uncertainty and difficulty are seen not as barriers but as challenges to be conquered. However, Mishima also seems to imply that as time progresses, this sense of invincibility may fade, replaced by the more pragmatic view that success and fulfillment require not only determination but also wisdom gained from experience.
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