“It is a childish nonsense to say that you cannot love because your self-consciousness is too strong; it is simply that by not loving, your self-consciousness becomes inflated.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
- He became a representative figure of postwar Japanese literature, and was highly acclaimed both at home and abroad. He pursued his own unique aesthetic with themes of beauty and death, and ultimately committed seppuku at a Self-Defense Forces garrison. His life, which combined literature with action, continues to have a strong influence today.
Japanese
「自意識が強いから愛せないなんて子供じみた世迷い言で、愛さないから自意識がだぶついてくるだけのことです」
English
“It is a childish nonsense to say that you cannot love because your self-consciousness is too strong; it is simply that by not loving, your self-consciousness becomes inflated.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima critiques the idea that strong self-consciousness is an obstacle to love. He dismisses this notion as childish and nonsensical, suggesting that the true problem lies not in the self-awareness itself, but in the failure to love. According to Mishima, when a person refuses or is unable to love, their self-consciousness becomes exaggerated or inflated. The lack of love creates an inner void, which is then filled with an overemphasis on the self, leading to a distorted perception of one’s own importance. This quote implies that love is a way to transcend self-centeredness, and that only by giving love to others can a person truly overcome their own ego.
Mishima’s words reflect his broader belief in the danger of excessive self-consciousness and introspection. He often explored how being overly absorbed in one’s own identity or self-image leads to emptiness and isolation, while true fulfillment is found in relationships and connection with others. For Mishima, love is not just a personal feeling but a force that allows one to break free from the constraints of the self. The act of loving, then, becomes a way of engaging with the world in a more authentic, selfless manner, rather than remaining trapped within the confines of ego.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote speaks to the growing issue of narcissism and self-obsession in today’s society, where individualism and self-expression are often prioritized over empathy and connection. In an era dominated by social media and constant self-promotion, people may become more focused on their image and perception by others, rather than on genuine relationships and selflessness. Mishima’s words serve as a reminder that the more we withdraw from meaningful connections and love, the more our self-consciousness can become exaggerated, leading to an inward spiral of loneliness and alienation. By engaging in authentic love, we can transcend our ego and experience a deeper, more fulfilling connection to others and to the world.
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