“It takes time for us to become aware of the great transformations prepared for us at a deeper level.”

- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「我々が深部に於て用意されている大きな変革に気附くまでには時間がかかる。」
English
“It takes time for us to become aware of the great transformations prepared for us at a deeper level.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the nature of personal growth and change. He suggests that the most profound transformations in life are not immediately perceptible to us. These changes, which occur on a deeper, more internal level, often take time to be fully realized or understood. The idea of a “great transformation” suggests that there are larger forces at work in our lives, forces that shape us gradually and subtly, without us always being aware of their influence at the moment.
Mishima’s statement speaks to the idea that change is often not immediate or overt. Instead, it is something that unfolds over time, often beyond our conscious awareness, until we eventually come to recognize its presence. This may imply that personal development or the awakening to a new understanding of the self or the world is not always instantaneous; it is a process that requires patience and reflection. The “deep level” refers to the inner workings of the mind and soul, where profound shifts often occur beneath the surface before they are fully acknowledged.
In a modern context, this quote can resonate with the process of self-discovery and transformation that often happens slowly and gradually. It could apply to how individuals often experience life-altering changes, such as shifts in perspective or identity, over an extended period of time. Mishima’s words remind us that major life shifts may not always be immediately visible or understood, and it may take time before we recognize the depth and significance of the transformations taking place within us.
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