“Loneliness is the situation in which today’s youth find themselves, and their role lies only within that.”
- 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
「孤独が今日の青年の置かれた状況であって、青年の役割はそこにしかない」
English
“Loneliness is the situation in which today’s youth find themselves, and their role lies only within that.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima highlights the loneliness that he perceives as inherent to the experience of youth in the modern world. He suggests that youth, in today’s society, are defined by alienation and isolation, and that this loneliness is the central condition that shapes their existence. Mishima does not portray loneliness merely as a negative state, but as an inevitable part of being young in a world that may seem disconnected from deeper meaning or collective purpose. For him, youth must confront this loneliness, and their role—their purpose—is not to escape it, but to embrace it, making it a defining feature of their identity. The challenge for the modern young person is to find meaning and direction within this existential solitude.
Mishima’s view on youth and loneliness reflects his broader existential themes of alienation, identity, and modern life. He often portrayed modern society as one in which individuals are increasingly disconnected from traditional values, social connections, and spiritual purpose. In this context, youth are left to navigate a world of fragmentation and emptiness, where loneliness becomes a central and defining feature of their experience. Mishima’s suggestion that the role of youth is to exist within this loneliness may be seen as a call for personal growth and self-actualization despite or even because of these challenges. The loneliness that defines youth, in his view, is not simply something to be overcome, but a state that can be used to forge one’s identity and purpose in a world that offers few clear answers.
In a modern context, this quote can be seen as an observation of the increasing alienation experienced by young people today, particularly in an era dominated by individualism, social media, and technological advancements. Many young people today struggle with feelings of disconnection, as the rapid pace of globalization and digitalization has created a world where meaningful relationships and community can feel fragmented or superficial. Mishima’s words suggest that in the face of this loneliness, the role of youth is to confront and acknowledge their isolation, rather than seeking to escape it through distractions or superficial connections. His call for youth to embrace loneliness as part of their personal journey resonates with the need to find meaning and purpose in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
