“Morality does not permit escape from custom, but at the same time, it does not permit escape into custom either.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「道徳は、習慣からの逃避もみとめないが、同時に、習慣への逃避も、それ以上にみとめていないのだ。」
English
“Morality does not permit escape from custom, but at the same time, it does not permit escape into custom either.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima critiques the relationship between morality and habit or custom. He argues that morality cannot be evaded by rejecting custom or by blindly conforming to it. On one hand, morality does not allow individuals to escape from traditions or established customs because they form a crucial part of the collective moral framework of society. Yet, on the other hand, morality also does not allow individuals to use custom as an excuse to avoid personal responsibility or the need for individual judgment. Simply adhering to customs, without understanding or critically engaging with them, is also a form of escape that denies the deeper, active role of morality in guiding personal and social behavior.
Mishima’s statement reflects his belief that true morality lies in a balance between the personal and the societal. It is neither about rebelling against all traditions nor about blindly following them. Instead, it requires an active engagement with both one’s own beliefs and the cultural norms of society, in order to forge a path that is both authentic and aligned with moral responsibility. This view suggests that morality is not something that can be imposed from the outside nor something that can be avoided by rejecting external influences. It must be lived and shaped through conscious, deliberate action and reflection.
In a modern context, Mishima’s thoughts on morality and custom invite reflection on how contemporary societies often face a tension between individual freedom and social expectations. In an age where traditions may be challenged or abandoned, and where individualism is often prized above all else, Mishima’s words remind us that morality cannot be simply a rejection of the past or a passive conformity to it. Instead, it requires a thoughtful balance that respects both the value of tradition and the necessity for personal moral judgment, encouraging us to engage critically with the customs that shape our lives.
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