“One of the privileges of youth is the ability to die for a completely foolish purpose.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「莫迦げ切った目的のために死ぬことが出来るのも若さの一つの特権である。」
English
“One of the privileges of youth is the ability to die for a completely foolish purpose.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the impulsiveness and idealism often associated with youth. He suggests that young people are uniquely capable of dedicating themselves to foolish or seemingly meaningless goals, even to the point of sacrificing their lives for them. The quote emphasizes the intensity of youthful passion, where emotion and idealism can outweigh rationality and pragmatism. Youth, according to Mishima, is a time when individuals are not yet fully aware of the consequences of their actions and are often willing to embrace extreme actions in pursuit of abstract ideals or temporary desires. The idea of dying for a “completely foolish purpose” highlights the irrational and frenzied nature of youth, which can lead to both great acts of courage and tragic mistakes.
Mishima often explored the idea that youth, with its unfettered passions and idealism, is a time when individuals are most vulnerable to extreme decisions. In this context, the privilege of youth lies in its freedom to act without the weight of experience or the burdens of age, which bring more caution and reflection. However, this freedom can also be dangerous, as young people may not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions. Mishima seems to suggest that the intensity of youthful desire, while offering potential and energy, also leaves one vulnerable to misguided choices, which could lead to sacrifice or destruction for purposes that seem foolish in hindsight.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words reflect the recklessness often associated with youth in today’s society. Whether in the context of political activism, romantic relationships, or social movements, young people are still often seen as the ones willing to risk everything for causes that may seem naive or futile. Mishima’s observation highlights the potential danger of such idealistic pursuits, as well as the freedom that youth enjoys in pursuing those dreams without the burden of age or experience. It serves as a reminder of the complexity of youth—its idealism and vulnerability, as well as its capacity for both greatness and folly.
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