“Ownership through the renunciation of something—that is the secret of ownership unknown to the youth.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「何事かの放棄による所有、それこそは青年の知らぬ所有の秘訣だ。」
English
“Ownership through the renunciation of something—that is the secret of ownership unknown to the youth.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima introduces the idea that true ownership is not necessarily acquired through acquisition, but through renunciation—giving up something in order to gain a deeper, more meaningful sense of possession. The act of renouncing or letting go of certain things can lead to a more profound form of ownership, one that is not tied to material possession or superficial control, but to an inner, more personal form of mastery. Mishima suggests that youth, in their energy and idealism, often fail to recognize this secret because they are typically focused on accumulating or possessing things outwardly. True ownership, according to Mishima, is about self-discipline and detachment—understanding that sometimes, letting go is the path to truly owning something, whether it be an ideal, a value, or a deeper understanding of oneself.
This quote touches on the philosophy of renunciation, a theme that Mishima often explored. He believed that in order to gain a deeper, more authentic life, one must be willing to relinquish certain attachments—whether to material possessions, superficial desires, or fleeting passions. Only through this sacrifice can one truly possess the more enduring aspects of life, such as wisdom, virtue, or inner peace. Mishima’s perspective suggests that youth often fail to see that the pursuit of things can actually lead to a sense of emptiness, whereas by letting go, one can gain a more authentic and lasting form of ownership over life.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words challenge the contemporary focus on consumerism and the accumulation of possessions as measures of success or fulfillment. In a world that often equates ownership with material wealth, Mishima’s idea invites us to reconsider what it means to truly own something. Whether it’s time, knowledge, or relationships, renunciation—the willingness to let go of certain attachments—might be the key to a more meaningful and sustainable sense of ownership in life. Mishima’s insight calls us to reflect on how giving up or letting go may allow us to gain more, in a way that is unknown to those who are focused solely on acquiring.
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