“Society cannot tolerate a person who flies.”
- 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
「飛ぶ人間を世間はゆるすことができない。」
English
“Society cannot tolerate a person who flies.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the conformity of society and its tendency to suppress or reject those who step outside the boundaries of the ordinary. The idea of flying here symbolizes freedom, individuality, and non-conformity—the desire to transcend the limitations imposed by social norms and expectations. Mishima suggests that individuals who seek to break free from conventional roles or pursue unconventional paths are often met with opposition or resentment from society. Society, according to Mishima, is built on a foundation of stability and order, and those who attempt to “fly”, or rise above, disrupt that balance and are therefore unacceptable.
Mishima often critiqued the pressures of modern society that stifle individual expression and personal freedom. He believed that true greatness or authenticity could only be achieved by those willing to break from the constraints of conventional existence. In this context, “flying” can be understood as a metaphor for pursuing one’s own path, pushing boundaries, and rejecting the mediocrity and limitations of the status quo. However, Mishima also acknowledges that such individuality often leads to alienation or rejection because it threatens the collective order of society.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with ongoing tensions between individual freedom and societal expectations. In contemporary culture, those who challenge the norms—whether through art, political dissent, or simply nonconformity—are still often met with resistance or disapproval. Mishima’s words encourage reflection on the costs of pursuing authenticity in a world that often prizes uniformity over diversity. It challenges us to consider whether we are willing to embrace our own “flight,” even if it means facing society’s reluctance to accept those who dare to soar beyond its limitations.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
