“The most terrifying loneliness in this world is moral loneliness.”
- 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
「この世で最も怖ろしい孤独は、道徳的孤独である」
English
“The most terrifying loneliness in this world is moral loneliness.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima identifies moral loneliness as the most dreadful form of isolation. While many people may experience physical or emotional loneliness, Mishima suggests that the deepest form of alienation comes when an individual feels isolated due to their values or beliefs—when they are morally alone. Moral loneliness refers to the isolation one experiences when their personal ethics, principles, or actions set them apart from the rest of society, leaving them with no community or shared understanding to turn to. This sense of being morally separated can be incredibly disheartening, as it not only involves being physically alone but also being disconnected from others on a fundamental level—based on what one believes to be right or wrong.
Mishima’s focus on moral loneliness reflects his broader exploration of alienation in the modern world, where individuals often find themselves out of step with society or its norms. In his works, Mishima frequently examines how integrity and principle can sometimes place an individual in conflict with the broader society or culture, leading to a sense of disconnection. For Mishima, moral loneliness is not just an emotional or intellectual state, but an existential one—a feeling of being fundamentally disconnected from the collective human experience due to one’s personal convictions or moral standpoints. This type of loneliness is particularly difficult, as it involves not just a lack of companionship, but a sense of betrayal or rejection by society or the world at large.
In a modern context, this quote can be seen as a reflection on how individuals today often face moral dilemmas that set them apart from others, particularly in a world where values and ethical principles are constantly being questioned or redefined. Moral loneliness can arise when personal beliefs or ethical decisions place someone in opposition to mainstream or dominant societal views, leading to feelings of alienation or even ostracism. Mishima’s words invite us to reflect on the cost of staying true to one’s principles, and whether in doing so, we might find ourselves isolated from those around us. However, his quote also challenges us to consider the value of maintaining integrity, even in the face of such loneliness, and whether moral solitude might ultimately lead to a more authentic and meaningful life.
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