“The politeness of youth without violence is disgusting. It is worse than violence without politeness.”
- 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
「青年の、暴力を伴わない礼儀正しさはいやらしい。それは礼儀を伴わない暴力よりももっと悪い。」
English
“The politeness of youth without violence is disgusting. It is worse than violence without politeness.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima expresses a critique of a particular form of politeness in youth that lacks genuine spirit or depth. He suggests that a surface-level politeness, especially when it is not backed by authenticity or action, can be more distasteful or even corrupting than violence that is unrefined or untamed. Mishima appears to be criticizing a type of social conformity in which youth adheres to mannerisms or etiquette not out of respect or moral understanding, but out of empty obligation. This kind of politeness, in his view, becomes disingenuous and hypocritical, lacking the energy or passion that might accompany more direct forms of expression, even if those expressions are violent or confrontational.
Mishima’s juxtaposition of politeness and violence highlights his ongoing exploration of the tension between idealism and reality, particularly in the context of youth. He seems to suggest that youthful rebellion or aggression, even when destructive, might at least possess a certain honesty in its intentions, whereas politeness without substance can mask deeper issues and weaknesses. In Mishima’s view, it is not the externals of behavior that matter, but the inner integrity and passion behind actions. This critique speaks to his broader concerns about the lack of authenticity in the modern world and how social masks can often serve to hide true feelings or motivations.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote challenges contemporary notions of politeness and decorum in youth. It suggests that social niceties, especially when performed as a mere formality or to gain social acceptance, can be more damaging than honest but unpolished expressions of individuality. Today, we often see youth striving for acceptance through social media personas and carefully curated images of politeness or compliance, which may lack true substance or sincerity. Mishima’s words remind us that authenticity, even if it involves unrefined expression or rebellion, is more valuable than a superficial and empty adherence to social expectations, urging us to value genuine and passionate engagement with the world over a hollow appearance of civility.
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