“The sense of purity in adolescence often arises from thinking of oneself as impure.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「思春期にある潔癖感は、多く自分を不潔だと考えることから生れてくる」
English
“The sense of purity in adolescence often arises from thinking of oneself as impure.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima addresses the complexity of adolescence and the development of self-awareness. He suggests that the desire for purity—the feeling of being morally or physically clean—that many adolescents experience is often driven by a deep-seated sense of impurity or self-doubt. In the process of coming of age, young people begin to develop a heightened sense of self-consciousness and often feel disconnected from their own bodies or minds. This feeling of being impure or unclean can trigger an intense desire for purification—a need to assert control over their bodies and minds as they grapple with the confusion and complexity of identity. Thus, the cleanliness or purity they seek is often a reaction to the perceived flaws or imperfections they see in themselves.
Mishima’s reflection on the purity complex in adolescence highlights his broader themes of identity, self-awareness, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. He often explored how individuals, especially the young, struggle with their identity and self-perception, especially in a society that places high value on external appearance and moral ideals. The sense of purity in adolescence, according to Mishima, is not necessarily about achieving actual purity, but rather about compensating for the insecurities that arise from feeling impure. In this sense, the adolescent’s desire for purity is closely tied to their need to assert control over their evolving sense of self.
In a modern context, this quote reflects the pressures young people face today in their efforts to meet societal expectations of physical appearance and moral conduct. In an age where social media and public image are often emphasized, the sense of purity in adolescence may be exacerbated, as young people are bombarded with idealized portrayals of beauty, success, and morality. Mishima’s words remind us that the desire for purity often comes from a sense of inadequacy or self-doubt, urging a reflection on the importance of self-acceptance and the complicated journey of forming a true sense of identity—one that is not solely shaped by external standards but by a deeper, more authentic understanding of oneself.
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