“There are people who use words only as an excuse for their laziness.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「怠惰の言訳としてしか言葉を使わぬ人間がいるものだ。」
English
“There are people who use words only as an excuse for their laziness.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima critiques individuals who use language not as a tool for communication, creativity, or action, but as a shield to cover up their inactivity or lack of effort. He suggests that some people hide behind words, using them as a defense mechanism or as a way to avoid taking responsibility or making tangible progress. This reflects a broader criticism of self-deception and the emptiness that can arise when words are used to justify one’s inaction instead of propelling change or engagement with the world.
Mishima’s reflection touches on his broader themes of authenticity, discipline, and willpower. In his works, he often contrasts the active and purposeful life with one that is passive or disengaged. Here, he suggests that words, when used as an excuse, can become a form of self-indulgence, allowing people to appear busy or meaningful without actually engaging in the hard work or effort required for real change. This critique underscores his belief in the importance of action and personal accountability, where words should serve to express and further one’s intentions, rather than being a means of avoiding them.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words resonate with the tendency in contemporary society to use words—in the form of rhetoric, social media, or idle conversation—as a way to avoid confronting the deeper challenges of personal responsibility and action. With the rise of digital communication, it has become easier for individuals to speak endlessly without taking concrete action. Mishima’s critique is a reminder that words, while powerful, should be paired with purposeful action and not be used merely to mask inaction or to avoid the discomfort of real change.
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