“There is no time more eager to appear completely sincere than adolescence, yet no time when one lies to oneself more.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「十代の時代ほど誠実そのもの顔をしたがるくせに、自分に対してウソをついている時代はない」
English
“There is no time more eager to appear completely sincere than adolescence, yet no time when one lies to oneself more.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima critiques the contradiction inherent in adolescence, where young people often try to present themselves as authentically sincere or truthful, yet are simultaneously the most prone to self-deception. Adolescence, often associated with the quest for identity and self-expression, is also a time when individuals are especially susceptible to conflicting emotions and uncertainty about who they are. The desire to appear sincere to the world can sometimes mask the internal insecurities and confusion that define this stage of life. Mishima suggests that, while adolescents often strive to show themselves as honest and authentic, they are actually misleading themselves in their attempt to align their external image with an idealized version of who they think they should be.
Mishima’s reflection points to the internal contradictions that define adolescence. During this period, young people are not only discovering who they are but are also highly influenced by societal expectations, peer pressure, and the desire to fit in. This leads to a conflict between the desire for truthfulness and the self-deception necessary to cope with the complexity of growing up. Adolescents may struggle with authenticity because they are still developing their sense of self and often need to project a version of themselves that fits societal or peer norms. This discrepancy between how they wish to be seen and the internal truths they are not yet able to confront is what Mishima refers to as the self-deception of adolescence.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote remains relevant in reflecting how self-image and authenticity continue to be issues for young people today, especially in the age of social media. The pressure to appear perfect or sincere often conflicts with the inner turmoil and uncertainties that accompany growing up. Young people, much like in Mishima’s time, are torn between projecting an image of who they think they should be and confronting the truth of who they are. This quote serves as a reminder that adolescence is a time of self-discovery, but also of self-deception, as young people attempt to navigate a world that often demands perfection while they are still working through their own insecurities.
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