“Those who clearly understand the measure of their own death will become the truly courageous people in the world to come.”
- 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
「自分の死の分量を明確に見極めた人が、これからの世界で本当に勇気を持った人間になるだろう」
English
“Those who clearly understand the measure of their own death will become the truly courageous people in the world to come.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima emphasizes the importance of facing the reality of one’s own mortality as a foundation for true courage. By understanding the measure of one’s death, the individual comes to terms with the inevitable nature of death, recognizing its limit and its central role in shaping life’s meaning. Mishima suggests that courage is not simply about facing external threats or challenges but is rooted in the acceptance of our own finite existence. Only those who have confronted and understood their own mortality can live authentically and with purpose, for it is the recognition of death that allows one to fully embrace life without fear. This recognition of death becomes the source of true bravery, as it enables individuals to act decisively and live with conviction, knowing that their time is limited.
Mishima’s reflection on death and courage is deeply tied to his broader philosophy of self-discipline, honor, and the transience of life. Throughout his work, Mishima explored how the awareness of death heightens the value of life and drives individuals to live more fully. For him, true courage is the ability to confront the ultimate truth of death and still remain steadfast in one’s beliefs and actions. In a world that often avoids confronting death, Mishima argues that courage is cultivated not by ignoring mortality but by accepting it, which then frees individuals to live with greater clarity and purpose.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words can be interpreted as a reminder that contemporary society often seeks to deny or sugarcoat the reality of death, focusing instead on immortality or perpetual youth. Mishima challenges this avoidance, suggesting that real courage comes from acknowledging death as an inevitable force that shapes human existence. Today, where many people are afraid to confront their own mortality or the fragility of life, Mishima’s quote urges us to find the courage to face death directly. By accepting the limited nature of our time, we can live more authentically and bravely, making choices that are grounded in the reality of impermanence rather than the illusion of eternity.
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