“True pride is not arrogant. It is as modest as a young bamboo shoot.”
- 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
「真の矜恃はたけだけしくない。それは若笹のように小心だ」
English
“True pride is not arrogant. It is as modest as a young bamboo shoot.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the nature of true pride, which he contrasts with arrogance or boastfulness. He suggests that genuine pride is not loud or boastful, but rather humble and subtle, much like a young bamboo shoot—which is fragile, quiet, and still in the process of growing. The young bamboo shoot symbolizes a kind of quiet confidence that does not seek attention or validation from others, but instead stems from a deep inner strength and self-assurance. Mishima’s words challenge the common perception that pride must be overt or grandiose in order to be considered true or valuable, suggesting instead that real dignity is often associated with modesty and grace rather than arrogance or boastfulness.
Mishima’s view of true pride is closely tied to his broader philosophy of self-discipline, restraint, and personal integrity. Throughout his works, Mishima often emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong sense of self without the need to flaunt or exaggerate one’s worth. True pride, in his view, is not about drawing attention to oneself, but about maintaining a sense of honor and dignity that comes from within. The young bamboo shoot, which begins small and humble, eventually grows into a tall and sturdy plant, symbolizes the idea that true strength and pride are cultivated over time through patience, humility, and personal growth—not through grand gestures or empty displays.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote invites reflection on the nature of pride in today’s world. In an age where self-promotion, social media, and visibility are often equated with success and confidence, Mishima’s words encourage us to reconsider the value of quiet dignity and humble pride. True pride, as Mishima suggests, is not about making a spectacle of oneself, but about staying true to one’s values and remaining grounded in the face of success or failure. In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, Mishima’s metaphor of the young bamboo shoot serves as a reminder that strength and pride can be expressed through humility and integrity, rather than through the pursuit of external recognition or validation.
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