“We fear the future, generally speaking, in light of the accumulation of the past.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「われわれが未来を怖れるのは、概して過去の堆積に照らして怖れるのである。」
English
“We fear the future, generally speaking, in light of the accumulation of the past.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the human tendency to fear the future, suggesting that this fear is not inherently due to the unknown, but rather because of the past—the accumulated experiences and failures that shape our perception of what lies ahead. Our understanding of the future is often filtered through the lens of past mistakes, tragedies, or unresolved conflicts, leading to a sense of inevitability or doom when we think about what is to come. Mishima implies that we are not simply afraid of what might happen in the future, but of how the patterns of the past might repeat or resurface in the present or future.
The quote suggests that the fear of the future is not just an abstract or general fear, but is concrete and shaped by history. It is as if the past is a baggage that we carry with us, influencing our expectations and hopes for the future. This may imply that human growth or progress is often hindered by an inability to release or reinterpret past experiences, trapping individuals and societies in cycles of fear or repetition.
In a modern context, this quote could resonate with how individuals and societies often respond to uncertainty or change by drawing on past traumas or patterns. Whether in politics, economics, or personal development, the accumulation of past experiences can shape our view of the future, sometimes leading to resistance to change or a paralyzing fear of what might come next. Mishima’s words remind us that the past, while important, should not be the sole force determining our perception of the future.
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