“When a woman speaks arrogantly, that is when she has lost her pride the most.”
- 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
「高飛車な物言いをするとき、女はいちばん誇りを失くしているんです。」
English
“When a woman speaks arrogantly, that is when she has lost her pride the most.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima asserts that when a woman adopts an arrogant or haughty manner of speaking, it is actually a sign that she is lacking in true pride. The idea here is that arrogance is a mask or defense mechanism—a way of covering up insecurity or a lack of self-respect. Mishima suggests that true pride comes from humility and self-awareness, rather than from boasting or adopting a superior attitude. In this view, arrogance is not a sign of strength or self-assurance, but rather a rejection of one’s own vulnerabilities or weaknesses, and therefore a sign of fragility.
Mishima often explored the theme of honor, pride, and self-discipline in his works, where he contrasted authentic pride—rooted in personal integrity and moral strength—with empty displays of superiority. His critique of arrogance speaks to his broader belief in the importance of authenticity and self-control, especially in the context of gender and the expectations placed on women in society. Mishima’s view implies that when women adopt a high-handed or arrogant attitude, they are actually undermining their own self-respect and dignity, as they are relying on a performance of strength rather than true internal confidence.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote invites reflection on how society often misinterprets or misrepresents confidence and strength, particularly for women. Today, many feminist movements encourage women to speak up and assert themselves, but Mishima’s words challenge us to consider how authentic self-respect should not be confused with arrogance. The idea that true pride is rooted in humility and self-awareness offers a contrast to the idea that loudness or assertiveness equates to strength. In modern discourse, Mishima’s reflection could prompt us to examine how arrogance or performance may be used as a shield against the vulnerabilities that come with genuine self-worth.
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