“When I read No Longer Human by Dazai Osamu, an inexplicable mix of emotions overwhelmed me.” Many people will resonate with this line. No Longer Human is a work that delves deep, almost as if it’s reaching into your soul. The story of Yozo, a protagonist filled with self-hatred and walking a path seemingly devoid of hope, evokes strong emotions—both empathy and rejection—from modern readers.

As someone who has repeatedly read this work, I feel something stir inside me each time. Why does Dazai grip readers so profoundly? Why does his portrayal of the “struggle to live” resonate so deeply? Reflecting on this and rereading the novel, I noticed that Yozo’s way of living inspires a range of reactions—both sympathy and criticism.

Voices of Empathy for the “Struggle to Live”
Many readers find resonance in Yozo’s sense of “struggling to live.” Dazai’s portrayal of Yozo shows someone tired of relationships, crushed by the roles society expects of him, yet still clinging to a certain innocence. Many can relate to his pain, emptiness, and feeling of not belonging.

In our society, we carry multiple roles, often exhausted by the ideal of “living authentically.” We are surrounded by others’ happiness and success on social media, which can cast doubt on our own worth. For those who feel out of place, Yozo’s isolation and helplessness hit home. “I, too, am lost within society,” they might think, making Yozo’s character a powerful mirror reflecting their own struggles.

Why Some Readers Feel Aversion
On the other hand, many readers might feel aversion to Yozo’s character. He’s self-destructive, deceitful in his relationships, and often seems to evade responsibility. For some, his choices and way of life provoke a sense of rejection, making them think, “I don’t want to live like that.” If living like Yozo means “failing as a human,” then perhaps we should embrace our own lives more proudly.

Struggling to live doesn’t mean evading responsibility. Sometimes, it requires facing weaknesses and taking control. Some might argue that Yozo’s path of continual escape isn’t admirable. Those who work hard to face life’s challenges might see Yozo’s stance as irresponsible, feeling uncomfortable with his actions being portrayed with only empathy.

What Dazai Osamu Asks of Us
The “struggle to live” that Dazai depicts in No Longer Human naturally invites debate. His writing is both unsettling and evocative. Either way, this novel remains impactful because it touches on our unavoidable search for meaning. Dazai’s words seem to ask us, “Are you truly ready to confront yourself?”

So, what does it mean to live? We are influenced by our relationships and social expectations, sometimes taking paths against our will. Yet, through the struggle of living, we gradually learn more about ourselves and grow.

My Thoughts in Conclusion
The “struggle to live” I felt from No Longer Human is a theme we each carry in some way. Like Yozo, there may be moments when we fall into self-doubt, or perhaps we take his life as a lesson to follow a different path. Either way, this story pushes us to reflect on “what it means to live” and “why we continue even through hardships.”

Ultimately, there is no clear answer to these questions. We don’t have to live as Yozo does, nor feel as he does. Still, this novel transcends generations because the “struggle to live” is a universal question rooted in the human experience.

No Longer Human will inspire mixed reactions, and that’s natural. But whether through empathy or criticism, Dazai leaves us pondering our lives and what we feel. This very ambiguity might be Dazai’s lasting legacy.