“If newness is considered ‘discovery,’ then nothing should make one more aware of the existing than discovery itself.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「新しさが『発見』であるとするならば、発見ほど既存を強く意識させるものはない筈だ」
English
“If newness is considered ‘discovery,’ then nothing should make one more aware of the existing than discovery itself.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima points to the relationship between innovation and tradition, suggesting that the act of discovery or innovation inherently brings awareness of what already exists. When something new is discovered or created, it is not an isolated event; rather, it is shaped by and defined in contrast to what has already been established. Mishima implies that newness does not exist in a vacuum but is inextricably linked to the existing framework, and its very definition relies on the recognition of what came before. Therefore, discovery serves to highlight and accentuate the limitations or boundaries of the old.
This insight is deeply tied to Mishima’s broader reflections on cultural and intellectual progress. His work often explores the tension between modernity and tradition, suggesting that the desire for innovation or progress is driven by a consciousness of the past. In the context of his larger philosophy, Mishima may be questioning whether true newness can ever be fully independent or if it will always carry the shadow of the old, as every discovery or advancement inherently acknowledges the existing structures. This presents a circular relationship where the pursuit of the new inevitably reinforces the presence of the old.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with the idea that innovation and progress in various fields—whether in technology, art, or social change—are always shaped by existing frameworks and traditions. For example, even the most radical innovations in science or art often challenge or redefine what was previously thought to be the norm. Mishima’s insight reminds us that new ideas or discoveries are never entirely independent but are always influenced by the past. This reflection is particularly relevant in an era where disruptive technologies and cultural shifts constantly challenge traditional systems, making the relationship between old and new more apparent and complex than ever.
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