“How many people must be spared from confession thanks to the existence of a certain novel.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「或る小説がそこに存在するおかげで、どれだけ多くの人々が告白を免かれていることであろうか」
English
“How many people must be spared from confession thanks to the existence of a certain novel.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the power of literature to protect individuals from the uncomfortable or painful act of confession—likely referring to the revealing of deeply held truths or personal emotions. He suggests that certain works of literature have the ability to shield people from having to confront or express their own vulnerabilities, because they offer a form of catharsis or emotional release through the written word. A novel, in Mishima’s view, can provide a safe space for individuals to process feelings of guilt, shame, or love, which they might otherwise have to confess in real life. The novel becomes a vicarious experience, sparing readers from the personal confrontation of their emotions.
Mishima often believed that art—especially literature—served as a sanctuary where people could explore their inner worlds without the need for personal disclosure. In his works, he frequently examined the relationship between the self and society, and the burden of personal expression. The idea that novels allow people to avoid confession suggests that fiction can offer a proxy for truth, allowing readers to reflect on their own lives without the need to directly face their own emotional realities. Mishima implies that some of the most intimate truths about ourselves can be processed through the artificial worlds of literature, sparing us from the vulnerability of direct exposure.
In a contemporary context, this quote reflects the therapeutic and protective qualities of storytelling, where literature or media can act as a buffer for difficult emotions or experiences. For example, in an age where people may feel the pressure to confess or share personal details through social media or public platforms, Mishima’s insight speaks to the importance of private, personal spaces—like novels, films, or other forms of art—that allow individuals to process their emotional lives without external judgment or exposure. It reminds us that art can serve as a shield from the more painful aspects of self-revelation, offering a way to connect with deeper truths in a way that feels safer and less vulnerable.
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