“A lie also looks beautiful from a distance.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「ウソも遠くからは美しく見える」
English
“A lie also looks beautiful from a distance.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the idea that falsehoods, when viewed from afar or in a detached manner, can seem appealing or idealized. The distance here suggests that the closer one gets to a lie, the more its flaws and imperfections become apparent. However, when observed from a more removed perspective, the lie retains a certain allure or beauty, as it is untouched by the complications of reality. Mishima is commenting on the romanticization of falsehoods and how illusion often appears more attractive when removed from the harsh truths that would expose its flaws.
This statement reflects Mishima’s cynical view of idealism and the seductive power of lies. He often examined the tension between illusion and reality, suggesting that many aspects of life, whether personal desires or societal constructs, are more palatable when viewed through the lens of distortion or simplification. The beauty of a lie is that it conceals reality, offering a more comfortable, pleasing version of the truth, one that avoids the difficulties and ugliness that often accompany it.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with how misleading narratives or idealized portrayals in media, social media, and advertising are often more attractive than the truth. The curated images of success, beauty, and happiness that we encounter from a distance are appealing, but as we get closer to the reality of these ideals, we often find that they are based on falsehoods or distortions. Mishima’s insight serves as a reminder that while lies and illusions may be seductive, they are often unsustainable and disappointing when confronted with the complexities and truths of life.
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