“There are no matters that can be resolved by art.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「芸術によって解決可能な事柄は存在しない」
English
“There are no matters that can be resolved by art.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima takes a critical stance on the ability of art to resolve real-world issues or practical problems. He suggests that art, while powerful in its capacity to express emotions, reflect society, and transcend individual experience, is not a tool for solving the tangible challenges of life. Art, in Mishima’s view, cannot fix societal injustices, end human suffering, or address the pragmatic needs of everyday existence. Instead, art exists in a realm where it illuminates and expresses, but does not directly alter the material conditions of the world. Mishima implies that while art may provoke thought or raise awareness, it cannot directly offer solutions to the fundamental problems facing humanity.
This perspective aligns with Mishima’s broader exploration of the limits of human expression and the separation between idealism and reality. For Mishima, art serves as a mirror to life, capturing the complexities of human existence, but it does not have the power to reshape the material world. In this sense, art is not a tool of social change but a reflection of human aspirations, struggles, and the impermanence of life. Mishima often emphasized the need for action and discipline outside of the artistic realm, suggesting that the real work of changing society or addressing life’s challenges must come from more concrete efforts—whether through political action, personal sacrifice, or other forms of direct engagement with the world.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote speaks to the ongoing debate about the role of art in society today. While many people look to art for inspiration, catharsis, and even political critique, Mishima’s words remind us that art alone is not enough to resolve the practical challenges we face. In a world increasingly driven by social change and activism, art continues to play a role in raising awareness and shaping discourse, but it must be accompanied by action and pragmatic solutions. Mishima’s view challenges us to consider the limitations of art in solving real-world problems, encouraging us to engage with life not just through creative expression, but through direct, tangible efforts to create change.
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