“Cleanliness is a form of selfishness commanded by desire.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「潔癖さというものは、欲望の命ずる一種のわがままだ」
English
“Cleanliness is a form of selfishness commanded by desire.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima suggests that the desire for cleanliness—often associated with purity, order, and discipline—is, in fact, a form of selfishness driven by the individual’s personal desires. He frames cleanliness not as a virtue in itself, but as an act of self-interest where the individual seeks to impose their own standards of perfection or control over their environment. The term “selfishness” here emphasizes that this desire for cleanliness is not inherently altruistic or driven by a sense of moral duty, but is instead motivated by personal satisfaction or the need to fulfill one’s own preferences or comfort. In this way, Mishima criticizes cleanliness as a form of individualistic behavior that is ultimately a reflection of the individual’s control over their own desires, rather than a virtue that connects them to the broader needs of society.
Mishima’s perspective on cleanliness as a form of selfishness aligns with his broader views on the nature of human desires and virtues. He often examined the tension between personal satisfaction and greater societal ideals in his works, suggesting that many behaviors considered virtuous are, in fact, driven by personal, often unconscious, motives. Mishima’s words suggest that while cleanliness may be viewed as a desirable and even morally good trait, it is not exempt from the influence of selfish desires, and this desire for purity is a form of personal control over one’s environment and body. This idea challenges the conventional view of cleanliness as a purely virtuous pursuit and forces the reader to reconsider the motive behind certain actions.
In a modern context, this quote invites reflection on the role of cleanliness and perfectionism in today’s society. While many people view cleanliness as a virtue or necessity, Mishima’s quote suggests that it can also be a form of control rooted in self-interest or anxiety about order and stability. Today, where standards of cleanliness often permeate social and professional expectations, this view encourages us to examine whether the pursuit of cleanliness is a reflection of our own desires for order, or if it’s driven by a deeper sense of social obligation or perfectionism. Mishima’s words challenge us to look beyond surface-level ideals of cleanliness and question the internal motivations that lead us to seek purity, whether in our homes, bodies, or minds.
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