“If you think tonight is the last, there are endless things to talk about.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「今夜が最後と思えば、話なんていくらだってあります」
English
“If you think tonight is the last, there are endless things to talk about.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the profound effect that mortality and the awareness of life’s transience can have on human interaction. The idea that “if tonight is the last” suggests a recognition of the impermanence of life—that the current moment could be the final one, which in turn heightens the urgency and richness of the conversation. When faced with the possibility that time is running out, people suddenly find that they have endless things to say, as if the realization of life’s fragility brings a flood of thoughts and emotions to the surface. Mishima captures how awareness of death or the finality of life makes us desire to express our deepest feelings, share our stories, and engage more meaningfully with others in the present.
Mishima often explored themes of impermanence, mortality, and the meaning of life throughout his work. This quote encapsulates the idea that the fear of loss—or the understanding that time is limited—can make us value and appreciate every moment more deeply. The thought of losing something or having one last opportunity brings to light all the things we wish to say or the emotions we want to express. This sense of urgency is a reminder of the preciousness of time and the idea that we often take for granted the conversations, connections, and thoughts we have with those around us, only realizing their importance when faced with the finality of life.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words invite us to reflect on how often we postpone important conversations or thoughts in favor of more trivial matters. In a fast-paced, disconnected world, we may neglect to share our feelings, ideas, or experiences with those we care about, until we are confronted with the inevitability of time’s passage. This quote encourages us to seize the moment and express ourselves fully, recognizing that the present is the only time we can truly connect with others. By reflecting on the finality of life, we are reminded of the importance of communication, the need to appreciate our relationships, and the value of deep, meaningful conversations before it is too late.
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