“Life is not music. It does not end at the perfect climax, as music does.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「人生は音楽ではない。最上のクライマックスで、巧い具合に終わってくれないのが人生というものである」
English
“Life is not music. It does not end at the perfect climax, as music does.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima draws a contrast between the idealized, structured nature of music and the often disorderly, unsatisfying nature of life. He suggests that while music can build toward a perfect climax and end harmoniously, life does not offer the same kind of resolution. Life often does not conclude at a moment of triumph or fulfillment, but instead, it tends to drift or end abruptly, without the neat closure that a musical composition offers. Mishima uses this analogy to express a sense of disappointment or frustration with how life unfolds—without the clear structure or perfect resolution we might hope for. This reflects his broader view that life’s meaning and outcomes are not always tied to idealized visions of success or harmonious endings, but are instead shaped by chaos, imperfection, and unfinished narratives.
Mishima often explored the gap between ideals and reality in his works, and this quote is no exception. While music provides a structure that brings order and completion, life is less predictable and far more complex. In many of his works, he reflected on the tension between perfection—symbolized by art and beauty—and the flaws of human existence, which are often marked by struggle, disappointment, and unresolved conflicts. Mishima’s statement also suggests that expectations for a perfect life—with moments of clarity and fulfillment—are ultimately unrealistic, and that growth and meaning may emerge from the imperfection and incompleteness of life rather than from the attainment of a neat resolution.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words remind us that life does not always unfold according to preconceived plans or idealized expectations. Today, with social media and a culture of constant comparison, many people experience pressure to have their lives follow a perfect narrative, filled with climactic moments and clear resolutions. Mishima’s quote encourages us to accept that life’s journey is often messy and unfinished, and that true fulfillment does not come from seeking a perfect ending, but from engaging with the chaos and uncertainty of life itself.
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