“A true artist should not repeat the laments of an uninvited guest. Rather, they should invite the guests themselves.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「真の芸術家は招かれざる客の嘆きを繰り返すべきではあるまい。彼はむしろ自ら客を招くべきであろう」
English
“A true artist should not repeat the laments of an uninvited guest. Rather, they should invite the guests themselves.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima emphasizes the role of the artist in shaping their own creative destiny and artistic expression. He suggests that a true artist does not simply reflect or repeat the sufferings or complaints of others (represented by the uninvited guest), but instead actively creates their own space and invites others to partake in their vision. The uninvited guest’s laments can be seen as a metaphor for the artist who merely echoes or reproduces the struggles and themes of society or the past without offering anything new or original. Mishima advocates for the artist to be more proactive and assertive, inviting their audience into their own world—one that they have carefully cultivated and constructed rather than one that merely repeats or reflects the world’s existing grievances.
Mishima’s words reflect his belief in the autonomy and boldness of the artist. For Mishima, true artistry is not about passively absorbing the suffering of the world, but about creating something that challenges, redefines, or transforms that world. The true artist, according to Mishima, has the confidence to shape their own narrative and vision, inviting others to engage with their personal and unique perspective. This approach places the artist in a position of control and authority over their work, allowing them to transcend mere reflection of external struggles and to present new possibilities for understanding and expression.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote challenges contemporary views of the artist’s role as simply an observer or critic of society. Today, many artists are seen as reacting to the world around them—commenting on social issues, political struggles, or personal experiences. Mishima’s perspective encourages artists to go beyond being reflective or reactive and to embrace a more proactive role, where they shape and define the conversation through their own creative and original works. By inviting others into their worlds, artists can transcend mere commentary and become the architects of new cultural narratives. This quote ultimately underscores the artist’s power to transform both themselves and society through the act of creation.
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