“The only thing that can surpass the mind is the monster called habit.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「精神を凌駕することのできるのは習慣という怪物だけなのだ。」
English
“The only thing that can surpass the mind is the monster called habit.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the powerful and often unconscious influence of habit in human life. He suggests that, while the mind can drive thought, reason, and conscious action, it is habit—a form of automatic behavior or routine—that has the capacity to dominate or even surpass the mind’s power. The metaphor of habit as a “monster” conveys the unseen and overpowering nature of habitual behavior, which can often take control of individuals without their full awareness. While the mind is capable of reflection and choice, habit has the power to shape actions in ways that can be difficult to escape. Mishima emphasizes how habits can become so ingrained in daily life that they overshadow the mind’s will and can even define a person’s actions and identity, limiting their ability to think or act freely.
Mishima’s words touch on the idea that habits, once formed, become automatic, often beyond the control of the individual. These repetitive behaviors, whether conscious or unconscious, can diminish the mind’s power to make independent decisions. The monster of habit grows over time, becoming a force that directs actions in a way that may not align with one’s true desires or rational thinking. This can be seen as a critique of how routine and comfort can sometimes lead to a lack of critical thinking and the stagnation of personal growth. Mishima seems to argue that, while the mind has the ability to question and reflect, it is often overpowered by the force of habit, which is difficult to break free from once established.
In a modern context, Mishima’s observation resonates with our daily lives, where routine and habit often shape much of what we do without much thought. In a world filled with distractions, work schedules, and technological devices, habits can become so deeply embedded that they govern our lives without conscious effort. This can make it difficult to break away from unhealthy or unproductive routines. Mishima’s quote serves as a reminder of the potential tyranny of habits, urging us to be mindful of how much control our daily routines have over us, and to find ways to question and reshape those habits in order to regain agency and freedom of thought.
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