“The highest secret of manipulating men is to firmly grasp their sentimentalism.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「男性操縦術の最高の秘訣は、男のセンチメンタリズムをギュッとにぎることだ。」
English
“The highest secret of manipulating men is to firmly grasp their sentimentalism.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima suggests that the key to manipulating men lies in understanding and exploiting their sentimentalism—the emotional and sometimes irrational attachment to feelings or memories. He implies that men, much like anyone, can be easily swayed or controlled by their emotions when these emotions are tied to nostalgia, idealism, or personal desires. Sentimentalism, in this sense, is seen as a weakness that can be used as a lever to influence behavior. Mishima’s words reflect his broader exploration of psychological dynamics in relationships, where emotions, especially those that are heartfelt or romantic, can be used to guide or control individuals’ actions.
This observation plays into Mishima’s recurring themes of power, control, and the complexity of human relationships. He often portrayed emotional vulnerability as something that, while powerful in its own right, can also be a tool for manipulation when used by someone who understands its influence. In this case, Mishima suggests that those who can grasp or manipulate the sentimental feelings of others are able to wield significant power over them, exploiting a deeply human vulnerability.
In a modern context, Mishima’s insight can be applied to the ways in which emotions—especially nostalgia or sentimentality—are often used in marketing, political rhetoric, and even personal relationships. Advertisements, political campaigns, and social media often tap into people’s sentimental attachments to their past or ideals, guiding their actions and decisions. Mishima’s words encourage us to recognize how emotional leverage, though it may be a natural part of human interaction, can also be manipulated for personal gain or influence, and to be cautious of how emotions can be used to shape our behavior, often without us even realizing it.
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