“How ugly the face of an intellectual is!”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「知識人の顔というのは何と醜いのだろう！」
English
“How ugly the face of an intellectual is!”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima expresses a sharp critique of intellectuals, particularly their appearance or the expression they project to the world. The term “ugly” here does not refer to physical appearance alone, but rather to the aesthetic and moral qualities associated with intellectualism. Mishima often associated intellectuals with a detachment from the practical realities of life, seeing them as individuals who were more concerned with theoretical or abstract ideas than with action or authentic engagement with the world. His critique suggests that the intellectual, in his eyes, becomes disconnected from the vital forces of life, leading to an inward, cold, and even ugly disposition.
Mishima’s disdain for the intellectual elite is part of his broader criticism of modernity and the disenchantment he felt towards a society that increasingly prioritized reason and logic over spiritual values, action, and physical vitality. To Mishima, intellectuals represented a form of decay—a sterile, disembodied pursuit of knowledge that, in his view, lacked passion and purpose. Their ugliness comes from this detachment, a kind of self-satisfied aloofness that seems to ignore the more vital, heroic aspects of human existence.
In a modern context, Mishima’s critique might be seen as a reflection on how intellectualism can sometimes become too abstract or disconnected from real-world issues. In a world where academia and philosophy can sometimes be seen as overly theoretical or removed from everyday life, Mishima’s words call attention to the need for engagement and action in the face of intellectual pursuits. His view on intellectuals challenges us to reconsider the value of practical experience and passion, rather than allowing intellectualism to become an isolated or self-indulgent pursuit.
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