“Human beings absolutely need primitive emotions such as hatred, fighting, and winning.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「人間には憎んだり、戦ったり、勝ったり、そういう原始的な感情がどうしても必要なんだ。」
English
“Human beings absolutely need primitive emotions such as hatred, fighting, and winning.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima argues that certain primitive emotions, such as hatred, conflict, and the drive to win, are essential to human nature. He suggests that these emotions, often seen as negative or destructive, serve a fundamental purpose in maintaining the vitality and direction of human existence. Mishima implies that the absence of these emotions would lead to a lack of energy or drive, leaving individuals or societies stagnant and unable to assert themselves in the face of challenges. These primitive emotions, in his view, are necessary for the human spirit to remain dynamic and engaged with the world, preventing the dulling effect of excessive complacency or passivity.
Mishima’s reflection touches on his broader philosophical perspective that strength, vigor, and the willingness to fight are intrinsic to human growth. By acknowledging the value of conflict and struggle, he challenges modern sensibilities that often seek to avoid confrontation in favor of peace and harmony. Mishima saw the absence of struggle as a potential source of weakness, where individuals or societies might lose the motivation to act or create. For him, conflict and competition are not merely destructive forces but essential catalysts for personal and collective evolution.
In a contemporary context, Mishima’s words could be interpreted as a critique of a modern world that often seeks to suppress or avoid conflict in favor of tolerance or passivity. In today’s society, where many are encouraged to avoid confrontation and coexist peacefully, Mishima’s view invites reflection on the necessity of challenge and struggle in maintaining a sense of purpose. It challenges the belief that harmony and peace are the ultimate goals, suggesting instead that growth and achievement may only come through active engagement with life’s challenges—including the emotional intensity of hatred, fighting, and winning.
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