“Those who seek to tempt others into vice usually try to exploit the good qualities of that person to the fullest.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「人を悪徳に誘惑しようと思う者は、大ていその人の善いほうの性質を百パーセント利用しようとします。」
English
“Those who seek to tempt others into vice usually try to exploit the good qualities of that person to the fullest.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the paradoxical relationship between virtue and vice, suggesting that those who seek to lead others astray often do so by exploiting their best qualities. The idea that vice is enticed through virtue emphasizes the manipulative nature of moral corruption. Mishima suggests that the temptation into bad behavior is often disguised in the form of something that appears good or noble. By appealing to a person’s virtues—such as their kindness, idealism, or desire to help—those who wish to lead them into vice can do so in a way that feels justified or even virtuous.
This quote reflects Mishima’s frequent exploration of moral complexity in his works. He often portrayed characters in internal conflict, where their good intentions are twisted or used for self-destructive or immoral purposes. The line between good and evil is blurred, and the idea that one’s best qualities can be turned against them reveals the inherent fragility of human morality. Mishima highlights that virtue can sometimes be the gateway to corruption, as individuals who are too trusting or too idealistic may fall prey to those who exploit their good nature.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words remind us of how exploitation of good intentions can happen in various social and political contexts. Whether through manipulation, propaganda, or the twisting of moral arguments, individuals or groups can be led into wrongdoing by appealing to their sense of duty, kindness, or moral responsibility. Mishima’s insight serves as a cautionary reminder that even the most noble qualities can be misused, and that maintaining moral integrity requires not just good intentions, but also awareness and discernment in the face of external pressures.
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