“Unlike dreams, reality is a material that lacks any malleability.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「夢とちがって、現実は何という可塑性を欠いた素材であろう。」
English
“Unlike dreams, reality is a material that lacks any malleability.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima contrasts dreams with reality, emphasizing that dreams possess a malleability, or the ability to be shaped and altered according to one’s desires or imagination, whereas reality is rigid and unchangeable. Dreams are often seen as the realm of possibilities and freedom, where the mind can create and transform scenarios without constraint. In contrast, reality is described as inflexible, unable to bend to our will or ideals. Mishima seems to suggest that the human experience is often defined by the tension between the fluidity of dreams and the stubbornness of reality, where our aspirations and visions frequently clash with the limitations of the real world.
Mishima’s critique of reality implies a sense of frustration or disappointment, as the malleability of dreams is something that many people long for but are unable to achieve in the concrete world. Dreams allow for endless possibilities, but reality imposes boundaries that prevent us from shaping our circumstances in the same way. This contrast between the freedom of dreams and the rigidity of reality reflects a broader theme in Mishima’s works, where the idealized visions of the world often meet the harsh truths of human existence.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the disillusionment that often accompanies adulthood or the mature realization that the idealized aspirations of youth may not easily translate into the practicalities of life. It also highlights the frustration that can arise from pursuing ambitions or dreams that are incompatible with the limitations of reality. Mishima’s words remind us of the tension that exists between our inner desires and the world around us, and the challenge of finding a way to reconcile our dreams with the uncompromising nature of life.
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