“A person draws their life to an end with their final thought.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
- He became a representative figure of postwar Japanese literature, and was highly acclaimed both at home and abroad. He pursued his own unique aesthetic with themes of beauty and death, and ultimately committed seppuku at a Self-Defense Forces garrison. His life, which combined literature with action, continues to have a strong influence today.
Japanese
「人は最後の一念によって生を引く。」
English
“A person draws their life to an end with their final thought.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima delves into the concept of the final moment of life—the idea that the last thought a person has can have the power to shape or even determine their death. He suggests that death is not simply a biological or physical event, but something deeply connected to a person’s mental and emotional state at the end of their life. The “final thought” represents a moment of clarity, resolution, or finality, which can influence whether someone surrenders to death, accepts it, or even actively chooses it. This idea implies that the mind holds the ultimate power over one’s existence at the moment of death, which is a recurring theme in Mishima’s work, where psychological and existential aspects are often explored in relation to life and death.
Mishima often explored the idea of control and autonomy in the face of death. The final thought could be seen as an expression of will or purpose, a reflection of the spiritual or philosophical stance someone has towards life’s ultimate end. This quote challenges the idea that death is simply a biological process, emphasizing instead that it may be governed by inner resolve or a moment of transcendence. Mishima’s philosophy often centered on the concept of self-determination, and here, he suggests that the way we face or choose our end may be the ultimate reflection of our individuality.
In a modern context, Mishima’s statement can be seen as a reflection on how we prepare for death—not necessarily in a physical sense, but in terms of our mindset and emotional state as we approach the end of our lives. It asks us to consider whether we can, in fact, control our fate or death through our final thoughts or will. It also touches on the philosophical notion that the way we die is deeply connected to how we have lived, and that in the end, it may not just be the physical body that determines our death, but our mental clarity, resolve, and acceptance.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
