“Among the many illusions invented by modernity, ‘society’ is the most human of illusions.”
- 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
「近代が発明したもろもろの幻影のうちで、『社会』というやつはもっとも人間的な幻影だ」
English
“Among the many illusions invented by modernity, ‘society’ is the most human of illusions.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima criticizes the concept of society as one of the illusions created by modernity, emphasizing that society is the most human of these illusions. Mishima suggests that, while modern society presents itself as a real, concrete entity that organizes and structures human life, it is actually an artificial construct—a delusion shaped by human needs and aspirations. The phrase “the most human of illusions” reflects Mishima’s belief that society, though it may seem natural or essential, is fundamentally a product of human desire, driven by the need to create order and meaning in a chaotic world. By calling society an illusion, Mishima points to its fragility and transience, noting that what humans perceive as a stable and meaningful social order is, in fact, a constructed reality that can easily unravel or be disrupted.
Mishima’s statement reflects his cynical view of modernity and the illusion of progress that often accompanies it. He believed that modern society, despite its advancements in technology, politics, and culture, had lost touch with deeper, more spiritual or aesthetic truths. For Mishima, the idea of society was an attempt to replace or obscure the essential uncertainties and chaos of human existence, creating an illusion of stability and purpose that ultimately fails to address the inner conflicts of the human soul. In his view, society often diverts attention from the individual’s search for meaning and personal responsibility, offering an artificial sense of belonging at the cost of true authenticity.
In a modern context, this quote could be interpreted as a critique of how society and social norms continue to shape our understanding of identity, purpose, and morality. Today, the illusion of society still plays a powerful role in defining individual roles and social expectations, often leading people to conform to a collective vision of what is considered normal or acceptable. Mishima’s words challenge us to question the legitimacy of the social structures we live in and to recognize that society—as an entity—may be just another form of human fabrication, designed to give us a sense of order and meaning in an otherwise chaotic world. His critique serves as a reminder that true authenticity and individual purpose may require stepping outside the illusion of society and embracing the complexities of the human experience.
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