“Christ was original not for the sake of his life, but for the fate of his crucifixion.”
- 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
「キリストが独創的だったのは、彼の生活のためではなく、磔刑という運命のためだ」
English
“Christ was original not for the sake of his life, but for the fate of his crucifixion.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima asserts that Christ’s originality and impact came not from his life or actions in the conventional sense, but from the ultimate fate of his crucifixion. Mishima’s view emphasizes the sacrificial and fateful nature of Christ’s death, suggesting that it was not ordinary or mundane events in Christ’s life that made him unique or profound, but rather the way his death became a symbol of redemption, suffering, and divine purpose. By framing Christ’s crucifixion as the key to his originality, Mishima points to the transcendence of this event—it is through the ultimate sacrifice that Christ’s legacy and influence were cemented, not through any earthly achievements or lifestyle.
Mishima often explored the theme of sacrifice in his works, particularly the idea of death as a path to higher meaning and spiritual transcendence. In this quote, he connects Christ’s suffering with the creation of meaning in the world, suggesting that true originality and spiritual power are forged through sacrifice—not just in life, but in the way one faces their fate. By highlighting the fate of the crucifixion as Christ’s true act of originality, Mishima may be emphasizing the ultimate freedom that comes from embracing one’s fate and transforming it into something meaningful for humanity.
In a modern context, this quote could be seen as a reflection on how greatness and influence often arise not from one’s successes or accomplishments, but from the way one responds to suffering or challenges. Mishima’s assertion challenges the common notion that originality is only found in creative works or individual achievements, suggesting instead that the most profound acts of originality come from how one embraces or transcends the most painful or difficult aspects of life. Today, this can prompt reflection on how we define and recognize originality in individuals, particularly in light of the challenges and sacrifices that many people face in order to leave a lasting legacy or make an impact on the world.
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