“Daydreaming has never once hindered my flight.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「夢想は私の飛翔を、一度だって妨げはしなかった。」
English
“Daydreaming has never once hindered my flight.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima contrasts the idea of daydreaming with the act of striving or pursuing one’s ambitions. He asserts that his dreams—perhaps his aspirations or fantasies—have not impeded his ability to move forward or achieve his goals. Rather than seeing dreaming as an obstacle, Mishima views it as a source of inspiration or motivation that does not limit his potential or his drive. The “flight” in this context symbolizes personal growth, ambition, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. The quote suggests that while dreams can be seen as a form of escape, for Mishima, they are empowering and serve as a fuel for his own success.
This perspective offers a different view on dreaming from the more common notion of it as an escape or distraction from reality. Instead, Mishima implies that dreaming can be a catalyst for action, helping to drive someone towards their goals rather than preventing them from achieving them. The “flight” represents a journey toward self-realization, where fantasy and reality are intertwined, and dreams act as a source of direction and purpose.
In a modern context, Mishima’s statement can be understood as a defense of ambition and creativity. While many people may view daydreaming as unproductive or as something that distracts from real-world tasks, Mishima suggests that it is possible to dream while also acting—to have grand aspirations and to use those aspirations as a motivating force to move forward. He challenges the idea that fantasy and reality must be at odds, instead implying that dreams, when aligned with purpose, can support and even enhance one’s journey in life.
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