“Happiness is about not feeling anything. Happiness is something more insensible.”
- 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
「幸福って、何も感じないことなのよ。幸福って、もっと鈍感なものなのよ。」
English
“Happiness is about not feeling anything. Happiness is something more insensible.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima presents a counterintuitive view of happiness. Rather than seeing happiness as a state of intense joy or pleasure, he suggests that true happiness lies in indifference or emotional numbness—a state where one is no longer overly affected by the ups and downs of life. According to this perspective, happiness is not found in the height of feeling or emotional extremes, but in the lack of strong sensation, where the individual is no longer disturbed or moved by external circumstances. This emotional detachment is viewed as a form of inner peace, where the person has achieved a state of equilibrium by not being swayed by the constant fluctuations of life.
Mishima’s view of happiness as a form of insensitivity aligns with his broader philosophical concerns about emotional restraint and spiritual discipline. He often explored the tension between passion and control, emphasizing that the ideal human state is one where emotions are not allowed to dominate or disrupt the individual’s sense of purpose or stability. In his interpretation, happiness is not an expression of feeling good or being exuberantly content, but rather a state of mental peace where one is free from emotional chaos and able to maintain balance and control over one’s life. This view suggests that happiness comes not from pleasure, but from detachment and equanimity.
In a modern context, Mishima’s definition of happiness could be seen as a critique of today’s culture of constant stimulation, where people often seek intense emotions or excitement as markers of happiness. His words prompt us to reconsider whether true contentment is about emotional highs or rather about emotional stability and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Mishima’s view invites us to reflect on the value of emotional detachment, and whether a more tranquil, less emotionally reactive approach to life might offer a deeper, more lasting form of happiness.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
