“If no one can overcome death, then the glory of victory is nothing more than the ultimate form of purely worldly glory.”
- 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
「誰も死に打ち克つことができないとすれば、勝利の栄光とは、純現世的な栄光の極致にすぎない。」
English
“If no one can overcome death, then the glory of victory is nothing more than the ultimate form of purely worldly glory.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the nature of victory and glory, arguing that if death is an unconquerable force, then any victory or glory achieved in life is ultimately temporary and transitory—merely the highest expression of worldly achievement. Victory, in this context, is not a permanent triumph over death, but a fleeting and earthly accolade that holds no power over the inevitable end of life. Mishima is questioning the value of worldly glory—whether it’s in the form of fame, power, or achievement—when it is not capable of transcending the ultimate truth of human mortality. This critique reflects Mishima’s philosophical preoccupation with life, death, and the meaning of human endeavor in a world defined by inevitability and finality.
Mishima often explored the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits, especially in the context of modernity, where personal achievements and fame are often seen as ultimate goals. By linking glory with the worldly, Mishima underscores the idea that such triumphs are incomplete and impermanent compared to the eternal struggle with death. The idea that death is the ultimate defeat that no human can overcome leads Mishima to consider whether victory in the human sense is truly meaningful in the long term. His words suggest that without a victory that transcends death, all other victories are ultimately limited and worldly, offering only fleeting satisfaction or fame.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote challenges us to reconsider our priorities in a world where success and achievement are often idolized. It asks whether our pursuit of glory—whether in our careers, personal lives, or social status—has any lasting value in the face of death. Mishima’s critique invites reflection on whether the true glory lies in achieving something that transcends mortality, such as spiritual or moral integrity, rather than in the worldly accolades that may seem so important during our lives but ultimately fade away.
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