“If you compromise with a small hope and begin to see the world in the shape of that hope, it’s over.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「ちっぽけな希望に妥協して、この世界が、その希望の形のままに見えて来たらおしまいだ。」
English
“If you compromise with a small hope and begin to see the world in the shape of that hope, it’s over.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima warns against compromising with small hopes or limited desires, suggesting that when one begins to settle for these smaller, more manageable goals, it leads to a narrowing of perspective. The phrase “see the world in the shape of that hope” implies that one’s worldview becomes distorted or confined by those limited aspirations, and the individual becomes trapped in a smaller reality, unable to embrace the full potential of existence. Mishima seems to suggest that aspiration should not be confined to small or trivial hopes; instead, it should involve greater, nobler pursuits that challenge the individual to transcend the ordinary and strive for something higher.
Mishima’s critique touches on the theme of ambition and human potential—emphasizing that settling for small dreams or mediocrity leads to a life that lacks the excitement, depth, and meaning that come with grand aspirations or higher goals. In his works, Mishima often explored the tension between idealism and realism, and here he seems to advocate for the courage to pursue larger, more difficult dreams, even if they appear unattainable. The compromise with small hopes is, in his view, a form of self-limitation, a denial of one’s potential and the possibility for greater achievement.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words invite reflection on the nature of ambition and personal fulfillment in today’s world. With the rise of comfort culture, instant gratification, and the increasing focus on material success, there is a tendency to settle for smaller hopes that offer quick rewards or certainty. Mishima’s critique encourages us to examine whether we are, in fact, compromising our greater dreams in favor of more convenient or safe desires. His words challenge us to resist the temptation of settling for less, and instead, to strive toward larger, more transformative goals that expand our vision and potential.
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