“In modern times, there is almost no honor that does not feed on some kind of scandal.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「現代では何かスキャンダルを餌にして太らない光栄というものはほとんどありません」
English
“In modern times, there is almost no honor that does not feed on some kind of scandal.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the way modern society often uses scandals or controversies to gain attention, power, or prestige. He suggests that in the contemporary world, the concept of honor or reputation is rarely earned through pure or virtuous means but is instead often fed by scandalous or provocative events. Mishima implies that society has become so obsessed with drama and sensationalism that even individuals or institutions claiming to hold honor or respectability often do so at the cost of moral integrity, drawing their influence from the negative attention or public intrigue generated by scandal. This observation critiques the corruption of values in the modern world, where true honor seems less significant than the shock value that comes from engaging with or profiting from scandalous affairs.
Mishima’s commentary reflects his broader concerns about the decay of traditional values and the rise of superficiality in modern culture. He often critiqued how modernity had shifted the focus from noble ideals and moral integrity to the pursuit of public attention and personal gain, regardless of the means used. The scandal becomes a tool that not only draws attention but also enhances the image of those involved, often reinforcing their status and reputation despite their moral shortcomings. This shift, Mishima suggests, has fundamentally altered the nature of honor, transforming it into something that can be manipulated and sustained through exposure, rather than earned through genuine or ethical accomplishments.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote speaks to the prevalence of celebrity culture, social media, and news cycles that thrive on controversy and scandal. In today’s world, many individuals and entities rise to prominence not through constructive achievement but by capitalizing on the disruption and publicity generated by their scandalous actions or associations. Mishima’s words challenge us to reflect on the value of honor in the age of instant gratification and media spectacle, urging us to question whether true honor still exists outside the realm of sensationalism and publicity.
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