“It has never happened, nor will it ever happen, that a woman is deceived by a man.”
- 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
「女が男にだまされることなんぞ、一度だって起こりはいたしません」
English
“It has never happened, nor will it ever happen, that a woman is deceived by a man.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima presents a provocative view on the dynamics between men and women, asserting that women are never truly deceived by men. This bold statement reflects Mishima’s perspective on gender roles and the nature of deception in relationships. Mishima suggests that, in his view, women are always aware of the truth, even when they might appear to be deceived. This could be seen as his belief in the emotional intelligence or intuition of women, implying that they are never completely blinded or fooled by a man’s lies or deceitful behavior. It could also reflect his idea that, within certain social or emotional frameworks, women have the ability to navigate deceit or manipulation with greater awareness than might be commonly perceived.
Mishima often explored themes of power, deception, and human relationships in his works. His statement may stem from a cynical view of masculine power, where men, despite their attempts to deceive or manipulate, can never truly control or mislead women to the extent they might believe. Mishima’s portrayal of gender dynamics often emphasized the strength and autonomy of women, even within societies that frequently tried to subjugate them. In this sense, his comment can be interpreted as both a recognition of the resilience and awareness of women, and a critique of the illusion of male dominance.
In a modern context, this quote might be seen as a commentary on gendered perceptions of deception and trust in relationships. While traditional views might suggest that women are often victims of deceit or manipulation, Mishima’s statement challenges this narrative by suggesting that women, due to their emotional insight, are never truly duped. This perspective encourages a reevaluation of the ways in which power dynamics and gender roles shape our understanding of relationships, particularly when it comes to deception and manipulation. Mishima’s words also invite reflection on how modern society still grapples with gendered assumptions about who holds power in relationships and who is most susceptible to deceit.
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