“It is often said that a man looks beautiful when he is absorbed in his work, but what good would it do for a man who was never beautiful to become absorbed in his work?”
- 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
「仕事に熱中している男は美しく見えるとよく云われるが、もともと美しくもない男が仕事に熱中したって何になるだろう」
English
“It is often said that a man looks beautiful when he is absorbed in his work, but what good would it do for a man who was never beautiful to become absorbed in his work?”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima challenges the commonly held belief that dedication to work can somehow enhance a man’s beauty or appeal. He questions this notion by suggesting that a man who is not inherently beautiful will not become beautiful simply by immersing himself in his work. Mishima implies that while passion and commitment to one’s profession can be admirable qualities, they do not magically transform a person who lacks certain aesthetic qualities into something they are not. The quote plays on the subjectivity of beauty, suggesting that external traits such as physical appearance are not easily altered by internal factors like work ethic alone.
Mishima’s critique reflects his broader views on appearance, identity, and the relationship between internal and external qualities. He often explored how society values outward beauty and physical presence, while also recognizing that some qualities, such as intelligence, passion, or dedication, may not always be recognized in the same way. Mishima’s statement suggests a disillusionment with the idea that work or passion can compensate for a lack of physical appeal, highlighting the complexity of human attraction and the limitations of internal qualities in the face of societal standards of beauty.
In a modern context, this quote can be seen as a reflection on how society often values external appearance over internal qualities, despite changing attitudes toward beauty and personal value. Today, while there is a growing appreciation for qualities like passion, intellect, and hard work, the influence of physical appearance on perception remains significant, especially in an era dominated by media and visual culture. Mishima’s words encourage us to question the idea that dedication or intensity in one’s work can replace the importance of external beauty, urging us to consider how society often prioritizes superficial attributes over deeper, more intrinsic qualities.
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