“It’s pointless to believe in an invisible god who poses no risk of betrayal.”
- 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
「裏切る心配のない見えない神様などを信じてもつまりませんわ」
English
“It’s pointless to believe in an invisible god who poses no risk of betrayal.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima expresses skepticism towards the concept of a god who is infallible and cannot betray those who believe in him. He suggests that a god who is perfectly trustworthy and free from the possibility of betrayal lacks the complexity and depth that would make belief in such a figure truly meaningful. Mishima’s critique implies that true faith or devotion arises from the possibility of betrayal or failure—from the tension between trust and doubt—which makes the relationship between the believer and the divine truly real and engaging. The absence of such risk or challenge makes belief in such a god feel meaningless, as it lacks the emotional stakes and struggle that Mishima believed to be integral to human experience.
Mishima often explored themes of loyalty, betrayal, and personal commitment in his works, particularly in the context of honor and sacrifice. In his view, a relationship without the potential for betrayal is a relationship devoid of true engagement. He suggests that faith—whether in religion, in ideals, or in individuals—must involve a tension between trust and the possibility of betrayal, as this is what gives it meaning and depth. In this sense, Mishima sees betrayal not merely as a negative force, but as an essential component of human relationships that give them weight and significance.
In a modern context, this quote can be applied to contemporary views on faith and spirituality. In a world that often seeks certainty and comfort, Mishima’s words suggest that true belief or devotion may arise from the uncertainty and challenges faced in one’s relationship with the divine, rather than from an easy or guaranteed sense of security. His critique challenges those who seek an idealized faith free from struggle, suggesting that authentic belief is rooted in the complexity of trust and the acknowledgment of potential failure—that it is precisely the risk of betrayal that makes the relationship with the divine or the human experience of faith meaningful.
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