“Just as jealousy is born from love, sometimes love is born from jealousy.”
- 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
「愛から嫉妬が生まれるように、嫉妬から愛が生まれることもある」
English
“Just as jealousy is born from love, sometimes love is born from jealousy.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the complex relationship between love and jealousy. The author suggests that these two emotions are intertwined, often transforming into one another. While love can provoke feelings of jealousy, it can also be argued that jealousy, in its own way, nourishes love, driving individuals to recognize or protect their emotional bonds. The intensity of emotions like love and jealousy can be mutually reinforcing, especially in situations where one person’s feelings might lead to a deeper attachment or possessiveness, which could ultimately lead to a stronger sense of love.
Yukio Mishima, known for his exploration of the darker sides of human emotion, often delved into how love and passion can be perverted or distorted by destructive feelings. In his works, love is frequently portrayed as fragile and volatile, subject to extreme forces like jealousy, pride, and power. This statement can be understood in the context of Mishima’s own cynical views on human relationships, where emotions are seen not as pure, but as products of deeper, sometimes darker instincts.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with how relationships today are still influenced by insecurities and fear of loss. The idea that jealousy can lead to love may be applied to various real-life situations, such as in romantic relationships, where one partner’s jealousy may heighten the sense of attachment or commitment. However, this cycle can also be damaging, showing the dual nature of emotions and their potential to either strengthen or undermine relationships.
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