“Love is frightening to everyone, because there are no laws in love.”
- 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
「愛はみんな怖しいんですよ、愛には法則がありませんから」
English
“Love is frightening to everyone, because there are no laws in love.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima emphasizes the unpredictable and chaotic nature of love. He suggests that love is frightening because it defies logic and lacks any predictable rules or structures. Unlike other aspects of life that can be governed by clear laws or principles, love operates outside of these boundaries, making it an unstable and uncontrollable force. Mishima’s portrayal of love as something that lacks law reflects his broader themes of existential uncertainty and the tension between order and chaos. For Mishima, love represents a disruptive power that challenges the security and rationality that individuals often seek in life.
Mishima’s view of love as fearful and lawless can be understood in the context of his belief that human emotions are inherently uncontrollable and often lead to disastrous consequences. Throughout his works, love is often depicted as a force that overpowers reason, creating conflict and suffering. This idea of love as something unfathomable and frightening contrasts with more conventional notions of love as a harmonious, fulfilling experience. For Mishima, love’s lack of structure makes it both alluring and dangerous, as it is an experience that cannot be fully controlled or understood.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with the uncertainty and vulnerability that people often experience in relationships today. In an age of dating apps, instant connections, and shifting expectations, love can feel both exciting and overwhelming, as it lacks the clear guidelines people often seek. The idea that love has no laws reminds us that it is not always rational and can surprise us, challenging our emotional stability. This makes love both a source of joy and fear, as people constantly navigate the complex dynamics that govern their emotional lives.
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