“Modern human society is hungry for blood.”
- 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
「現代の人間社会は、血に飢えている」
English
“Modern human society is hungry for blood.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima uses the image of a society that is hungry for blood to suggest that modern civilization has become obsessed with violence, conflict, and drama. The metaphor of hunger emphasizes a deep, insatiable craving that modern society has for scandal, conflict, and sensational events, symbolized by the imagery of blood. Mishima implies that the violent or chaotic aspects of society—whether through war, political strife, or social unrest—are not just inevitable but are almost craved by the public, as these events draw attention, stir emotions, and sustain the interest of society. Blood, in this context, represents the sacrifice or destruction that society, knowingly or unknowingly, feeds on to maintain its excitement, vitality, and sense of progress.
Mishima’s statement reflects his broader critique of modernity, where he often lamented the loss of spiritual depth and the rise of materialism and sensationalism. He believed that modern society had become increasingly shallow, driven by instinctive desires and superficial values, with little concern for moral integrity or deeper meaning. By likening society to one that is hungry for blood, Mishima paints a bleak picture of a world where violence, conflict, and destruction are not only permissible but actively sought as a means of keeping society engaged and distracted. This hunger for blood could be seen as a metaphor for the self-destructive tendencies of modern culture, which thrives on chaos rather than striving for order or meaningful change.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words resonate with contemporary concerns about media sensationalism, violence in entertainment, and the public’s fascination with conflict and scandal. In today’s world, news cycles, social media, and popular culture are often dominated by dramatic events—whether it’s political upheaval, criminal cases, or celebrity scandals—that feed the collective desire for excitement and emotion. Mishima’s quote challenges us to reflect on the moral implications of this societal craving for drama and violence, urging us to consider whether our collective hunger for blood is eroding our ability to seek higher ideals, peace, and spiritual fulfillment in an increasingly fragmented and chaotic world.
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