“Morality is something like a natural work of art that a nation creates over the course of many years.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「道徳的感覚というものは、一国民が永年にわたって作り出す自然の芸術品のようなものであろう。」
English
“Morality is something like a natural work of art that a nation creates over the course of many years.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima compares moral sense to a natural work of art that is gradually formed and shaped over time by a nation. He suggests that morality, much like a finely crafted artistic creation, is not something innate or immediate but something that evolves and takes shape through shared experiences, traditions, and values over generations. This process of development, according to Mishima, requires patience and a deep connection to the historical and cultural fabric of the nation. Just as a piece of art is carefully sculpted and refined, so too is the moral sense of a society, a product of accumulated wisdom and collective effort.
Mishima’s comparison of morality to a work of art emphasizes its complexity and nuance, suggesting that it is not simply a set of rules or ideas but a dynamic, evolving force within society. He implies that, much like an artistic tradition, morality cannot be simply imposed from the outside but must emerge organically from the interactions and values of the people. The notion that morality is something crafted over time reflects Mishima’s broader interest in the relationship between culture, identity, and ethics. He often explored how these elements are deeply intertwined and how the moral fabric of a nation is shaped by its history, rituals, and collective consciousness.
In a modern context, Mishima’s insight might prompt us to consider how modern societies have evolved in terms of their moral frameworks and whether those frameworks are as deeply rooted in tradition as they once were. With the rise of globalization and cultural exchanges, many societies today face challenges in maintaining a cohesive moral sense that is shared across generations. Mishima’s words call us to reflect on the importance of cultural continuity and the need for historically grounded values that shape and sustain a nation’s moral compass. His vision suggests that a moral sense, like an artistic masterpiece, requires careful cultivation and should not be rushed or diluted by fleeting trends or external pressures.
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