“Music is like a dream. At the same time, it is also like the opposite of a dream, resembling a state of even more certain awakening.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「音楽は夢に似ている。と同時に、夢とは反対のもの、一段とたしかな覚醒の状態にも似ている」
English
“Music is like a dream. At the same time, it is also like the opposite of a dream, resembling a state of even more certain awakening.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima draws a duality between music and dreams, suggesting that music simultaneously possesses qualities of both illusion and clarity. He first compares music to a dream, implying that it can evoke a sense of emotional depth, fantasy, or transcendence—much like a dream transports us to an alternate reality where the normal rules of existence do not apply. Music, like dreams, often carries a sense of unreality, where boundaries between the self and the world can blur. However, Mishima also argues that music is akin to the opposite of a dream, in that it can bring about a profound sense of awareness and awakening—a clearer, more conscious experience that sharpens one’s perception of the world, almost as if it leads the listener to a higher state of consciousness or self-realization.
This dual comparison reflects Mishima’s view on the transformative power of art—particularly music, which has the ability to lead people into both a dream-like state of imagination and emotional release, while also pulling them into a clear, sharp reality where they experience the world in a more intense and defined way. In Mishima’s world, this tension between dream and awakening in music might symbolize the way art can stir both the unconscious and conscious aspects of our being, creating a dynamic interaction between imagination and reality. Mishima often valued art that could provoke both emotional release and intellectual insight, suggesting that music, much like dreams, offers an escape, but also, paradoxically, awakens the listener to a deeper awareness of themselves and the world around them.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with the dual nature of music in today’s culture. Music can be an escape from the pressures of reality, offering a dream-like quality that allows listeners to transcend their everyday lives. At the same time, music also has the potential to awaken people to more profound truths about their emotions, their identities, and their surroundings. It becomes both a way to lose oneself and a way to find clarity, much like how modern listeners may use music to either reflect on personal experiences or to disconnect from the chaos of the world. Mishima’s insight on music suggests that its power lies in its ability to transform listeners in ways that are both dream-like and awakening, making it a uniquely multidimensional experience.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
