“No matter how much one speaks of ‘the way of both literary and martial arts,’ true mastery of both can only be achieved at the moment of death.”
- 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
「いくら「文武両道」などと云ってみても、本当の文武両道が成立つのは、死の瞬間にしかないだろう」
English
“No matter how much one speaks of ‘the way of both literary and martial arts,’ true mastery of both can only be achieved at the moment of death.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima challenges the traditional concept of “budo” (the way of both martial and literary arts), suggesting that true mastery of both the intellectual and physical realms cannot be fully realized during a person’s life, but only in the moment of death. Mishima implies that the pursuit of excellence in both domains—literature and martial arts—requires a level of commitment and dedication that goes beyond what is achievable in normal, mortal life. In his view, true mastery is unattainable through mere practice and study; it is only at the moment of death, when the individual is forced to face the ultimate test of life and existence, that they can fully embody the ideal balance of mind and body.
This statement reflects Mishima’s broader philosophy regarding discipline and sacrifice, particularly within the context of martial traditions and the rigorous training that he valued. He often believed that life and death were intricately tied, and that in order to fully live with honor, one had to approach life with the same intensity and commitment that they would bring to the moment of their passing. The idea that true balance or mastery of both the mind and the body can only be attained at the moment of death also reflects his thoughts on the impermanence of life and the transitory nature of human achievement.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the extreme dedication required to achieve true mastery in any field, whether intellectual or physical. Mishima suggests that balance and perfection are ideals that cannot be fully realized within the constraints of normal life but are instead linked to a more absolute commitment that transcends the self. Today, this quote could be interpreted as a commentary on the challenges of balancing multiple ambitions, as many individuals today seek to achieve success in both their careers and personal lives. Mishima’s observation serves as a reminder that the ideal of true mastery requires total immersion and sacrifice, and is often only fully realized in moments of ultimate significance, such as when facing one’s own mortality.
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