“Once human passion begins to move according to its own laws, no one can stop it.”
- 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
「人間の情熱は、一旦その法則に従って動き出したら、誰もそれを止めることはできない。」
English
“Once human passion begins to move according to its own laws, no one can stop it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima underscores the irresistible and unstoppable nature of human passion once it has been set in motion. He suggests that passion, once it aligns with its own internal logic or natural course, becomes a force that cannot be controlled or halted by any external influence. This idea reflects the intensity and power of human emotions, which, once fully ignited, take on a life of their own, overriding reason, caution, or social constraints. Mishima is pointing to the inevitable momentum of passion and desire—whether it is in the form of love, ambition, revenge, or any other intense feeling—once it has begun to follow its own path.
Mishima’s statement also highlights a recurring theme in his work: the inexorable force of human nature. He often depicted passion and emotion as not only the driving forces behind human action, but also as forces of fate that are uncontrollable and dangerous once they are awakened. This notion of passion as a law reflects Mishima’s belief in the unpredictability and potential destructiveness of human emotions, and how they can sweep individuals toward outcomes they may never have intended. The idea that no one can stop passion once it begins to operate under its own laws suggests that human desire is beyond reason and that, once unleashed, it cannot be contained or directed by rational will alone.
In a modern context, Mishima’s reflection on the unstoppable force of passion resonates with the unpredictable nature of human behavior, particularly in the age of social media, where emotions and opinions can rapidly spread and become cultural movements. Passion, whether for justice, anger, or romantic love, can quickly gain momentum and lead people to act in ways that may defy logic or consequences. Mishima’s words remind us of the potential for passion to drive people to extreme actions—actions that cannot easily be controlled or reversed once they have begun to unfold.
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