“Originality is the pearl that can only be discovered in the sea of true universality.”
- 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
「独創性は真の普遍性の海のなかでしか発見されぬ真珠である。」
English
“Originality is the pearl that can only be discovered in the sea of true universality.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima suggests that originality is a rare and valuable treasure, much like a pearl, but it can only be found within the vast and deep ocean of true universality. He implies that genuine creativity and innovative thought are not products of isolated, personal experiences or narrow perspectives, but are instead the result of engaging with the universal aspects of human existence. Originality is not something superficial or self-contained, but rather a reflection of something greater—a broader, universal truth that transcends individual differences and limitations. Mishima presents originality as a product of a larger collective consciousness, shaped by the experiences, struggles, and insights shared across human history.
Mishima often explored the relationship between individual expression and cultural inheritance, believing that true creativity emerged not from self-indulgent or narrow-minded innovation, but from a deep understanding of the universal aspects of existence. He viewed originality as something that required a profound connection to the world, one that embraced the common human experience rather than rejecting it. The metaphor of the pearl, which is formed over time in the depths of the sea, conveys the idea that true originality is nurtured in an environment rich with universal experiences and shared truths, rather than emerging from isolated or self-centered thinking.
In a modern context, Mishima’s statement invites reflection on the value of individual creativity in a world increasingly influenced by global interconnectedness and cultural exchange. In an era where ideas and innovations are often commodified and superficially replicated, Mishima’s words remind us that true originality can only emerge when it is grounded in a deep understanding of the universal human condition. His perspective challenges us to think about the relationship between personal expression and the larger world—how true innovation often arises not in isolation but through the engagement with shared human experiences that transcend time and culture.
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