“The devil’s invention is God’s hygiene.”
- 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
「悪魔の発明は神の衛生学だ」
English
“The devil’s invention is God’s hygiene.”
Explanation
This striking statement by Mishima draws attention to the ironic and paradoxical nature of human inventions and their moral implications. By suggesting that what is conceived as evil or demonic could, in a larger sense, serve a divine purpose, Mishima underscores the dual nature of human creations. The phrase “God’s hygiene” implies that what might initially appear as sinister or corrupt could, through its consequences or its unintended effects, be part of a greater order or plan. In this sense, the devil’s invention, often associated with destruction or immorality, may have a function that ultimately purifies or corrects something in the world, reflecting Mishima’s view on the complex interrelations between good and evil.
Mishima often explored the idea that extremes—whether of violence, passion, or immorality—can lead to moments of clarity or revelation. His works suggest that human nature is complex, with the potential for both creation and destruction existing within the same impulses. This quote highlights how what is perceived as evil in the short term may, in the long run, serve a higher, even divine, purpose, challenging conventional ideas of morality. Mishima implies that evil or destructive forces are integral to the broader cosmic or spiritual balance, as they play a role in the eventual order of things.
In a modern context, this quote can be applied to how negative events or controversial actions sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes or positive changes. Whether it’s the rise of technology, which can have harmful side effects, or societal shifts born from conflict, Mishima’s insight reminds us that human actions, no matter how immoral they may seem at the time, often bring about transformations that can be redemptive or constructive in the long term. This highlights the complex nature of progress, where negative forces may paradoxically lead to growth or improvement.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
