“The love of flesh and blood, once its path is twisted, can transform into terrible hatred.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「骨肉の情愛というものは、一度その道を曲げられると、おそろしい憎悪に変わってしまう」
English
“The love of flesh and blood, once its path is twisted, can transform into terrible hatred.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima explores the fragility and intensity of familial love or blood ties, suggesting that the deep affection people have for their close relatives can easily turn into hatred if these bonds are betrayed or distorted. The phrase “骨肉の情愛” (love of flesh and blood) implies that the emotional connection between family members is rooted in something inherently primal, deep, and unbreakable. However, Mishima warns that this very strength can become a source of destructive power if the relationship is betrayed or manipulated. The love between family members, when betrayed, doesn’t fade into indifference, but instead transforms into an intense, destructive emotion—hatred. Mishima emphasizes the extreme volatility of such emotional bonds, showing that familial love, when corrupted, can lead to powerful consequences that are far from benign.
Mishima’s exploration of the theme of betrayal within familial love reflects his broader interest in the dual nature of human emotions. He often examined how positive emotions, such as love or devotion, when distorted or violated, can lead to their dark opposites, like hatred or revenge. The intense emotions associated with family ties are shown to be volatile—while they can produce great affection and loyalty, they can also become a force of destruction when manipulated or betrayed. This view aligns with Mishima’s broader philosophical concerns about the fragility of human relationships and the dangerous potential of emotional extremes when boundaries are crossed.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the power of family dynamics and the intensity of relationships that are built on shared history and blood ties. Today, many people still experience the depth of family love, but Mishima’s warning about the potential for betrayal and the transformation of that love into resentment and hatred serves as a reminder of how easily relationships can deteriorate when trust is violated. Whether in personal relationships, political allegiances, or even cultural identities, Mishima’s words encourage reflection on the fragility of deep connections and the extreme consequences of betrayal. His quote challenges us to acknowledge the complexity of emotional bonds, particularly when they are tested by deception, disloyalty, or misunderstanding.
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