“The mind is, well, one could say, the impulse to accumulate zeroes infinitely and reach one.”
- 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
「精神は、････まぁいわば、零を無限に集積して一に達しようとする衝動だといえるだろう。」
English
“The mind is, well, one could say, the impulse to accumulate zeroes infinitely and reach one.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima uses the metaphor of accumulating zeroes infinitely to describe the mind’s fundamental drive. He suggests that the mind operates through a kind of endless accumulation of thoughts, ideas, and experiences, which may initially seem insignificant or meaningless (like zeroes). However, through this process, the mind is always striving towards a singular goal or understanding—represented by the one. Mishima highlights the persistence and determination of the mind to find meaning or reach some kind of unity or resolution by accumulating experiences and thoughts over time. This notion suggests that even the smallest, seemingly insignificant elements (the zeroes) have the potential to contribute to the creation of something greater and whole.
Mishima’s idea emphasizes the impatient drive of the human spirit to make sense of the world and find meaning. The mind, through its ceaseless exploration and reflection, is engaged in a constant struggle to bring order and clarity from what may initially appear as fragmented or insignificant elements. The imagery of accumulating zeroes evokes the idea that small, isolated experiences or thoughts—when taken together—can eventually contribute to the formation of something greater, such as a personal revelation or unified understanding of the world. The impulse to move from nothing to something becomes a metaphor for the human condition, driven by the quest to find purpose and meaning through experience, reflection, and intellectual pursuit.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote speaks to the intellectual journey many individuals embark upon in their search for truth, understanding, and meaning. In today’s world, where information is constantly being accumulated through technology, education, and personal experience, the idea that the mind constantly works towards constructing unity from these seemingly disjointed parts resonates deeply. Mishima’s words suggest that even the smallest or most trivial pieces of knowledge can eventually contribute to a larger picture, and that the mind’s impulse is to continuously seek to connect these fragments into a meaningful whole. The drive to turn nothing into something significant is a timeless human pursuit, one that remains essential to our understanding of the world.
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