“The pleasure of seeing someone’s astonished face is the ultimate form of pleasure.”
- 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
「人のおどろく顔を見るというたのしみは、たのしみの極致を行くものである。」
English
“The pleasure of seeing someone’s astonished face is the ultimate form of pleasure.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima presents an unconventional view of pleasure, focusing on the satisfaction derived from witnessing someone else’s surprise or shock. He implies that the act of eliciting surprise from others, or seeing their reaction, offers a kind of satisfaction that surpasses other forms of enjoyment. This may suggest that human interaction—particularly the emotional impact one has on others—can be a source of intense pleasure, as it demonstrates the power and control one has over another’s emotions or perceptions. Mishima’s emphasis on the “astonished face” highlights the dramatic nature of this pleasure, as surprise is often an emotion that is deeply felt and difficult to hide.
Mishima’s words might also reflect a sadistic or manipulative dimension of human behavior, where the enjoyment derived from other people’s reactions is linked to a sense of superiority or dominance. This pleasure does not necessarily arise from kindness or connection but from disturbing the equilibrium of others’ lives, causing them to react in a way that is out of their control. The enjoyment of surprise is often an unexpected and transitory pleasure, one that is fleeting but impactful, demonstrating how human pleasure can sometimes stem from disruption rather than from harmony.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote can be seen as a reflection on the power dynamics in social interactions, where people often derive satisfaction from manipulating the emotions of others—whether through pranks, social media posts, or other forms of interaction designed to provoke astonishment. The pleasure of seeing others surprised can be both innocent and malicious, depending on the context. Mishima’s words invite us to consider how much of human pleasure is tied not just to personal fulfillment, but also to the impact we have on those around us, and how we sometimes derive joy from pushing others into emotional extremes.
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