“There is not a single person in society who knows when to be satisfied, and that is exactly why society generates and develops.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「足るを知る人間なんか誰一人いないのが社会で、それでこそ社会は生成発展するのである。」
English
“There is not a single person in society who knows when to be satisfied, and that is exactly why society generates and develops.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima observes that in society, no one truly understands the concept of satisfaction or contentment. The idea that individuals are never fully satisfied with what they have is, paradoxically, the driving force behind the growth and development of society. Human desire for more—whether it’s wealth, power, knowledge, or status—fuels constant innovation, competition, and progress. By never being content with what they have, individuals push the boundaries of what is possible, leading to the advancement of society as a whole. Mishima’s point is that society’s progress depends on this insatiable desire that keeps pushing forward, never resting in complacency.
Mishima often expressed his discontent with modern society, but here he presents a somewhat cynical view of human nature—one in which greed, ambition, and restlessness are not merely inevitable, but essential to the mechanism of social and cultural advancement. This relentless pursuit of more—whether it’s material or ideological—is what drives individuals and, in turn, society to evolve and adapt. In this sense, satisfaction could be seen as a hindrance to growth because it would slow down the dynamics that keep society moving forward.
In a modern context, Mishima’s insight resonates with the constant consumerism and capitalism that define much of contemporary society, where individual dissatisfaction and the drive for progress fuel endless cycles of economic growth, technological development, and social change. While this insatiability can be seen as a force for innovation, it also raises questions about the cost of this endless striving—the environmental, social, and psychological consequences of never being satisfied. Mishima’s words invite us to consider whether satisfaction or contentment might actually offer a more sustainable and fulfilling way of existing, or whether the relentless pursuit of more is truly what drives human progress.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
