“This world is filled with the positive images of imperfect humans.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「この世は不完全な人間の陽画（ポジティブ）に充ちている」
English
“This world is filled with the positive images of imperfect humans.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the nature of human existence and the imperfections inherent in it. He describes the world as being full of the “positive images” (陽画, or yōga, which translates to “positive images”) of imperfect humans. The “positive images” here could refer to the outward expressions, accomplishments, or portrayals that humans create in an attempt to present themselves as whole, successful, or perfect. Mishima suggests that despite the inherent flaws and limitations of human nature, people often project a positive or idealized version of themselves to the world. These “positive images” are, however, ultimately incomplete—they are only surface-level representations of the complex and imperfect nature of human beings. Mishima’s words may point to the gap between how humans appear and the deeper, more flawed realities that lie beneath the surface.
Mishima’s observation touches on his broader reflections about identity, society, and the masks that individuals wear to navigate the world. He often explored the tension between the ideal self—the version of a person they wish to present to others—and the true self, which is often messy, contradictory, and flawed. Mishima’s view of the “positive images” created by humans as ultimately incomplete speaks to the unrealized nature of human experience, where our desires to be seen as perfect or whole often fall short of the truth. This tension between appearance and reality can lead to disillusionment, as individuals or society come to terms with the limitations of these idealized projections.
In a modern context, this quote reflects the constant pressure on individuals today to present an idealized image of themselves, especially in the age of social media and public personas. People often curate their lives to project a sense of success and happiness, masking the imperfections that lie beneath. Mishima’s words encourage us to acknowledge that these “positive images” are, at best, incomplete representations of who we truly are. They reflect human aspirations, but also serve as a reminder that true self-understanding and authenticity are not found in the idealized version we show the world, but in the imperfections that define us. Mishima’s insight challenges us to embrace our flaws and incompleteness, suggesting that it is through this acceptance that we might come to understand the fullness of our human experience.
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