“To think that life, like driving a car, can succeed by being overly cautious is nonsense.”
- 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
「人生が車の運転と同様に、慎重一点張りで成功するなどと思われてたまるものか」
English
“To think that life, like driving a car, can succeed by being overly cautious is nonsense.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima rejects the idea that life can be navigated or successful solely through extreme caution and restraint. He uses the metaphor of driving a car to illustrate his point. Just as one cannot drive a car successfully by only being overly cautious or hesitant, life too requires more than just careful and measured steps. Mishima suggests that in both life and driving, boldness, decisiveness, and action are necessary for progress. If one is always too cautious, they risk remaining stationary or stagnant, failing to move forward or seize opportunities. The underlying message is that success—in life or on the road—often demands a balance of caution and daring decisions, as a life lived in fear of risk leads to missed chances.
Mishima’s quote also touches on his broader philosophy about the nature of living fully and the importance of embracing life’s uncertainties. Throughout his work, he often explored the tension between discipline and boldness, arguing that personal growth and achievement come not from avoiding risk or dangers, but from actively engaging with them. He believed that the true essence of life could not be captured by simply playing it safe or trying to avoid challenges. Instead, life must be lived with vigor, taking risks and making bold decisions, even if they might lead to failure or setbacks.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words are a reminder that, especially in today’s fast-paced and competitive world, success rarely comes from playing it safe or being overly cautious. Whether in career pursuits, personal goals, or creative endeavors, the need for bold action and taking risks is as important as the need for prudence. Mishima’s perspective challenges us to reflect on how often we avoid taking chances due to fear or hesitation and how that fear might be holding us back from experiencing life to its fullest potential.
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