“We do not know how to preserve beauty and the pleasure it brings, except by wisely stopping at the edge of beauty.”
- 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
「われわれは美の縁のところで賢明に立ちどまること以外に、美を保ち、それから受ける快楽を保つ方法を知りません。」
English
“We do not know how to preserve beauty and the pleasure it brings, except by wisely stopping at the edge of beauty.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima reflects on the fragility of beauty and its elusive nature. He suggests that the only way to truly preserve beauty and continue to experience its pleasure is by stopping short of fully possessing or overindulging in it. To approach beauty wisely means recognizing that it is best maintained by limiting our exposure to it, preventing us from exploiting or distorting it. Mishima implies that the transience of beauty is part of its appeal, and by attempting to hold onto it for too long or desiring it too much, we risk destroying the very essence that makes it pleasurable.
The quote suggests that beauty is most powerful when it is elusive—when it remains just out of reach, creating a sense of longing that enhances its allure. Mishima emphasizes that the balance between desire and restraint is essential to maintaining the pleasure derived from beauty. By stopping at the “edge” of beauty, we allow it to remain fresh and mysterious, preventing it from becoming overwhelming or losing its value.
In a modern context, this idea might reflect how society often treats aesthetic experiences or art. When beauty is consumed excessively or without reverence, it can lose its impact or become commodified. Mishima’s words remind us that beauty is not something to be taken for granted but rather something that should be cherished and respected from a distance, allowing its pleasure to endure.
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