“When one becomes obsessed solely with beauty, they unknowingly collide with the darkest thoughts in this world.”
- 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
「美ということだけを思いつめると、人間はこの世で最も暗黒な思想にしらずしらずぶつかるのである。」
English
“When one becomes obsessed solely with beauty, they unknowingly collide with the darkest thoughts in this world.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima warns against an obsession with beauty, suggesting that such a focus can lead to a confrontation with the darkest or most destructive aspects of the human experience. Mishima implies that the pursuit of beauty—whether in art, nature, or human appearance—can become an all-consuming obsession, one that distracts from the deeper, more complex aspects of life, such as morality, meaning, and authenticity. This obsession may, in turn, lead to an unintended encounter with darker, more nihilistic philosophies or worldviews that reject the inherent imperfection and suffering of existence in favor of an idealized perfection.
Mishima’s warning may reflect his belief in the danger of pursuing aesthetic ideals to the exclusion of other vital concerns, such as ethical responsibility and the acceptance of imperfection. He suggests that those who prioritize beauty above all else may lose touch with the realities of life and become ensnared by destructive illusions, ultimately leading them to an empty or disillusioned worldview. In Mishima’s worldview, the pursuit of beauty, when taken to an extreme, might foster a sense of disillusionment or despair that blinds individuals to the true nature of the world, with all its flaws, contradictions, and complexities.
In a modern context, this quote serves as a reflection on today’s obsession with aesthetics—whether in the form of social media beauty standards, consumer culture, or the idealization of perfection in various fields. As people increasingly prioritize outward appearances or superficial beauty, Mishima’s words serve as a reminder of the potential emptiness that can result from neglecting deeper, more meaningful pursuits in favor of an idealized vision of perfection. The pursuit of beauty alone, when detached from purpose, morality, or human connection, can ultimately lead to feelings of disillusionment or an encounter with darkness, as Mishima suggests.
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