“Which runs faster, love or a dog? Now, which gets dirty faster?”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「恋と犬とはどっちが早く駈けるでしょう。さてどっちが早く汚れるでしょう」
English
“Which runs faster, love or a dog? Now, which gets dirty faster?”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima uses the comparison between love and a dog to highlight the intensity and chaotic nature of love. He contrasts love’s impulsive, passionate movement with the dog’s natural, unrestrained speed, suggesting that both are frenzied forces, but love has an inherent messiness or risk that leads to complications. The first part of the quote asks which is faster, with the implication that love, like a dog, moves quickly and without restraint, often leading individuals into situations they may not be able to control. The second part of the quote, which asks which gets dirty faster, further emphasizes the wildness of love—it is not just an uncontrollable force, but one that inevitably leads to compromise, mess, and discomfort. In both cases, love is portrayed as a powerful, uncontrollable, and potentially corrupting force.
Mishima’s metaphor draws attention to the dynamics of human emotion, where love is both exhilarating and disruptive. Like a dog, which runs freely and can get dirty from its surroundings, love is often associated with a loss of control, leading to emotional messiness. Mishima’s words reflect his understanding of human nature and the tendency for people to lose themselves in love, resulting in experiences that can be both joyful and painful. Love is presented as something that involves a reckless abandon, much like a dog running without care, but this freedom inevitably leads to chaos and complications.
In a modern context, this quote can be interpreted as a reflection on how love in today’s society is often experienced in an intense and unpredictable manner. Much like the dog, which is free to run and play but inevitably becomes dirty, people today might view love as an all-consuming force that offers freedom and excitement but also results in emotional baggage. Mishima’s quote suggests that while love can be thrilling, it is rarely without consequences, and those who engage in it must be ready to face the discomfort that often accompanies passion and attachment.
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