“Within the hatred toward humanity and the world, there is always a hidden intoxication.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「人間と世界に対する嫌悪の中には必ず陶酔がひそむ。」
English
“Within the hatred toward humanity and the world, there is always a hidden intoxication.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima suggests that even in hatred or disgust toward the world and humanity, there exists an underlying intoxication or pleasure. He points to the paradox that negative emotions, such as resentment or aversion, can also carry a certain thrill or self-satisfaction. The hatred of the world can become a form of escape or liberation for the individual, as it allows them to feel superior or detached from the flaws and struggles of society. This paradoxical idea points to the self-destructive nature of negative emotions, where one becomes addicted to the intensity of those feelings, even if they ultimately bring only pain or emptiness.
Mishima’s reflection touches on the complex relationship between hatred and pleasure. He suggests that people may derive a sense of power from their hatred, as it gives them a reason to feel different from or above others, often leading them to become entranced or hypnotized by their own bitterness. This internal intoxication can become a form of self-sustenance, where the person is indirectly nourished by their negative emotions, unable or unwilling to break free from the cycle of resentment. In essence, Mishima is commenting on how hatred is not always just a negative force, but one that can feed and sustain itself through its own intensity.
In a modern context, this quote may resonate with how some individuals or societal groups become trapped in a cycle of anger or disillusionment with the world, society, or even themselves. In an age where polarization and division are increasingly prevalent, people may find themselves addicted to their anger or frustration, as it provides a sense of identity or purpose. Mishima’s insight reminds us of the danger of becoming too deeply immersed in negative emotions, and how these feelings can sometimes mask deeper desires for meaning or control. His words encourage a reflection on the addictive nature of resentment and the need for self-awareness in breaking free from such cycles.
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