“Without poetry, without bliss! This is the most important thing. The secret to life lies only there.”
- 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
「詩もなく、至福もなしに！これがもっとも大切だ。生きることの秘訣はそこにしかない」
English
“Without poetry, without bliss! This is the most important thing. The secret to life lies only there.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima emphasizes the importance of simplicity and the idea that the true secret to life lies not in the pursuit of poetry (artistic or aesthetic ideals) or bliss (pleasure or happiness), but rather in the absence of these pursuits. Mishima is suggesting that true meaning in life is found when one lets go of the external ideals that often dominate our desires—whether it be the pursuit of art or pleasure. The phrase “without poetry, without bliss” suggests that the individual should detach themselves from the need to chase after these fleeting ideals. By abandoning the search for external fulfillment, one can instead focus on a more fundamental understanding of existence, which is not dependent on artistic or emotional attainments. According to Mishima, the secret to life lies in accepting the simplicity of living without the weight of these desires.
Mishima’s words reflect his broader philosophy that often challenges the idea that happiness or purpose must come from external achievements or aesthetic expressions. Throughout his works, he explored how the search for meaning often leads to alienation and disappointment when it is tied to transitory ideals. Instead, he suggests that the true essence of life can be found in a return to simplicity and acceptance of life as it is, without the need for external validation or the constant pursuit of pleasure. By rejecting these distractions, one may discover a deeper, more authentic sense of being that is not dependent on society’s standards or personal aspirations.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote invites us to reflect on how society often promotes the idea that happiness and fulfillment are found through material success, artistic expression, or sensory pleasure. In today’s world, where consumerism, social media, and the pursuit of success often dominate, Mishima’s perspective challenges us to reconsider the true sources of meaning in life. His call to embrace life without the need for poetry or bliss speaks to the importance of contentment with the present and a deeper understanding of self, rather than an endless search for things that are ultimately fleeting. Mishima’s words encourage us to focus inward and recognize that the secret to life may lie not in external pursuits, but in the acceptance of life as it comes.
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