Animals Quote by Yukio Mishima
““As to animals," said the Count unexpectedly, "whatever one says, I maintain that the rodent family has a certain charm about it." "The rodent family . . . ?" replied the Baron, not getting the drift at all. "Rabbits, marmots, squirrels, and the like." "You have pets of that sort, sir?" "No, sir, not at all. Too much of an odor. It would be all over the house." "Ah, I see. Very charming, but you wouldn't have them in the house, is that it?" "Well, sir, in the first place, they seem to have been ignored by the poets, d'you see. And what has no place in a poem has no place in my house. That's my family rule." "I see." "No, I don't keep them as pets. But they're such fuzzy, timid little creatures that I can't help thinking there's no more charming animal." "Yes, Count, I quite agree." "Actually, sir, every charming creature, no matter what sort, seems to have a strong odor." "Yes, indeed, sir. I believe one might say so.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sea of Fertility (Spring Snow), 1969
The Count argues that animals with a distinct odor are overlooked by poets and thus excluded from his home, reflecting a personal rule that aesthetic appeal must be odorless.
In simple terms: He believes smelly animals are ignored by art and should stay out of his house.
Key Takeaway
Accept that some creatures are valued despite flaws.
Themes
aesthetic preference
odor
social norms
Mood
reflective
critical
contemplative
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- literary discussion
- home décor decisions
- pet ownership debates
Key Concepts
subjectivity
cultural bias
personal rule
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you judge worth by superficial traits?
- Can you appreciate value beyond appearance?
A Different Perspective
Not all valuable things fit conventional standards.
