Desire Quote by Yukio Mishima
““Even though still young, I did not know what it was to experience the clear-cut feeling of platonic love. Was this a misfortune? But what meaning could ordinary misfortune have for me? The vague uneasiness surrounding my sexual feelings had practically made the carnal world an obsession with me. my curiosity was actually purely intellectual, but I became skillful at convincing myself that it was carnal desire incarnate. What is more, I mastered the art of delusion until I could regard myself as a truly lewd-minded person. As a result I assumed the stylish airs of an adult, of a man of the world. I affected the attitude of being completely tired of women. Thus it was that I first became obsessed with the idea of the kiss. Actually the action called a kiss represented nothing more for me than some place where my spirit could seek shelter. I can say so now. But at that time, in order to delude myself that this desire was animal passion. I had to undertake an elaborate disguise of mu true self. The unconscious feeling of guilt resulting from this false pretense atubbornly insisted that I play a conscious and false role.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Yukio Mishima, 1956
The narrator confesses to masking intellectual curiosity about sexuality with a false persona of carnal desire, creating inner conflict and self‑delusion.
In simple terms: He pretended to be driven by lust while actually seeking emotional shelter.
Recognize and own true motivations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- adolescence
- self‑exploration
- relationships
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the narrator truly seek in intimacy?
- How does self‑deception affect personal growth?
The narrative may romanticize self‑delusion, ignoring healthier self‑acceptance.