“How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?”
- March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
- Dutch
- Painter, Post-Impressionist Artist, Pioneer of Modern Art
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Quote
“How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?”
Explanation
This quote expresses a powerful blend of yearning for purpose and self-discovery. Van Gogh is not merely asking about personal success or talent—he is seeking a way to contribute meaningfully to others and the world. The repetition of questions reflects both uncertainty and intensity, while “there is something inside me” suggests a deep, intuitive awareness of untapped potential or calling, even if its form remains unclear.
Van Gogh wrote these words during a time of personal turmoil, before fully embracing his identity as an artist. He had worked in religious ministry and education, searching for a role that matched his inner convictions. This quote reveals the tension between feeling a strong internal fire and not yet knowing how to translate it into action. Eventually, painting became his answer—his way of serving beauty, truth, and emotion.
In today’s context, the quote resonates with anyone who feels driven by an inner force they can’t yet name or direct. It’s a reminder that feeling uncertain about one’s path is not a weakness, but part of the journey toward purpose. Van Gogh’s vulnerable questioning becomes an invitation to listen inward and to trust that even before clarity comes, the impulse to serve and create is already meaningful.
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