“Love always brings difficulties, that is true, but the good side of it is that it gives energy.”
- March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
- Dutch
- Painter, Post-Impressionist Artist, Pioneer of Modern Art
table of contents
Quote
“Love always brings difficulties, that is true, but the good side of it is that it gives energy.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Van Gogh’s nuanced understanding of love as both a challenge and a vital force. He acknowledges that love is rarely simple—it brings pain, confusion, and vulnerability. Yet despite these hardships, he emphasizes that love also invigorates, inspires, and strengthens. It is a source of emotional power that fuels creativity, endurance, and the will to live.
Van Gogh experienced love in many forms—romantic, familial, spiritual—and often suffered because of it. His letters are filled with longing, heartbreak, and unfulfilled affection. Still, he never dismissed love’s value. Instead, he believed that even unrequited or troubled love could awaken passion, fueling his art and giving him a sense of purpose. Love, to him, was not something to be avoided because it hurts, but something to embrace because it energizes the soul.
In contemporary life, this quote resonates with anyone who has faced emotional hardship in the pursuit of connection. It reminds us that while love may be difficult, it is also transformative, pushing us to grow and feel deeply. Whether through relationships, compassion for others, or a passion for one’s work, love gives life its urgency and depth—it may bruise us, but it also moves us forward.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
