“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.”
- March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
- Dutch
- Painter, Post-Impressionist Artist, Pioneer of Modern Art
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Quote
“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.”
Explanation
This quote celebrates love as the driving force behind creativity, productivity, and excellence. Van Gogh emphasizes that to “love many things” is not a distraction, but a source of true strength. Love ignites energy, fuels perseverance, and transforms ordinary efforts into meaningful accomplishments. Those who love deeply are not only capable of much—they do things with care and purpose, and thus do them well.
In Van Gogh’s own life, this principle guided his work. He painted not for wealth or fame, but from a profound love of nature, people, and color. His passion gave him the strength to create tirelessly, even in poverty and poor health. His belief that “what is done in love is done well” explains why his works—though underappreciated in his time—now resonate so powerfully: they were made with honesty and emotional devotion.
This quote is a timeless reminder that genuine love—whether for a craft, a cause, or another person—has the power to elevate both the process and the result. It encourages us to pursue what we care about without reservation, and to trust that when our actions are grounded in love, they carry a depth and integrity that no technical skill alone can match.
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