“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”
- March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
- Dutch
- Painter, Post-Impressionist Artist, Pioneer of Modern Art
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Quote
“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”
Explanation
This quote reflects the idea that true commitment requires facing danger and uncertainty with courage. Fishermen, knowing the sea’s risks, still choose to go out because their purpose and livelihood depend on it. Van Gogh uses this metaphor to express a broader truth: fear is real, but it must not be allowed to stop us from acting. The value of the goal—be it survival, meaning, or artistic truth—must outweigh the fear of hardship.
For Van Gogh, painting was like sailing into stormy waters. He was constantly beset by inner turmoil, societal rejection, and financial instability, yet he kept creating. This quote speaks to the mindset that persistence is not the absence of fear, but the refusal to be ruled by it. It is an affirmation of bravery—not reckless, but resolute in the face of unavoidable danger.
Today, this message resonates with anyone standing on the edge of a difficult choice. Whether starting a business, creating art, speaking out, or pursuing a dream, we often face “storms” that threaten to hold us back. Van Gogh reminds us that those who achieve something meaningful rarely do so without risk, and that the call of purpose is stronger than the pull of safety.
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