“The way to know life is to love many things.”
- March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
- Dutch
- Painter, Post-Impressionist Artist, Pioneer of Modern Art
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Quote
“The way to know life is to love many things.”
Explanation
This quote expresses Van Gogh’s conviction that the essence of life is discovered through love, especially a broad, open-hearted love for the world and its many facets. To “love many things” is to engage deeply with life—its people, its beauty, its struggles, its mysteries. Through this engagement, one comes to understand life not through analysis, but through passion and connection.
Van Gogh himself embodied this idea. He was not only a painter but also a student of literature, religion, and nature. His letters are filled with intense admiration for everyday subjects—sunflowers, peasants, the stars. This breadth of affection fueled his creativity and gave him a profound appreciation for existence, even amid hardship. His love for varied things helped him make sense of his inner turmoil and gave meaning to his work.
In today’s world, this quote serves as an antidote to cynicism and detachment. It encourages us to stay curious, to care, to be moved by art, nature, people, and ideas, even when doing so risks disappointment or heartache. Loving many things expands our capacity for empathy and wonder, allowing us to know life not just intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually.
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