“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
- March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
- Dutch
- Painter, Post-Impressionist Artist, Pioneer of Modern Art
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Quote
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
Explanation
This quote is a direct challenge to fear-driven inaction, asking us to consider what kind of existence we would have if we never dared to try. Van Gogh frames courage as essential to a meaningful life, implying that it is not success but the act of attempting—of reaching, risking, and striving—that gives life its value. Without the courage to begin, he suggests, life becomes stagnant, empty, and unfulfilled.
Van Gogh’s own journey was marked by repeated failures, rejection, and personal turmoil. Yet he continued to paint, to write, and to search for meaning, despite constant setbacks. He attempted things others might have abandoned—painting when unrecognized, loving when unreciprocated, creating beauty from struggle. This quote reflects his belief that trying, even in the face of doubt or defeat, is a victory in itself.
In the modern world, the quote reminds us that progress, creativity, and growth all require courage. Whether it’s starting a new job, expressing oneself through art, or standing up for a belief, the act of attempting is what transforms fear into movement. Van Gogh’s words urge us not to wait for certainty or perfection, but to live bravely—because without courage, there is no life worth living.
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