Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch painter popularly known for his paintings like the Starry Night and his expressive use of colour, bold brushstrokes and emotionally powerful artwork.Despite struggling with poverty and mental health challenges during his life, he created masterpieces of art and is celebrated as one of history’s most influential artists.Beyond his artwork, his words of wisdom are also cherished today, that are retrieved through his letters to his brother Theo.He once talked about a those moments in life when it feels as if everyone else is moving ahead while we are still trying to figure things out.Be it a friend who gets a promotion, a colleague receives recognition, or someone same as our age who achieves a milestone we have been dreaming about.Suddenly, our own progress begins to feel smaller. We start questioning our abilities, wondering whether we are doing enough and whether the effort we put in today will ever lead to anything meaningful.Being at the beginner stage or lagging behind while constantly trying does not mean being incapable, just as being overlooked does not mean being unimportant.Lets us know what he means to say.
Quote of the day
If I am worth anything later, I am worth something now. For wheat is wheat, even if people think it is a grass in the beginning
Vincent van Gogh
What does the quote mean?
Van Gogh reminds us to recognise our worth before the world recognises it. He tells that it is important for us to not always associate success, appreciation or public approval with determining how valuable a person is.He explains that using an example of wheat, just like the plant might be deceiving with a similar appearance as a grass, it might not look impressive or different to someone who does not know what it will become.Yet, its potential does not begin the day it is recognised. In the same way, a person does not suddenly become talented, capable or deserving of respect after receiving a promotion, winning an award or achieving a lifelong dream.Van Gogh expressed this idea in a letter to his younger brother Theo in January 1885, while discussing his artistic work and his belief in improving through persistent effort. His words remind us that growth and worth are not necessarily the same thing. We can continue developing our abilities without treating our present selves as failures.
How is it relevant in today’s world
Even today it means that we can acknowledge our potential while accepting that we are still a work in progress. There is a difference between saying, “I need to improve,” and believing, “I am not good enough until I improve.”The first allows us to grow. The second makes our self-respect dependent on reaching an uncertain destination.For young professionals, this pressure can be especially familiar. Someone who has worked hard for years may still be waiting for a breakthrough, while another person seems to have found success much earlier. It is easy to feel left behind, even when we are learning, gaining experience and gradually becoming better at what we do.
