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Now, there are people who say to me 'Why did you have anything to do with her,' - that's one fact. And there are people who say to her, 'Why did you have anything to do with him,' - that's another fact. Apart from that, both she and I have grief enough and trouble enough, but as for regrets - neither of us have any. Look here - I believe without question, or have the certain knowledge, that she loves me. I believe without question, or have the certain knowledge, that I love her. It has been sincerely meant. But has it also been foolish, etc? Perhaps, if you like - but aren't the wise ones, those who never do anything foolish, even more foolish in my eyes than I am in theirs?

Vincent Van Gogh#16

LoveWisdomFeelingsJudgmentRegret

About this quote

What does it mean?
He reflects on a relationship judged by others, affirming mutual love without regret. He questions whether avoiding foolishness is itself a foolish act.
In plain terms
He loves someone without regret even if others disapprove.
What can you take from it?
Follow your heart even if it looks foolish to others.

Where it applies

  • relationship choices
  • public criticism
  • personal values

Putting it to work

  • trust your feelings
  • ignore external judgment
  • accept risks

Questions to consider

  • When have you chosen love over prudence?
  • Who defines foolishness in your life?

Another view

Love without regret does not guarantee a successful outcome.

More from Vincent Van Gogh

  1. Do you know what makes the prison disappear? Every deep, genuine affection. Being friends, being brothers, loving, that is what opens the prison, with supreme …

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  2. You will say that I am not a success - vaincre or etre vaincu, [to conquer or to be conquered], it doesn't matter to me, one has feeling and movement in any ev…

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. People are often unable to do anything, imprisoned as they are in I don't know what kind of terrible, terrible, oh such terrible cage. I do know that there is …

    Permalink to quote #14

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