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I have often neglected my appearance. I admit it, and I also admit that it is 'shocking.' But look here, lack of money and poverty have something to do with it too, as well as a profound disillusionment, and besides, it is sometimes a good way of ensuring the solitude you need, of concentrating more or less on whatever study you are immersed in.

Vincent Willem Van Gogh#2

Van goghPovertyFocusAppearanceArtistrySolitude

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Van Gogh admits neglecting his appearance due to poverty and disillusionment, but also sees it as a way to ensure solitude for study.
In plain terms
He ignores his looks because he is poor and disillusioned, which also helps him focus on his work.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes neglecting external appearances can help maintain focus on internal goals.

Where it applies

  • studying
  • creating art
  • managing poverty

Putting it to work

  • prioritize work over image
  • accept financial limitations

Questions to consider

  • How much should appearance matter compared to work?
  • Is solitude worth the cost to self-presentation?

Another view

This justification might overlook the social costs of neglecting hygiene or presentation.

More from Vincent Willem Van Gogh

  1. That God of the clergymen, He is for me as dead as a doornail. But am I an atheist for all that? The clergymen consider me as such - be it so; but I love, and …

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  2. Now for the past five years or so, I don't know how long exactly, I have been more or less without permanent employment, wandering from pillar to post. You wil…

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  3. What is true is that I have at times earned my own crust of bread, and at other times a friend has given it to me out of the goodness of his heart. I have live…

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