The Unlit Lamp

“Perhaps it will seem to you
that the sunshine is brighter
and that everything has a new charm.

At least,
I believe this is always
the result of a deep love,
and it is a beautiful thing.

And I believe people
who think love prevents one
from thinking clearly are wrong;
for then one thinks very clearly
and is more active than before.

And love is something eternal–
the aspect may change,
but not the essence.

There is the same difference in a person
before and after he is in love
as there is in an unlighted lamp
and one that is burning.

The lamp was there and it was a good lamp,
but now it is shedding light too,
and that is its real function.

And love makes one calmer
about many things,
and in that way,
one is more fit for one’s work.”

~Vincent van Gogh~
(Dutch Painter, one of the greatest of the Post-Impressionists, 1853-1890)

I think I appreciate Vincent van Gogh a little more now.

Check out the short posts on my other blogs.
You might find something helpful.

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