Give me the danger

April 03, 2025

“Fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm fearsome, but they never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore. They leave that wisdom to those to who it appeals. When the storm comes - when night falls- what’s worse: the danger or the fear of danger? Give me reality, the danger itself.”
-Vincent Van Gogh

When they lowered Vincent Van Gogh into his grave, he was, by all accounts, an abject failure. The now household name had created 2000 pieces of art in his lifetime, but he lived to see only one be sold[1].

Van Gogh didn’t just face storms, he barely caught any fish. And yet he didn’t remain ashore. Despite not being able to enjoy his success in mortality, his decision to choose the storm has gifted his work immortality.