Wheat is Wheat

July 29, 2025

“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

Vincent van Gogh died in obscurity. He hardly sold a painting in his lifetime. As stoic as this quote is, I’m sure this was more wishful thinking than certainty on Vincent’s part. He believed he was wheat but all evidence said he was grass.

When your efforts aren’t translating into results what should you do? Certainly changing the dream would be justified. No one would have blamed Vincent if he decided to go be a stone mason or a carpenter. Everyone knew Vincent was grass, except Vincent. The line between delusion and dedication is razor thin and I wouldn’t profess to know where one morphs into the other. But I’m grateful he held out. Deep conviction held in the face of conventional wisdom deserves to be rewarded and I’m glad Vincent has had his day (centuries of fame) now in the sun.

It’s a nice thought to think he has been able to see what his work has become even after his death. Whether that’s looking down from above or perhaps being transported to the present and browsing an art gallery dedicated to his work. The latter is depicted beautifully in the show “Doctor Who”, it’s worth a watch: