Values Quotes – Vincent van Gogh on Usefulness
Today’s quote is from Vincent van Gogh, the famous post-impressionist painter whose work had a far-reaching influence on 20th century art.
Van Gogh stated:
“How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?”
This was a man who was known to struggle with mental health issues. He died tragically at the young age of 37. And yet in just over a decade, he produced more than 2,100 pieces of art, consisting of oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, sketches and prints.
As a value, Usefulness means to employ for a particular or natural purpose; having a practical or beneficial function. Though van Gogh may have struggled to understand his own natural purpose, the benefits of his efforts live on to this day.
If you’re seeking to understand your purpose in life, or struggling with any mental health issues – I encourage your to consider the real value of usefulness. It is not determined in a day – or necessarily even today.
Rather, know that as you seek to understand your God-given talents, your efforts and works may have an amazing impact on generations to come.
