“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :
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Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,
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C’est une mort insupportable :
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Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”. Source
This poignant verse comes from a letter written by Vincent van Gogh. The words capture a profound human truth. In English, it translates to: “We die twice, I see it clearly: To cease to love and be lovable, that is an unbearable death. To cease to live, that is nothing.” Van Gogh suggests that a life without connection and purpose is a fate worse than physical death. This nineteenth-century insight strikes a powerful chord today. Indeed, many of us navigate a world filled with endless noise and distraction. We often feel disconnected from what truly matters.
This modern challenge pushes us toward a quest for simplicity. However, true simplicity is not just about decluttering our homes. It is about decluttering our lives to make space for love, connection, and meaning. Van Gogh’s wisdom, therefore, serves as a timeless guide. It helps us find our way back to an essential, more fulfilling existence. Vincent van Gogh – Van Gogh Museum
. Vincent van Gogh – National Gallery of Art
The Overwhelming Noise of Modernity
We live in an age of constant stimulation. Smartphones buzz with notifications. Emails flood our inboxes at all hours. Social media feeds present an endless stream of information and comparison. Consequently, our attention has become a scarce and fractured resource. This digital deluge creates a persistent, low-grade anxiety. We feel pressure to be always available, always productive, and always informed. This relentless pace leaves little room for quiet reflection or deep connection.
Furthermore, the sheer volume of choices can be paralyzing. From consumer goods to career paths, we face an overwhelming number of options. This paradox of choice often leads to dissatisfaction rather than freedom. The modern world promises connection through technology. Yet, many people report feeling more isolated than ever. . The digital noise drowns out the quiet signals of our own needs and desires. As a result, we risk experiencing the “unbearable death” Van Gogh described: a life devoid of genuine, meaningful engagement. Source
Van Gogh’s Radical Focus in a Complex World
Vincent van Gogh’s life was far from easy. He battled poverty, mental illness, and professional rejection. However, his life had a radical simplicity at its core. He dedicated himself entirely to one thing: his art. This singular focus was his anchor in a turbulent existence. He stripped away societal expectations and personal comforts to pursue his creative vision. His commitment was absolute. It allowed him to transform his pain and passion into some of the world’s most beloved art.
His artistic style reflects this search for the essential. Van Gogh did not paint frivolous details. Instead, he used bold colors and expressive brushstrokes to capture the raw emotion of a subject. Think of the swirling energy in “The Starry Night” or the vibrant life force in his “Sunflowers.” He simplified complex scenes to reveal their fundamental truth. In this way, his art becomes a powerful metaphor. It teaches us to look past the surface-level chaos and connect with the core of our own experiences.
Simplicity Beyond Superficial Minimalism
Today, the idea of simplicity is often confused with aesthetic minimalism. People associate it with white walls, sparse furniture, and a curated capsule wardrobe. While decluttering physical space can be helpful, it is only one small part of a much deeper practice. True simplicity is not about what you own; it is about how you live. It involves a conscious and sometimes difficult process of identifying your core values and aligning your life with them.
This deeper simplicity requires introspection. You must ask yourself what truly matters. What activities bring you joy and fulfillment? Which relationships nourish your soul? Answering these questions helps you identify the essential elements of your life. Consequently, you can begin to intentionally remove the non-essential distractions. This includes not just physical clutter but also draining commitments, negative thought patterns, and superficial relationships. This process is about creating space—mental, emotional, and temporal—for what you value most.
How to Cultivate an ‘Aimable’ Existence
Van Gogh’s phrase, “to love and be lovable,” points directly to human connection and purpose. It is the antidote to the unbearable death of a hollow life. Cultivating this kind of existence requires intentional action. It is an ongoing practice, not a final destination. Here are a few ways to apply this wisdom to your own life.
First, identify your personal “art.” This doesn’t have to be a creative pursuit. It is whatever gives you a sense of purpose and allows you to contribute something meaningful to the world. This could be raising a family, mentoring others, tending a garden, or excelling in your career. Naming your purpose helps you focus your energy. It provides a compass to guide your decisions, making it easier to say no to distractions.
Second, practice intentional disconnection. The constant connectivity of modern life fragments our attention and weakens our relationships. Therefore, you should schedule regular time away from screens. Take a walk in nature without your phone. Have a dinner conversation without interruptions. Dedicate an hour to reading a physical book. These small acts of disconnection create opportunities for deeper connection with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you.
Finally, curate your commitments as you would a prized collection. Our time and energy are finite resources. We cannot do everything or be everything to everyone. Learn to politely decline requests and opportunities that do not align with your core priorities. This is not selfish; it is essential for protecting your well-being. By being selective with your commitments, you ensure you have the capacity to fully engage with the people and activities that truly matter. In essence, you choose a life of depth over a life of breadth, embodying the simple, profound wisdom Van Gogh shared over a century ago.