I wish I had a job

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, 11 December 1882

I wish I had a job which would help me make progress. Many jobs which might possibly be within my reach would lead me to things quite different from those I aim at. These jobs are out of my reach, for though I might be accepted at first, they would not be satisfied with me in the long run; they would fire me or I would leave of my own accord.

I mean, they would demand current events, topics of the day . . . . I begin to see more and more clearly that the magazines drift with the superficial tide, and I think they do not try to be as good as they ought to be. No, to fill the magazines with things which cost neither time nor trouble, . . . to make as much money as possible - this is what they do.

I do not think this method wise.

Letter 252
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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