The good lasts
Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, c.25-29 January 1883
The world says, "Too good to last," but for that very reason, because it is rare, the good lasts. It is not produced every day, it will never be achieved mechanically, but what is, is; it is not lost, but lasts. And if another good thing turns up later on, the first retains its value so I think one must not regret that such and such doesn't become more common; even though they are uncommon, the good and beautiful things that exist remain.
Letter 262
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
The world says, "Too good to last," but for that very reason, because it is rare, the good lasts. It is not produced every day, it will never be achieved mechanically, but what is, is; it is not lost, but lasts. And if another good thing turns up later on, the first retains its value so I think one must not regret that such and such doesn't become more common; even though they are uncommon, the good and beautiful things that exist remain.
Letter 262
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
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