They would think it madness

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from Drenthe, 29 October 1883

And I believe not being absolutely alone does a lot of good, as one is apt to become absorbed in one's work; but this should not lead to losing one's way, and by taking each other's advice the right way can be followed steadily. If you talked it over with other people, they would say, What are you thinking of? - how wild a venture to give up this, that and the other! In short, they would think it madness - a blunder. As for myself, I find wildness in a conception of life other than the one I am talking about - i.e. being a painter - I think it wildly reckless to tie oneself down irrevocably to the city and the affairs of the city. They will tell you that you are a fanatic, but most certainly you - after having undergone so many mental trials - will know that it is impossible for you to be fanatical, for you are in a period of disenchantment. Don't let them try to turn things upside down, that won't do for me!

Letter 339a
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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