Van Gogh Didn't Even Know

I'm reading Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards in my spare moments (while waiting in the car for various people to finish school) and I came across this quote written by Vincent Van Gogh in a letter to his brother, Theo, who suggested that Vincent take up painting.

"...at the time when you spoke of my becoming a painter, I thought it very impractical and would not hear of it. What made me stop doubting was reading a clear book on perspective, Cassange's Guide to the ABC of Drawing: and a week later I drew the interior of a kitchen with stove, chair, table and window -- in their places and on their legs -- whereas before it had seemed to me that getting depth and the right perspective into drawing was witchcraft or pure chance."

This letter affected me greatly for a few reasons.

1. The power of a suggestion. What would have happened if Theo had not suggested the Vincent become a painter? Would he have come up with that idea on his own? Clearly, he did not recognize his innate talent.

2. The power of books to change our lives. (Also linked to the power of suggestion.) What if Vincent had not read Cassange's book? Would he have continued to think that he was incapable of drawing with perspective?

3. The idea that Van Gogh didn't know his potential. For some reason, I think that great people know their capabilities and that they don't doubt their abilities. However, it is clear from this quote that Vincent had no clue what he was capable of. He doubted himself. And yet, looking back at the sum of his life, we can clearly see amazing talent. And we can see how he changed the world of art. It makes me wonder what I am capable of if I only silence that doubt and just jump in.

And this is what I've been pondering for a few days now.