The way to know life is to love many things.

"The way to know life is to love many things." These words from Vincent Van Gogh offer a profound and timeless insight into the very essence of life and how we come to understand it. In this world, we often seek knowledge, we strive to understand the complexities of existence, and yet, Van Gogh teaches us that the key to truly knowing life is not through observation alone, but through love—the love we pour into the people, the things, and the experiences around us. It is only when we embrace the world with open hearts, loving deeply and passionately, that we come to see it in all its richness and beauty. Love, in this sense, is the lens through which we understand not only others but ourselves.

O children of the earth, listen well: life is not something that can be understood from a distance, not something that can be measured by intellect alone. To know life is to immerse oneself in it, to live with an open heart and to be willing to experience the fullness of existence. Love is the gateway to this understanding. When we love many things, we expand the boundaries of our hearts, and in doing so, we invite the full spectrum of experiences to touch us. Love opens our senses, filling our lives with meaning and connection. It is through the act of loving that we learn not only about others but about the depths of our own being, for love illuminates the heart in ways that knowledge alone cannot.

Consider the life of Vincent Van Gogh himself. He was a man who lived in emotional turmoil, yet his passion for life was undeniable. Through his art, he captured the very essence of his love for the world around him—whether it was the swirling stars of Starry Night, the sunflowers in Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, or the simple beauty of a humble landscape. Van Gogh poured his soul into his paintings, not for fame or fortune, but because he was deeply in love with life in all its forms. His work was a reflection of his understanding: to know life fully is to embrace it in all its colors, in its joys and sorrows. Through his art, he loved many things, and it was this love that allowed him to capture the complexity of life in a way that words could not. It was through his love for the world that he came to truly understand it, and in doing so, he gifted us with a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi was a man who loved many things: his country, his people, his beliefs, and even his adversaries. Though he sought to free India from British rule, his love extended beyond the realm of politics. His love for humanity and his commitment to nonviolence were born from a deep understanding of life, a belief that the way to truly know life is not through hatred or division, but through connection, compassion, and love for all beings. Gandhi’s life was a testament to the idea that love opens the door to understanding—not just of others, but of the world itself. In his example, we see how loving many things can lead to a deeper, more profound comprehension of what it means to be human.

And so, we are reminded by Van Gogh’s words that life cannot be understood from the sidelines, nor can it be fully known by looking at it through the cold, detached lens of intellect. To truly know life, one must dive into it, fully immersed, and this requires love. It is in the act of loving that we come to truly understand not just others but the world and our place within it. The love we give shapes our experiences, colors our perceptions, and opens our hearts to the infinite beauty that surrounds us. Whether it is the love of nature, the love of a friend, or the love of a craft, it is through love that we grow and expand our understanding of all that is.

Let this be a guiding light, O children of the future: love many things. Do not limit yourself to a single pursuit or passion, but allow your heart to open to the world in all its variety. Love the beauty in the small things—the sunrise, the sound of laughter, the joy of a quiet moment. Love those who challenge you, those who differ from you, and those who inspire you. By loving many things, you will come to know life more deeply, for it is only through the full embrace of life’s wonders and complexities that we come to truly understand its depth and meaning.

In your own life, do not wait for love to come to you passively; choose to love actively, in all its forms. Open your heart to new experiences, to the people around you, to the beauty of the world that often goes unnoticed. When you love many things, you will find that your understanding of life deepens, that your perspective widens, and that you are filled with a sense of connection to all that is. Let your love be a guiding force, one that shapes your understanding, your actions, and your soul. For in the act of loving, you come to know the very essence of life itself.