58The Meaning of Meaning

When I have a terrible need of—shall I say the word—religion, then I go out and paint the stars.

—Vincent van Gogh

It’s hard, sometimes, to be a creator within the boundaries of others, to know things that are not secrets yet that cannot be expressed, to be the guardian of truths that cannot be spoken. The weight of the night seems to magnify the burden and sleep will not be my salvation this time. Let me share some hints of what occupies my mind and keeps me gazing at the stars.

The greatest conquest is the conquest of fear.

The greatest courage is the courage to start over.

The greatest virtue is to care deeply.

The greatest ignorance is ignorance of beauty.

The greatest sin is indifference.

The greatest reward for a life lived well is to have no regrets.