From childhood on, Vincent never took anything for granted.  He always marvelled at every new discovery; at all the wonders of the world.

     Vincent suffered constantly with terrible bouts of guilt, remorse and regret because of the burden he put on Theo and because his work never sold. 

     Vincent came to St. Remy because he wanted to be isolated from the outside world and be in a protective environment.

     As long as he could discover and reveal new truths and carry on with his work he could hold the horrible disease at bay.

     For Vincent, inactivity was absolute torture.  Painting was the only thing that protected him from the constant questions and doubts that haunted him.  By going without proper sleep or food, by working himself to the point of exhaustion -- this alone helped silence the most frightening thoughts.

     It was vitally important to him that his work be recognized; for there to be some sense of recompense, because then he could ease the burden placed on Theo.