There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm themselves at it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from a chimney.

In a letter written in French to his brother Theo in late June 1880, van Gogh reflects on how a person’s inner life and passion may not be visible to others. He uses the image of a strong fire inside a house that outsiders only notice as a faint trace of smoke, and he wonders whether one must simply keep the inner fire going and wait for someone to recognize it.

The line contrasts intense inner conviction or creativity with the limited way it can appear to the outside world. It suggests that deep feeling and talent can remain unseen, and that recognition may depend on time, perseverance, and others choosing to look more closely.

Do our inner thoughts ever show outwardly? There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke coming through the chimney, and go along their way.

Someone has a great fire in his soul and nobody ever comes to warm themselves at it, and passers-by see nothing but a little smoke at the top of the chimney and then go on their way.