"L'excellence de chaque art est son intensité."

At its core, this quote is all about passion and dedication. It’s saying that the true greatness of any art form—whether it's painting, music, writing, or even something like cooking—comes from the depth of feeling and commitment that the artist brings to it. When you pour your heart and soul into something, it shows. Think of those moments when you can almost feel the artist's energy radiating from their work.

Historically, this kind of sentiment has been echoed by many artists and thinkers. The quote itself is often attributed to John Keats, a Romantic poet who lived in the early 19th century. Keats was all about the intensity of experience and emotion, believing that the best art comes from deep, passionate engagement with the subject.

Take Vincent van Gogh, for example. He’s a vivid epitome of this concept. Van Gogh’s paintings are known for their bold colors and dramatic, impulsive brushwork. Just look at "Starry Night." You can feel his turmoil and intensity in the swirling night sky. He didn't just paint what he saw; he painted what he felt. It’s this emotional intensity that makes his work so compelling. He once said, "I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream." His work wasn't about technical perfection—it was about expressing his powerful emotions and unique vision of the world.

Now, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by finding what you’re truly passionate about. What lights you up? Once you know that, dive in headfirst. Don’t hold back. Whether you’re writing a novel, cooking a meal, or even preparing a presentation at work, do it with intensity. Channel your energy and emotions into your work. It’s not about being loud or dramatic—it’s about being fully present and engaged.

Imagine you’re a high school teacher. You could just deliver the curriculum as required, ticking boxes and moving on. But what if you brought intensity to your teaching? Picture yourself getting excited about the material, finding creative ways to engage your students, and sharing personal stories that connect the subject matter to real life. Your enthusiasm would be contagious. Students would not only learn more, they’d be inspired. Your class could be the highlight of their day.

Let’s make it even more relatable. Think about cooking dinner for friends. You could throw together something easy and quick—which is fine. But what if you spent a bit more time? What if you chose a dish that you love and put your heart into making it special? Try new ingredients, set the table nicely, maybe even play some music in the background. Your friends will taste the difference. They’ll feel the warmth and care you put into it. That’s the intensity we’re talking about.

So next time you’re working on something, remember the importance of intensity. Put yourself fully into it. Whether it’s a big project or a small task, dive deep. It’s this fervor—this zest—that turns good into great, and great into unforgettable. You’ve got it in you, just let it out.