A Very Special Bond
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Stories Contained in Letters
A long time ago, letters were the only means of communication. Within a letter lived the excitement of the sender and the anticipation of the receiver opening the envelope. From the shape, strength, and size of the handwriting, one could even guess the writer’s emotions. In this way, letters were a form of communication shaped by emotion.
Even the most famous figures of their times used the emotional language of letters to express their innermost thoughts and feelings.
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Letters of the Soul from a Genius Painter
Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh constantly wrote to his brother Theo and to his mother. His everyday life and his reflections on painting were so often recorded in letters that they were later compiled into books. The reason his letters continue to attract attention today is perhaps because many modern readers still resonate with Van Gogh’s emotions.
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“I wanted to tell you how happy I was about your recent visit, so I hurried to write. For quite a long time, we neither met nor exchanged letters as we once did. How much better it is to live closely like this, rather than lifelessly apart—as long as life lasts.
It seems we find the reasons to live when we realize we are not meaningless or wasted, but rather beings who can be of help to others, beings who can feel love while living alongside others.”
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A Father’s Love for His Son
Abraham Lincoln
When Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, sent his son back to an academy to prepare for Harvard, he wrote a letter to his teachers. This letter revealed a parent’s sincere love and reminded teachers of their responsibility.
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“Dear Teachers,
One day my son will realize that not everyone in the world is fair or honest. But please teach him that there are also heroes, not just scoundrels; that while there are selfish politicians, there are also leaders who dedicate themselves selflessly; that if there are enemies, there will also be friends who walk with him. Teach him to stay away from jealousy and envy, and to find satisfaction in a quiet smile.(excerpt)
Please grant him the courage to yearn for something noble and the patience to challenge without breaking. Above all, teach him first to love and trust himself, so that he may treat others with faith and respect. I ask you, through this letter, to help guide him into becoming a person greater than he is today.”
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Passionate Messages of Love for a Woman
Auguste Rodin
Though Rodin already had a wife and was well into his forties, he fell deeply for 20-year-old Camille Claudel. Through dozens of letters, he poured out his love, unable to suppress his emotions. His words reveal both passionate intensity and restless longing.
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“To Camille, my wild lover… my poor head aches. I can no longer rise in the morning.
This evening I wandered through the places we once walked, searching for you. Even death itself feels gentle to me now, though my end seems unbearably long.
(excerpt)
Let me see you every day. Only your generosity can save me. My burning love for you is utterly pure. If you bring me your compassion, you yourself will be rewarded.”
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Embracing Evil with Love
Mahatma Gandhi
As India’s life grew harsher under British colonial rule, Gandhi sent a letter to the British Viceroy, declaring his intent to begin non-violent resistance. Even though Britain’s actions were unjust, Gandhi chose not to confront evil with evil—but with love.
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“To the British Viceroy, cast aside greed. I cannot harm a blade of grass, an animal, or a person. Even those who commit terrible wrongs against me or my family—I cannot harm them. I know British rule in India is wrong, but I wish no harm upon Britain.
Do not misunderstand me. I believe Britain’s rule is unjust, but that does not mean I consider the British people themselves evil. I learned of Britain’s wrongs from the writings of honest and courageous Englishmen, who dared to speak the truth.
(excerpt)
If Britain throws away its greed, it will not be difficult to recognize India’s independence. Then a new path will open where India and Britain can help one another and share happiness together.”
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✨ Letters, written long ago, still echo today. They reveal how great figures of history—whether painters, leaders, or reformers—shared their deepest emotions. More than ink on paper, these words remind us that true communication is not just about language, but about heart.
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