Intuition enlightens and so links up with pure thought. They together become an intelligence which is not simply of the brain, which does not calculate, but feels and thinks.

Piet Mondrian's quote, "Intuition enlightens and so links up with pure thought. They together become an intelligence which is not simply of the brain, which does not calculate, but feels and thinks," speaks to the harmonious relationship between the intuitive and the rational aspects of human intelligence. Mondrian suggests that intuition—the ability to understand something instinctively without the need for conscious reasoning—works in tandem with pure thought, creating a form of intelligence that is deeper and more holistic than mere logical calculation.

The quote emphasizes that intelligence is not confined to the brain as a calculating or mechanical entity. Instead, it involves a deeper process that integrates both the emotional and cognitive realms. Mondrian is advocating for an understanding of intelligence that is more sensory and felt, rather than purely analytical or formulaic. This perspective aligns with his belief in the power of abstract thought, where emotions, perceptions, and intellect converge to produce a more profound understanding of the world.

In the context of Mondrian’s work as an abstract artist, the idea that intuition and thought work together to create a higher form of intelligence aligns with his artistic philosophy. Mondrian believed in the transcendence of simple forms and colors to express universal truths. For him, intuition was a vital part of the creative process, one that could lead to new insights and visual representations of the world, beyond what the mind could calculate or reason.

The origin of the quote is linked to Mondrian’s ideas on art and creativity, particularly his development of abstract art. He sought to express a deeper reality, one that could be understood through both intellectual and intuitive engagement with the world. This holistic view of intelligence and creativity is central to his work, reflecting his belief in the synergy between emotion, thought, and expression.