There are unknown forces in nature; when we give ourselves wholly to her, without reserve, she lends them to us; she shows us these forms, which our watching eyes do not see, which our intelligence does not understand or suspect.

Auguste Rodin, a renowned French sculptor, made the statement, "There are unknown forces in nature; when we give ourselves wholly to her, without reserve, she lends them to us; she shows us these forms, which our watching eyes do not see, which our intelligence does not understand or suspect." In this quote, Rodin speaks to the mysterious and unseen forces of nature that exist beyond human comprehension. He suggests that when we fully surrender ourselves to nature, without prejudice or hesitation, it reveals aspects of the world that are hidden from ordinary perception, offering insights that transcend rational understanding.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Rodin’s deep connection with the natural world, which greatly influenced his artistic vision. Rodin believed that to truly understand the forms and figures in nature, one must look beyond the superficial and allow oneself to be fully immersed in it. This perspective is evident in his sculptures, which often sought to capture the raw and unseen qualities of the human form, as well as the dynamic forces that shape life.

Rodin emphasizes the idea of surrendering to nature, implying that only when we open ourselves completely to its mysteries can we access the deeper truths it holds. These truths are not easily seen with the naked eye or understood by traditional intelligence. Instead, they require a more intuitive or spiritual understanding, something that cannot be grasped through logical reasoning alone but through experience and connection with the natural world.

Ultimately, the quote highlights Rodin's belief in the existence of forces in nature that are beyond our immediate perception or intellectual grasp. It speaks to the idea that true understanding and artistic inspiration come from a deep, unfiltered connection with the world around us, inviting us to embrace the unknown and trust in its revelations.