There are unknown forces in nature; when we give ourselves wholly

In the profound words of Auguste Rodin, "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," we are called to embrace the mysteries and wonders of the natural world. Rodin speaks not only of the physical forms of nature—the trees, the rocks, the flowing rivers—but of the hidden forces that govern the world around us, forces that remain unseen by our eyes and beyond the reach of our intellect. It is through surrendering ourselves to these forces, through a deep and unreserved connection to nature, that we may glimpse truths that lie beyond our comprehension, truths that awaken a deeper understanding of both the world and ourselves.

Rodin’s words echo the ancient belief that the natural world is alive with forces greater than the sum of its parts. The ancients knew well the idea that the universe is not a static machine, but a dynamic and mysterious force, constantly evolving and revealing new truths to those who are willing to listen and observe. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus spoke of the Logos, the fundamental principle that governs the cosmos, a force that is ever-changing yet ever-present. Heraclitus believed that to understand the world was to understand these hidden forces—the flow of nature, which could not be grasped through reason alone, but required a deeper engagement with the world around us. Similarly, Rodin invites us to engage with nature in a way that transcends intellectual analysis, allowing ourselves to be open to the mysteries that it holds.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius was not limited to his intellect, but to his ability to connect deeply with the natural world. Da Vinci’s notebooks are filled with observations of the natural world, from the flow of water to the flight of birds, seeking to understand the forces that shape both life and the universe. He believed that through careful observation and surrender to the mysteries of nature, he could unlock the deeper truths of existence. Da Vinci’s study of nature was not simply an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual one, a deep communion with the living world that led to discoveries far beyond his time. Like Rodin, da Vinci recognized that true understanding comes not from dominating nature with reason, but from humbling oneself before it and allowing its unknown forces to reveal themselves.

Rodin’s quote also reminds us of the mystical traditions that permeated ancient cultures, where the belief in unseen forces was central to understanding the human experience. In Eastern philosophy, particularly within the teachings of Taoism, there is a similar reverence for the forces of nature. The Tao Te Ching, written by Laozi, speaks of the Tao, the way or path that governs the universe. Laozi teaches that in order to live in harmony with the world, one must surrender to the flow of the Tao, rather than resist it. Like Rodin’s concept of nature lending us its forms, the Tao is not something we control but something we align with, something that reveals itself to us when we relinquish the need to understand it fully. Taoism teaches that in embracing the unknown and the unknowable, we find true wisdom.

The hidden forces that Rodin refers to are not merely abstract concepts, but are deeply interwoven with our everyday lives. These forces manifest in the mysterious moments of inspiration, the flashes of creativity, the sudden insights that seem to come from nowhere. These moments—whether they arise while gazing at the beauty of nature, while engaging in our craft, or even in the silence of our own minds—are the result of connecting with something greater than ourselves. Rodin’s invitation is not merely to observe nature from a distance, but to immerse ourselves fully in its rhythms, to listen to its pulse, and to allow it to teach us in ways that our intellect cannot grasp. This is a call to trust in the unknown and to recognize that the answers we seek may come not from analysis, but from awareness and openness to what lies beneath the surface.

The lesson in Rodin’s words is clear: true understanding does not come from trying to control or fully comprehend the world around us, but from a humble surrender to its mysteries. To engage with nature or the world around us is to enter into a dance with forces that are not always visible, but are always present. The greatest artists, thinkers, and leaders throughout history have known this: that to create or to live well is to connect deeply with the unseen forces of the universe. This connection requires openness, receptivity, and the willingness to move beyond the limits of intellect and into the realm of intuition and feeling.

As we reflect on Rodin’s wisdom, we are reminded that our own lives, too, are shaped by unseen forces—the forces of our emotions, our instincts, and the energies that flow through our relationships and decisions. To truly understand ourselves and the world around us, we must be willing to listen to those quiet whispers, to trust in the unknown, and to allow the deeper truths of life to reveal themselves in their own time. Whether through art, science, or simple living, the path to wisdom is not about understanding everything, but about learning to embrace the mystery and the beauty of the forces that guide us, much as Rodin did in his own creative journey. Let us, too, be open to those forces, and allow them to shape us into the fullest version of ourselves.