Renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin, who is frequently likened to Michelangelo for his influence on modern sculpture, once made a perceptive observation regarding the nature of art and its practitioners. Rodin, who was born in 1840 during a time of significant artistic change, is most recognized for pieces like "The Thinker" and "The Kiss." True artists, in his opinion, are motivated more by their passion for creating than by accolades or rewards from others.

According to Rodin, true artistry originates from an inner passion and joy that comes from the act of creating. Rodin maintained that people who truly pursue artistic expression do so because they find joy and fulfillment in their craft, in contrast to many other occupations where people may work primarily to make a living.

Think of artists as gardeners caring for rare flowers; each work of art is a special bloom that only opens when the artist gives it the care and attention it needs. Similar to how gardeners meticulously tend to fragile plants to bring out their beauty and essence, this metaphor emphasizes how artists put their hearts into their work.

According to Rodin, genuine artists are driven by a deep-seated desire to create something meaningful rather than by fame or wealth, highlighting the intrinsic motivation behind artistic endeavors. This realization is in line with his own method of sculpture, in which he aimed to convey the intricacy of human forms and emotions with unmatched emotion and detail.