“Anybody can look at a pretty girl and see a pretty girl. An artist can look at a pretty girl and see the old woman she will become. A better artist can look at an old woman and see the pretty girl that she used to be. But a great artist-a master-and that is what Auguste Rodin was-can look at an old woman, protray her exactly as she is...and force the viewer to see the pretty girl she used to be...and more than that, he can make anyone with the sensitivity of an armadillo, or even you, see that this lovely young girl is still alive, not old and ugly at all, but simply prisoned inside her ruined body. He can make you feel the quiet, endless tragedy that there was never a girl born who ever grew older than eighteen in her heart...no matter what the merciless hours have done to her. Look at her, Ben. Growing old doesn't matter to you and me; we were never meant to be admired-but it does to them.”

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About Robert A. Heinlein

American science fiction writer of the mid-20th century, Heinlein is best known for pioneering hard science fiction and exploring themes of individualism, duty, and human adaptability. His works, including *Starship Troopers* and *Stranger in a Strange Land*, blend speculative fiction with philosophical depth, influencing generations of writers and thinkers.

More from Robert A. Heinlein (162 quotes) →
"Anybody can look at a pretty girl and see a pretty girl. An artist ca…" — Robert A. Heinlein | Daily Quotes