“Ben, for three thousand years architects designed buildings with columns shaped like female figures. At last Rodin pointed out that this was work too heavy for a girl. He didn't say, "Look, you jerks, if you have to do this, make it a brawny male figure." He showed it. This poor little caryatid has fallen under the load. She's a good girl—look at her face. Serious, unhappy at her failure, not blaming anyone, not even the gods. And still trying to shoulder her load after she has crumpled under it. But she is more than good art denouncing bad art. She is a symbol for every woman who ever shouldered a load too heavy. But not only women. This symbol means every man and woman who ever sweated out fortitude until they crumpled under their loads. It is courage, Ben, and victory. Victory? Victory in defeat, Ben—there is none higher. She is still trying to shoulder that stone long after it has crushed her.” ArtAuguste Rodin Book:Stranger in a Strange Land Source: Stranger in a Strange Land