Quotes From History: Leonardo da Vinci

As we reach into 2010, with many of us hoping and praying for personal or circumstantial change in our lives and our world, I thought it would be a good kick-off to briefly think on some great quotes from history- in this case, words from Leonardo da Vinci.

On ignorance and self-deception:

“There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.”

“Where there is shouting, there is no true knowledge.”

“You do ill if you praise, but worse if you censure, what you do not understand.”

“The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”

“All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions.”

“Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!”

On creativity and our contributions:

“Art is never finished, only abandoned.”

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer; since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment…Go some distance away because the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance, and a lack of harmony or proportion is more readily seen.”

To know that someone as prolific as da Vinci also expressed the following feelings puts me at ease. He said what I have so often thought:

“I have wasted my hours. ”

Another quote from da Vinci that I particularly love. It encourages me to be a tireless critic of my own work and creative contribution, without allowing that criticism to overflow and cause a stall or a spirit of self-loathing:

“I have offended God and mankind because my work didn’t reach the quality it should have.”

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

On higher things:

“The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.”

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”