Leonardo da Vinci is one of the greatest artists that ever lived. He was curious and constantly wrote about what he was learning. Even though Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1452 to 1519, we can learn from many of his thoughts through his writing in his notebooks. There are over 50 notebooks that have been found, which have thousands of pages of his writings.
His notebooks feature drawings and a variety of subjects, from the flow of rivers, astronomy, optics, the flight of birds, and mechanics; the notebooks give us many of Leonardo’s thoughts and wisdom. Because we have these notebooks, we can learn from Leonardo’s great mind about life, art, living, and many other things. Below are some of our favorite Leonardo da Vinci quotes that are still relevant today.
Table of Contents
- 50 + Inspirational Quotes from the great artist Leonardo da Vinci
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
50 + Inspirational Quotes from the great artist Leonardo da Vinci
1. “While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.”
2. “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.”
3. “All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions.”
4. “Tears come from the heart and not from the brain.”
5. “Who sows virtue reaps honor.”
6. “Once you tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
7. “Why does the eye see a thing more clearly in dreams than the imagination when awake?”
8. “Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.”
9. “Life without love is no life at all.”
10. “Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
11. “Wisdom is the daughter of experience.”
12. “Life is pretty simple: You do some stuff. Most fails. Some works. You do more of what works. If it works big, others quickly copy it.”
13. “Small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind; large ones weaken it.”
14. “As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.”
15. “One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.”
16. “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”
17. “There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.”
18. “Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.”
19. “The acquisition of knowledge is always of use to the intellect because it may thus drive out useless things and retain the good. For nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first known.”
20. “Experience is a truer guide than the words of others.”
21. “The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”
22. “In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.”
23. “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.”
24. “I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. This 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.”
25. “Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.”
26. “The painter has the universe in his mind and hands.”
27. “Life well spent is long.”
28. “Blinding ignorance does mislead us. Open your eyes.”
29. “It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.”
30. “Nature never breaks her own laws.”
31. “As every divided kingdom falls, so every mind divided between many studies confounds and saps itself.”
32. “Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.”
33. “The deeper the feeling, the greater the pain.”
34. “He who wishes to be rich in a day will be hanged in a year.”
35. “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
36. “He who does not oppose evil, commands it to be done.”
37. “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”
38. “Depth and strength of a human character are defined by its moral reserves.”
39. “Painting is concerned with all the 10 attributes of sight; which are: Darkness, Light, Solidity and Colour, Form and Position, Distance and Propinquity, Motion and Rest.”
40. “For, verily, great love springs from great knowledge of the beloved object, and if you little know it, you will be able to love it only little or not at all.”
41. “Just as courage is the danger of life, so is fear its safeguard.”
42. “He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast.”
43. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
44. “Every action needs to be prompted by a motive.”
45. “In time and with water, everything changes.”
46. “Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.”
47. “One has no right to love or hate anything if one has not acquired a thorough knowledge of its nature.”
48. “Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.”
49. “As you cannot do what you want, want what you can do.”
50. “It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.”
51. “Iron rusts from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity, and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigors of the mind.”
52. “He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.”
53. “Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.”
54. “Once you have tasted the taste of sky, you will forever look up.”
55. “Obstacles cannot crush me; every obstacle yields to stern resolve.”
Anita Louise Art is dedicated to art education, great artists, and inspiring others to find and create their art. We love art that uplifts and inspires. #ArtToMakeYouSmile! #ArtToMakeYouHappy!
If you are interested in seeing any of my art, you can find out more by clicking here. If you are interested in what inspires me and my paintings, you can discover more by clicking here.
We have a free newsletter and would love you to be part of our community; you can subscribe to the newsletter by clicking here. I would be happy to talk to you if you have any questions. You can reach me, Anita, by clicking here.
Subscribe to our Anita Louise Art YouTube Channel filled with great videos and information by clicking here.
Join us for our podcast “5 Minutes With Art.” Spend 5 minutes a week with us to discover and learn about great art and artists. You can find out more about our podcast by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Leonardo da Vinci’s quotes inspirational?
Leonardo da Vinci’s quotes are inspirational because they reflect his profound observations on life, art, and the world around him. His thoughts, captured in over 50 notebooks, cover a wide range of topics, showcasing his curiosity and intellectual depth.
How do Leonardo’s quotes about curiosity resonate with modern life?
Leonardo da Vinci’s emphasis on curiosity transcends time, encouraging individuals to remain inquisitive and open-minded. His quotes about curiosity serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of continuous learning and exploration.
Can you share a quote by Leonardo da Vinci that emphasizes the connection between art and science?
Certainly, one of his notable quotes is: “Study the science of art and the art of science.” This quote highlights Leonardo’s belief in the symbiotic relationship between art and science, showcasing the interconnectedness of creativity and knowledge.
How does Leonardo da Vinci’s wisdom on the flow of rivers offer valuable insights?
Leonardo’s observations on the flow of rivers reflect his keen understanding of nature. His quotes on this subject can be interpreted as metaphors for adapting to the changes in life and finding harmony in the natural flow of circumstances.
What is the significance of Leonardo da Vinci’s thoughts on the flight of birds?
Leonardo’s reflections on the flight of birds extend beyond ornithology. They symbolize the human pursuit of freedom and innovation. His quotes in this context encourage individuals to soar beyond limitations and embrace creativity.
In what ways can we apply Leonardo’s insights on mechanics to our daily lives?
Leonardo’s quotes on mechanics underscore the importance of understanding the fundamental principles that govern our world. Applying these insights in daily life can involve problem-solving, efficiency, and a deeper appreciation for the intricate workings of the world.
How do Leonardo da Vinci’s quotes on living resonate with contemporary lifestyles?
Leonardo’s timeless wisdom on living encompasses a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of embracing life fully. His quotes encourage mindfulness, appreciation of the present, and a pursuit of personal growth.
What role do Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks play in preserving his legacy?
Leonardo’s notebooks serve as a treasure trove of his ideas and observations, allowing us to glimpse into the mind of a genius. They play a crucial role in preserving his legacy and providing insights into the Renaissance era’s intellectual and artistic achievements.
How can Leonardo da Vinci’s quotes on astronomy and optics inspire modern thinkers?
Leonardo’s quotes on astronomy and optics showcase his early exploration of scientific principles. They inspire modern thinkers to blend artistic creativity with scientific inquiry, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the cosmos and the nature of light.
Related Questions
How Was Leonardo da Vinci Able To Master So Many Different Professions?
Leonardo da Vinci is a man known to have had many different titles and professions during his lifetime. He was able to master this profession because he was a genius. But more than just being a genius, Leonardo is also self-educating and never stops learning. He had an insatiable amount of curiosity about all kinds of subjects.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading How Was Leonardo da Vinci Able To Master So Many Different Professions?.
What Can We Learn From Leonardo Da Vinci?
Leonardo da Vinci was a philosopher; being a philosopher means that you want to seek wisdom. Leonardo was one person who tried to seek knowledge or enlightenment in his life. Leonardo was an active observer and learner of the human body, human behavior, and nature.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading What Can We Learn From Leonardo Da Vinci?.
