The Wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inI'm Reading a Book, Leonardo da Vinci, Reading RoomTags:, , , , ,

Thoughts on Art and Life by Leonardo da Vinci

The fame of the rich man dies with him; the fame of the treasure, and not of the man who possessed it, remains. Far greater is the glory of the virtue of mortals than that of their riches. How many emperors and how many princes have lived and died and no record of them remains, and they only sought to gain dominions and riches in order that their fame might be ever-lasting.

How many were those who lived in scarcity of worldly goods in order to grow rich in virtue; and as far as virtue exceeds wealth, even in the same degree the desire of the poor man proved more fruitful than that of the rich man.

Dost thou not see that wealth in itself confers no honour on him who amasses it, which shall last when he is dead, as does knowledge?–knowledge which shall always bear witness like a clarion to its creator, since knowledge is the daughter of its creator, and not the stepdaughter, like wealth.

Leonardo da Vinci

Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise, France

Leonardo da Vinci, a world-renowned polymath, excelled as a painter, sculptor, architect, designer, theorist, engineer, and scientist. He was often more interested in the design and exploratory phases of his work than bringing them to completion. His legacy as a versatile and visionary creator continues to inspire and influence countless individuals across different fields.

Leonardo da Vinci died in Amboise, France on May 2, 1519. He spent the last years of his life in France, particularly under the patronage of King Francis I. His legacy continues to be celebrated and studied worldwide.

Leonardo da Vinci’s writings offer valuable insights into his multifaceted intellect and inquisitive mind. While renowned for his artistic mastery and pioneering inventions, his extensive collection of notebooks reflects his deep philosophical ponderings, scientific observations, and inventive concepts. Delving into topics ranging from anatomy and geology to engineering and aviation, da Vinci’s writings showcase his relentless spirit of inquiry and boundless creativity. Through his meticulous notes and sketches, he left behind a treasure trove of knowledge that continues to intrigue and inspire scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, illuminating the brilliance of this Renaissance polymath for generations to come.

Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise, France

Leonardo da Vinci’s Books on Gutenberg Press

You can explore a wealth of Leonardo da Vinci’s works on Gutenberg Press, providing an excellent selection of the polymath’s writings and insights. This extensive collection offers a valuable opportunity to delve into da Vinci’s versatile intellect and inquisitive mind. Whether you are seeking his artistic musings, pioneering inventions, or profound philosophical reflections, the Gutenberg Press presents an enriching assortment of Leonardo da Vinci’s enduring legacy for you to explore and appreciate.

Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise, France

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

22 thoughts on “The Wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci”

      1. Many thanks, Dave!! By the way, did you know that Leonardo da Vinci was quite the cat lover! He adored felines and even kept them as pets. It’s said that he believed cats were mysterious creatures, embodying grace and elegance. He said that, “The smallest feline is a masterpiece”. In his works, cats make an appearance in at least eleven drawings. It’s a shame that we can’t ask him about his favorite feline model! LOL!!!

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    2. I agree wholeheartedly Liz! Leonardo da Vinci’s mastery in art, science, and innovation is unmatched. From the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa to his groundbreaking anatomical sketches, da Vinci’s brilliance is ever-present.

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    1. Gutenberg Press is a wonderful resource, Margaret! I just found out that Project Gutenberg has an open audiobook collection that can be accessed via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or the Internet Archive. I continue to learn.

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  4. Hi Rebecca, thank you for this interesting post about Leonardo da Vinci. He was certainly far ahead of his time with his inventions and thinking. I took the boys to the da Vinci exhibition when it came to South Africa some years ago.

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    1. Thank you, Robbie, for your visit and comments. How wonderful that you took your sons to see an Leonardo da Vinci’s exhibition. I have been reading Giorgio Vasari’s opinion on Leonardo. I think that you would be interested in his thoughts!!!

      “Truly marvellous and celestial was Leonardo, the son of Ser Piero da Vinci; and in learning and in the rudiments of letters he would have made great proficience, if he had not been so variable and unstable, for he set himself to learn many things, and then, after having begun them, abandoned them.”https://sourcebooks.web.fordham.edu/source/vasari1.asp

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      1. Hi Rebecca, that description is actually true based on what I’ve read about Leonardo. Of course, given his great intellect there are some obvious reasons for this including frustration and a new, more exciting idea.

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  5. Oops… I missed this one. Leonardo da Vinci is a wonderful topic, Rebecca — an utterly fascinating person. I used to have a little book of his quotes. Like most of the other things I had to give away in order to make the move across the country, I wish I still had it. But now and then something about him that I haven’t seen before comes my way. 

    LOL, it would be fun to make a fictional character of him, the way I did with Cornelis Drebbel, but honestly, I’m so awed by him that I can’t. :D Hugs on the wing.

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    1. My dear friend, Teagan, I think you would create an awesome fictional character of Leonardo da Vinci. You have a wonderful way of bringing out new truths that many of us miss. P.S. I think that Leonardo would be very pleased.

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  6. “He was often more interested in the design and exploratory phases of his work than bringing them to completion.” What a wonderful insight into da Vinci’s inquisitive mind – as if once he got what he wanted from a project, it no longer interested him. I remember being fascinated by his drawings, even as a child, particularly his anatomical work which was as fascinating as it was gruesome. What an inquisitive mind. I’m envious. Great post, my friend.

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    1. I am delighted you enjoyed this reading from Leonardo da Vinci’s writings, Diana. There are so many universal thoughts that I found in this text. Gutenberg Press is a treasure trove of ancient writings. I agree – what’s an inquisitive mind. Thanks for stopping by RRR! You are a welcome guest. Sending hugs.

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