Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the transient nature of fame and power, suggesting that despite the immense efforts of many leaders to achieve lasting recognition, most are ultimately forgotten.
Leonardo Da Vinci's quote emphasizes the futility of seeking eternal fame and wealth through power, as the vast majority of rulers throughout history are lost to time, leaving no trace of their existence. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of dominion and riches does not guarantee lasting impact, since history often overlooks those who once sought such greatness. This raises questions about what truly matters in life and legacy, suggesting that the values we hold and the lives we lead may be more significant than the temporal accolades we chase.
Themes
FamePowerLegacyHistoryWealth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of fame and its ephemerality, one might reference this quote to illustrate the point.
More from Leonardo Da Vinci
All quotes →Small rooms or dwellings set the mind in the right path, large ones cause it to go astray.
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Patience serves us against insults precisely as clothes do against the cold. For if you multiply your garments as the cold increases, that cold cannot hurt you; in the same way increase your patience under great offenses, and they cannot hurt your feelings.
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The smallest feline is a masterpiece.
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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.
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It is a far worthier thing to read by the light of experience than to adorn oneself with the labors of others.
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