Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.
There shall be wings! If the accomplishment be not for me, 'tis for some other. The spirit cannot die; and man, who shall know all and shall have wings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote speaks to the enduring spirit of humanity and the potential for greatness, suggesting that even if one does not achieve their dreams, the pursuit itself is valuable.
Leonardo Da Vinci's quote emphasizes the idea that human ambition is limitless, and while one may not achieve personal success, the drive for accomplishment contributes to a collective progress. The mention of 'wings' symbolizes freedom and aspiration, indicating that every individual has the capacity to reach great heights, both metaphysically and in contribution to the greater good. This highlights the notion that the spirit of discovery and achievement remains alive, transcending individual aspirations.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire students to pursue their dreams regardless of immediate outcomes.
More from Leonardo Da Vinci
All quotes βSmall rooms or dwellings set the mind in the right path, large ones cause it to go astray.
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.
The smallest feline is a masterpiece.
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.
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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Write about it by day and dream about it by night.
There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.