734 Quotes by Leonardo da Vinci

Inaction saps the vigor of the mind.

Every loss which we incur leaves behind it vexation in the memory, save the greatest loss of all, that is, death, which annihilates the memory, together with life.

Nature alone is the master of true genius.

Man's external form, marvellously constructed, is not much as compared with the divine soul that dwells inside that structure.

Many will think they may reasonably blame me by alleging that my proofs are opposed to the authority of certain men held in the highest reverence by their inexperienced judgments; not considering that my works are the issue of pure and simple experience.

A natural action is accomplished in the briefest manner.

You must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.

Never make heads straight on the shoulders, but turn them aside to the right or to the left, even though they look down, or upward, or straight ahead, because it is necessary for them to look lively and awake and not asleep. And do not depict the front or rear half of the whole person so that too much straightness is displaced, one half above or below the other half; and if you should wish to use stiff figures, do so only in portraying old people.

Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold.