Leonardo da Vinci

Although nature commences with reason and ends in experience it is necessary for us to do the opposite, that is to commence with experience and from this to proceed to investigate the reason.

That which can be lost cannot be deemed riches. Virtue is our true wealth and the true reward of its possessor; it cannot be lost, it never deserts us until life leaves us. Hold property and external riches with fear; they often leave their possessor scorned and mocked at for having lost them.

If the painter wishes to see beauties that charm him, it lies in his power to create them, and if he wishes to see monstrosities that are frightful, ridiculous, or truly pitiable, he is lord and God thereof.

A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.

Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose

Once you have 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.

Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.

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.

Our life is made by the death of others.

He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.

The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.

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.

Life well spent is long.

The knowledge of all things is possible

It's easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.

Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.

Tears come from the heart and not from the brain.

Art is never finished, only abandoned.