Thinker Profiles: DaVinci

Da Vinci Quotes

Thinker Profiles is a series where I choose a legendary figure from ancient or modern history and present a few of their most thoughtful quotes.

This time we’ll spotlight some words of wisdom from Leonardo da Vinci, scholar, artist, engineer, and sculptor.

We’ll start with three quotes that express his feelings about inactivity:

  • 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.
  • I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.
  • Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation… even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.

Here are some of Da Vinci’s thoughts on thinking:

  • There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.
  • The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.
  • The senses are of the earth, the reason stands apart from them in contemplation.

And now, we’ll keep it simple and end with the following quote, because:

  • Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Publishing 2 Books Before 2017

2 New Books Coming SoonI have written two books that aim to tap into the timeless, universal wisdom that we take for granted or seldom ponder.

The first book, “Not-So-Secret Secrets of Success“, is almost ready to publish, and the 2nd book in the series is not far behind. The first book begins with Napoleon Hill’s principles of success, as outlined in the book “Think and Grow Rich“, and then examines a few additional elements.

I won’t spoil the subject of the 2nd book just yet, but I can tell you that it will involve a little more philosophy, a little more psychology, and a little more self-help advice. Expect both titles to be available before the end of the year.

If you sign up for the newsletter you’ll be notified when we launch each book and you may be able to download them during the free days. Plus, if you’re into quotations and quizzes, when you sign up you can take the “Who Said That? Quiz?