Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
King of the animals — as thou hast described him — I should rather say king of the beasts, thou being the greatest — because thou hast spared slaying them, in order that they may give thee their children for the benefit of the gullet, of which thou hast attempted to make a sepulchre for all animals; and I would say still more, if it were allowed me to speak the entire truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Da Vinci reflects on the relationship between humans and animals, suggesting that humans assume a dominant position over nature.
In this quote, Leonardo Da Vinci critiques the human tendency to elevate themselves as superior beings while exploiting other creatures for their sustenance. He points out the irony of humans, who deem themselves the 'king of the beasts,' while actually relying on the very creatures they claim dominion over. This observation serves as a philosophical inquiry into our role within the natural world and the ethical implications of our dietary choices.
Themes
AnimalsHumansNaturePhilosophyDominionEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on animal rights, this quote could illustrate the moral implications of our treatment towards animals.
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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