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Let proportion be found not only in numbers and measures, but also in sounds, weights, times, and positions, and what ever force there is.
Leonardo Da Vinci
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of balance and proportion in various aspects of life, not just in mathematics or physical measurements.

Leonardo Da Vinci suggests that proportion is a fundamental principle that extends beyond mere numbers and measures; it applies to music, weight, time, spatial arrangements, and the forces that govern the world. This broader view encourages a holistic understanding of harmony, where the integration of diverse elements leads to beauty and effectiveness in art, science, and everyday life.

Themes

ProportionBalanceHarmonyArtNature

In practice

Example use cases

In a design class, I used Da Vinci's quote to illustrate the importance of symmetry and balance in artwork.

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Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.
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Small rooms or dwellings set the mind in the right path, large ones cause it to go astray.
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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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