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I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.
Leonardo Da Vinci
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the strength of character in facing adversity and staying committed to one's principles.

Leonardo Da Vinci's quote highlights the virtue of resilience in tough times and the importance of inner strength. He admires those who can maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges, drawing strength from difficult experiences and becoming braver through self-reflection. In contrast, he suggests that cowardice is characteristic of those with small minds, while true nobility lies in adhering to one's principles, even under the threat of death.

Themes

CourageResiliencePrinciplesStrengthReflection

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to inspire resilience in the face of challenges.

More from Leonardo Da Vinci

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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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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