“There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.”
- April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519
- Italian
- A versatile man (painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, scientist, etc.)
- He created many works of art, including the paintings “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” and also left behind many pioneering ideas in science and engineering, such as “blueprints for airplanes” and “anatomical studies.”
Quote
“There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.”
Explanation
This quote speaks to the different ways people perceive and understand the world around them. The first group, “those who see,” represents individuals who have a natural awareness or understanding of things. They don’t need much guidance to grasp concepts or situations—they can perceive things clearly on their own.
The second group, “those who see when they are shown,” refers to individuals who may not initially grasp something, but once it’s explained to them or brought to their attention, they can understand it. They need external help or insight to realize what is in front of them, but once shown, they are capable of understanding.
The third group, “those who do not see,” represents people who are either unwilling or unable to perceive what is in front of them. They remain unaware or blind to the truth, despite the efforts of others to show them. This class of people may not have the insight or openness required to see what is being presented.
Historically, this quote can be linked to the way knowledge and wisdom are perceived. Some great thinkers, like Socrates and Plato, emphasized the importance of self-awareness and the pursuit of knowledge. In their philosophies, the ability to see or understand the world was not given to everyone, and it was only through education, reflection, and insight that people could elevate their understanding.
In modern society, this idea is evident in how people approach learning or awareness of social issues. For instance, in the context of environmental awareness, some people intuitively recognize the importance of sustainability (the “see” group), while others may require guidance or education (the “see when shown” group), and still others may remain indifferent or resistant to understanding the urgency of change (the “do not see” group). The quote challenges us to think about our own perceptions and whether we are actively seeking to see the world more clearly, or if we need to be shown how to understand it better.
