“It’s easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.”
- 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
“It’s easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci reflects on the natural tendency of people to struggle more with challenges as they persist over time. He suggests that it is much easier to resist temptation, pressure, or undesirable situations at the start, when the situation is still manageable and the consequences are less dire. As time passes, however, resistance becomes more difficult because the circumstances may have grown more complex, and emotional or practical commitment to the situation has increased. Essentially, early resistance is often stronger and more effective, while later resistance may be weakened by fatigue, habit, or the growing weight of the situation.
Historically, this idea can be linked to the Renaissance understanding of human nature and self-discipline. Da Vinci, a man of both intellectual and creative pursuits, understood that great achievements often require initial effort and resolve, and that sustaining this resistance over time is a greater challenge. In many ways, the early stages of learning, creation, or even conflict often demand the most energy, while later stages require maintenance and the ability to overcome entrenched patterns.
In modern terms, this quote highlights the importance of early action and self-control in a variety of contexts. For example, in personal development or habit-building, it is often easier to create new routines or overcome initial obstacles than it is to maintain consistency over the long term. The principle can also apply to health, where making healthy choices at the beginning of a challenge is simpler, while staying on track as the pressures mount can be increasingly difficult. Da Vinci’s insight encourages us to recognize the strength of our early resistance and to use that momentum to navigate long-term challenges more effectively.
