“Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!”
- 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
“Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci calls attention to the dangers of ignorance—particularly the kind that is willful or blinding, where people choose to remain unaware of important truths. Da Vinci is urging people to question their assumptions, to seek knowledge, and to open their eyes to the world around them. He uses the phrase “wretched mortals” to express frustration with the tendency of human beings to remain in ignorance, which can lead them down harmful or misguided paths. The quote is a plea for intellectual awareness and the rejection of complacency, urging people to pursue truth rather than remain deceived by false beliefs or a lack of understanding.
Historically, this idea reflects Da Vinci’s Renaissance humanism, which emphasized the importance of critical thinking, inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge. During this period, scholars like Da Vinci were challenging the old ways of thinking and striving to understand the world through observation, science, and reasoning. The “ignorance” Da Vinci speaks of may refer to the widespread reliance on dogma, superstition, or unexamined beliefs that dominated in earlier periods, particularly in contrast to the more rational and scientific approaches of the Renaissance.
In modern terms, this quote is a powerful reminder of the dangers of intellectual laziness and unquestioned beliefs. It is especially relevant in today’s world of information overload, where people are often tempted to believe what is convenient or easy rather than challenging their assumptions or seeking the truth. Whether in politics, science, or social issues, ignorance—whether willful or due to lack of access to information—can lead to misguided decisions and harmful consequences. Da Vinci’s call to “open your eyes” serves as a timeless appeal to value knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking in the face of confusion or ignorance.
