“Experience never errs; it is only your judgments that err by promising themselves effects such as are not caused by your experiments.”
- 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
“Experience never errs; it is only your judgments that err by promising themselves effects such as are not caused by your experiments.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci emphasizes that experience itself is always accurate and reliable. The error lies not in the experience but in the judgments or conclusions we draw from it. Often, people make assumptions or expect certain outcomes based on their experiences, but these expectations may not be in alignment with the actual causes of the results. When experiments or experiences don’t lead to the expected outcomes, it’s because the judgment was flawed—not the experience itself.
Historically, this idea speaks to scientific inquiry and the process of experimentation. Da Vinci, a pioneer in combining art with science, would have understood that drawing conclusions without proper analysis or misinterpreting data can lead to incorrect theories. Even great thinkers like Galileo and Newton made breakthroughs by meticulously testing and questioning assumptions, rather than relying solely on preconceived ideas.
In modern times, this principle is important in scientific research and problem-solving. In fields like medicine, technology, and psychology, it’s crucial to distinguish between observed facts and the interpretation of those facts. For example, a researcher may run an experiment and observe a result, but if they mistakenly expect certain effects without fully understanding the underlying causes, they may make errors in their conclusions. Da Vinci’s insight reminds us that experience provides us with valuable data, but it is our reasoning and judgment that can sometimes mislead us. Therefore, it is essential to approach experiences with an open mind, carefully analyzing results without prematurely assuming outcomes.
