“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.”
- 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
“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.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci suggests that the depth of love is directly tied to the amount of knowledge one has of the object of affection. The more we understand something or someone, the greater our ability to truly appreciate and love it. Love, in Da Vinci’s view, is not merely an emotion or impulse, but a deeper connection that arises from knowledge and understanding. If we only have a limited understanding or superficial knowledge of something, our love for it will also be shallow or limited. True love, then, is rooted in awareness and comprehension.
Historically, this idea reflects Da Vinci’s belief in the power of observation and study. As an artist and scientist, he sought to understand the world around him deeply, believing that knowledge was the key to appreciating and engaging with life. This applies not only to his study of nature and anatomy but also to his approach to human relationships and emotions. He saw understanding as a pathway to a richer connection with the world, whether that connection was with nature, art, or other people.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the importance of empathy and awareness in relationships, whether romantic, familial, or professional. The more we understand the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of others, the deeper our connection and love can be. It applies not only to interpersonal relationships but also to our relationship with the world—whether in art, nature, or ideas—reminding us that a true and lasting love for something is born from the effort to deeply understand it.
