“The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”
- 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
“The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci suggests that the most significant form of deception or self-delusion comes not from external forces, but from within—a person’s own opinions. Da Vinci is highlighting how individuals often fall prey to their own beliefs, judgments, or preconceived notions, leading them to see the world not as it truly is, but as they believe it to be. These personal opinions, which may be influenced by bias, emotion, or limited experience, can cloud one’s judgment and prevent an accurate understanding of reality. The quote serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant and self-aware, questioning our own assumptions to avoid being deceived by our own minds.
Historically, this idea aligns with Renaissance humanism, which emphasized critical thinking and the importance of reason over blind faith or unexamined beliefs. During this period, thinkers like Da Vinci sought to understand the world through observation, experimentation, and logic, rather than relying solely on preconceived opinions or traditional doctrines. Da Vinci himself, as both an artist and a scientist, believed in the importance of questioning assumptions and pursuing knowledge through direct experience and evidence, rather than relying on the opinions of others or our own internal biases.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the dangers of confirmation bias, where people tend to seek information that confirms their existing beliefs, rather than engaging with opposing viewpoints or seeking objective truth. Whether in politics, science, or personal relationships, individuals are often deceived by their own prejudices or limited perspectives, which can hinder progress, learning, and understanding. Da Vinci’s insight encourages us to recognize the limitations of our own opinions and to approach the world with a more open, critical, and thoughtful mindset.
