“The senses are of the earth, the reason stands apart from them in contemplation.”
- 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 senses are of the earth, the reason stands apart from them in contemplation.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci draws a distinction between sensory perception and reasoning. He suggests that the senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—are bound to the earthly and material world, focused on immediate experiences and the physical environment around us. However, reason stands apart from the senses, engaging in contemplation and reflection. Reason allows for a deeper, more abstract form of understanding that goes beyond immediate sensory input. While the senses provide us with data about the world, it is through reason and contemplation that we make sense of this data, understand its implications, and form conclusions. Da Vinci’s view reflects the idea that intellect and reason are not merely responses to sensory experiences but are higher faculties that allow us to explore concepts, ideas, and truths beyond the physical realm.
Historically, this quote connects to the Renaissance philosophy that emphasized the importance of human intellect and the pursuit of knowledge through reason and observation. Renaissance thinkers, like Da Vinci, saw reason as a powerful tool for understanding the world and human nature, separate from the fleeting nature of sensory experience. Da Vinci himself, as both a scientist and artist, sought to unify the sensory experience with intellectual contemplation, using reason to interpret the world around him.
In modern terms, this quote resonates with the distinction between emotion or instinct and rational thought. In today’s world, the idea that reason stands apart from sensory perception encourages us to reflect critically on our experiences rather than simply react to them. Whether in decision-making, problem-solving, or creativity, it suggests that we should use reason to contemplate and make sense of the information we receive through our senses, guiding us toward deeper insights and more thoughtful conclusions. Da Vinci’s perspective reminds us that while the senses provide immediate information, reason allows us to interpret, analyze, and create meaning from that experience.
