“You can have no dominion greater or less than that over yourself.”
- 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
“You can have no dominion greater or less than that over yourself.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leonardo da Vinci emphasizes the ultimate power that an individual has over their own life: the control over their actions, thoughts, and decisions. He suggests that true dominion—the most important and lasting form of control—does not lie in the external world or over others, but within oneself. The ability to govern your own behavior and choices is the greatest authority one can possess, and it is a form of freedom that cannot be taken away. Da Vinci implies that mastery over one’s own mind and actions is both the foundation of personal power and the truest form of control.
Historically, this idea reflects the Renaissance emphasis on the individual and the belief in personal responsibility and self-governance. During the Renaissance, thinkers like Da Vinci sought to understand human nature, psychology, and the potential for human growth. The ability to control oneself—to have discipline, wisdom, and self-awareness—was seen as essential for intellectual and personal development.
In modern terms, this quote resonates with ideas about self-mastery in fields such as personal development, leadership, and mindfulness. Whether in business, health, or relationships, the ability to control one’s own behavior is often seen as a key to success and fulfillment. Da Vinci’s insight reminds us that the greatest power lies not in controlling others or external circumstances, but in taking responsibility for our own lives, choices, and actions, and striving for self-improvement.
