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They will say that I, having no literary skill, cannot…

“They will say that I, having no literary skill, cannot properly express that which I desire to treat of, but they do not know that my subjects are to be dealt with by experience rather than by words. And [experience] has been the mistress of those who wrote well. And so, as mistress, I will cite…” quote by Leonardo Da Vinci Reproductions
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““They will say that I, having no literary skill, cannot properly express that which I desire to treat of, but they do not know that my subjects are to be dealt with by experience rather than by words. And [experience] has been the mistress of those who wrote well. And so, as mistress, I will cite her in all cases. Though I may not, like them, be able to quote other authors, I shall rely on that which is much greater and more worthy: on experience, the mistress of their masters.””

Leonardo Da Vinci Reproductions

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Experience, not words, is the ultimate teacher; rely on lived knowledge over theory.

In simple terms: Experience teaches best.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize lived experience.

Themes

experience knowledge writing truth learning

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • creative writing
  • personal development

Key Concepts

epistemology practical wisdom authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does experience shape your work?
  • When is theory more useful?
A Different Perspective

May undervalue theoretical insight.

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