--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They will say that I, having no literary…" description: "\"“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 ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c33/leonardo-da-vinci-reproduction_inspirational_they-will-say-that-i-having-no-literary_877193.jpg" --- # 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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c33/leonardo-da-vinci-reproduction_inspirational_they-will-say-that-i-having-no-literary_877193.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c33/leonardo-da-vinci-reproduction_inspirational_they-will-say-that-i-having-no-literary_877193.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c33/leonardo-da-vinci-reproduction_inspirational_they-will-say-that-i-having-no-literary_877193.jpg) > ““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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [Though I may not . . . be able to quote other authors, I shall rely on that which is much greater and more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonardo-da-vinci/though-i-may-not-be-able-to-quote-other-authors-i-shall-rely-on-that/) [Leonardo da Vinci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonardo-da-vinci/) > [In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read; others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-selden/in-quoting-of-books-quote-such-authors-as-are-usually-read-others-you/) [John Selden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-selden/) > [ “\[E\]very man hath liberty to write, but few ability. 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