Ancient Quote by Walter Isaacson
“Leonardo da Vinci did not take received wisdom - whether from ancient classical thinkers or medieval scholars or from the Bible - without questioning it. And this was the beginning of the scientific method. This is another lesson for our time: that when we have evidence that contradicts a certain belief, we should be willing to change it. I think this made Leonardo, in some ways, a person who better understood the beauty of God's creation than a person who just takes all received wisdom from the Bible on faith.”
About This Quote
Source Biography: Leonardo da Vinci, 2017
Leonardo questioned all received wisdom, laying groundwork for the scientific method; evidence should prompt belief revision.
In simple terms: Question authority, follow evidence.
Key Takeaway
Adopt a skeptical, evidence‑driven mindset.
Themes
science
history of ideas
critical thinking
innovation
philosophy of science
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
biographical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- product development
- policy making
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
empiricism
methodology
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would change your core belief?
- How do you balance tradition with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated beliefs can meet resistance.
