| Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, April 15, 1452 -- May 2, 1519) was an Italian polymath, having been a scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer. Born as the illegitimate son of a notary, Piero da Vinci, and a peasant woman, Caterina, at Vinci in the region of Florence, Leonardo was educated in the studio of the renowned Florentine painter, Verrocchio. Much of his earlier working life was spent in the service of Ludovico il Moro in Milan. He later worked in Rome, Bologna and Venice, spending his final years in France at the home given to him by King François I. Leonardo has often been described as the archetype of the "Renaissance man", a man whose seemingly infinite curiosity was equalled only by his powers of invention. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest painters of all time and perhaps the most diversely talented person ever to have lived. You are an integral and unique part of the universe. Just as important a part as any other part. There is no one else exactly like you. No one else has your fingerprints, your exact DNA, your exact thoughts or dreams. You are connected to everything and everything you do affects the rest of creation. Try to make the universe a better place. |
