The importance of using one's own mind: The wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci

Intelligence and memory are two fundamental faculties of the human mind. While memory is concerned with the accumulation of knowledge and the storage of that information, intelligence is the ability to analyze this information, solve problems, and generate innovative ideas. These days, we see that these two faculties are no longer sufficient in the context of events and needs occurring in the world, and that we need computers to augment our intelligence and memory. We even observe that computers, in their current structure, remain inadequate in imitating human intelligence.

Leonardo da Vinci, whom we all know as the painter of the Mona Lisa and as a genius, believed that the world rotated on its own axis, according to what is stated in Preserved Smith’s 2019 book "The Age of the Reformation." He had stated that the world was a star and that if one were to look at the Earth from the moon, the Earth would appear as we see the moon. He wrote in one place that "the sun does not move," and he provided no explanation for this mysterious sentence.

Despite being described as someone who started hundreds of projects and never finished any of them, and as having a scattered mind that distracted him from his main path despite all his talent, Leonardo, who made many contributions to science, art, and philosophy, said, "Anyone who cites authority when arguing uses their memory rather than their intelligence," which emphasizes the difference between these two faculties and the importance of an individual using their own mind. In this article, I would like to discuss why individual thinking and critical reason are indispensable, starting from this quote by da Vinci.

Memory is the process of storing and recalling the information we learn. Everything we learn is stored in our memory and can be retrieved when needed. However, storing information is not enough on its own. Intelligence is the process of processing this information, applying it to new situations, and producing innovative solutions. Memory provides raw material for intelligence; intelligence ensures that this raw material is processed and turned into a valuable product.

Blindly adhering to authorities dulls an individual's ability to think critically. Throughout history, wrong decisions made due to the misguidance of authorities have led to great losses and disasters. Authorities who opposed Galileo's heliocentric theory of the universe delayed scientific progress for centuries. Today, individuals can still be misled and make wrong decisions because authorities spread misinformation.

Using one's own mind and thinking critically are of vital importance for individual development and social progress. Original thought and creativity are the foundations of innovation and scientific advancement. By using their own minds, individuals can produce innovative solutions to the problems they encounter. This encourages not only individual success but also social progress.

Leonardo da Vinci was a genius who challenged authorities in his time and carried out innovative and pioneering work. By adopting scientific methods based on nature and experience, he made groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of art, science, and technology. Da Vinci's achievements are proof that he acted by using his own mind instead of blindly adhering to authorities.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between intelligence and memory is critical to grasping the importance of individual thinking and critical reason. Leonardo da Vinci's quote, "Anyone who cites authority when arguing uses their memory rather than their intelligence," reminds us of the importance of using our own minds and avoiding blind trust in authorities. As individuals, we must use our own minds to make more conscious and innovative decisions, thereby moving both our own lives and society forward.