Leonardo da Vinci: 'In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.'

In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.

Leonardo da Vinci, the genius of the Renaissance, once famously said, "In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time." This quote encapsulates a profound observation about the nature of time and its fleeting essence. Da Vinci's words remind us of the constant flow of life, where every moment represents a unique blend of the past and the future, gracefully intertwined in the present.At first glance, this quote conveys the idea that rivers serve as a natural metaphor for the fleeting nature of time. When we touch the water, we are physically connecting with the stream as it passes by. The feel of the water on our fingertips is a direct link to the previous moment, the water that has just traveled past us. In the same instance, it also symbolizes the commencement of a new moment, the water that is arriving next. The continuous flow of the river mirrors the eternal progression of time.While Leonardo da Vinci's quote offers a straightforward interpretation of the transitory nature of time, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to add an intriguing layer of thought. Consider the notion of "Becoming" versus "Being," introduced by the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. In his philosophy, Heraclitus proposed that the universe is in a constant state of flux and change, arguing that "everything flows." This strikingly aligns with Da Vinci's quote, affirming that both the river and time are ever-evolving, in perpetual motion.In the realm of Heraclitus' philosophy, the river becomes a powerful symbol representing the intricate dance between Becoming and Being. As we touch the water, we witness a fleeting moment of Being, as it is the present segment of the river flowing at that particular instant. However, the water swiftly passes, transforming into a representation of Becoming, where the present moment gives way to the memories of the past and the anticipation of the future.Da Vinci's quote, when viewed through the lens of Heraclitus' philosophy, prompts us to reflect on the profound interconnectedness of the universe. It urges us to embrace the impermanence of life, to cherish the present moment, and to recognize that life's beauty lies not in stagnation but in the ceaseless evolution of existence. The river reminds us that time is a river too, one that flows with us, carrying us forward on its current, towards an unknown destination.Furthermore, this quote serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mindfulness and being fully present. Just as the river constantly changes, so does every passing moment in our lives. By grasping the significance of the present, we can appreciate the richness of our experiences and find solace in knowing that we play an active role in shaping our own destinies.In conclusion, Leonardo da Vinci's quote unveils the profound truth about the nature of time. It emphasizes that time is not a static entity but rather a dynamic force, much like a river in perpetual motion. By touching the water, we bear witness to the past and the future merging into the present. Expanding on this concept, the philosophy of Heraclitus adds a deeper layer of understanding, introducing the idea of Becoming and Being, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and appreciating the transient beauty of existence. So, let us remember, as we stand by the river's edge, that every touch immerses us in the flow of time itself, a constant reminder of life's continuous evolution.