For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.

More from Leonardo da Vinci

• I have learned from an early age to abjure the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men.
• Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.
• Lying on a feather mattress or quilt will not bring you renown.