This quote means a student should aim to exceed their teacher's abilities and knowledge. It encourages continuous improvement and innovation, suggesting that true learning involves pushing boundaries and developing new insights beyond what was taught.
Quote by Leonardo da Vinci: “Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.”
Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.
Insight
Historical Context
Leonardo, a master artist and inventor, emphasized growth and innovation in his teachings. He encouraged students not just to imitate but to critically engage with and improve upon their mentors' work, fostering a spirit of progressive discovery.
Verify source / Learn moreAbout the Author
Italian polymath of the Renaissance whose curiosity spanned painting, sculpture, anatomy, engineering, and natural philosophy. His notebooks reveal an astonishing range of inquiry, and works such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper remain among the most studied in Western art.
View all quotes by Leonardo da Vinci