Leonardo did not pursue science and engineering in order to dominate nature, as Francis Bacon would advocate a century later, but always tried to learn as much as possible from nature. He was in awe of the beauty he saw in the complexity of natural forms, patterns, and processes, and aware that nature's ingenuity was far superior to human design. Accordingly, he often used natural processes and structures as models for his own designs.
Leonardo da Vinci approached science and engineering from a unique perspective, distinct from later thinkers like Francis Bacon. Instead of seeking to conquer nature, Leonardo aimed to learn from it, appreciating the intricate beauty of its forms and processes. His reverence for the complexity of natural systems informed his work, as he recognized the superiority of nature's designs over human creations.
This admiration for natural ingenuity led Leonardo to draw inspiration from the environment, using natural models to develop his own ideas. His methodology reflects a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all living things and highlights the potential of integrating natural principles into human endeavors.
