"Leonardo da VINCI was fascinated by the mechanics of the eye, the nature of vision, and how humans perceive the world, exploring these topics extensively in his notebooks. He viewed the eye not only as a physical organ but as a gateway to understanding reality and the mind's workings. Here are some key ideas from his thoughts on the eye and vision:
 The Eye as the Window to the Soul: Leonardo famously described the eye as “the window to the soul.” He believed that what we see directly impacts our thoughts and emotions. This idea underscored his view of vision as a deeply philosophical experience, shaping both our perception of the world and our inner lives.
 Scientific Exploration of the Eye’s Anatomy: Leonardo was one of the first to study the eye anatomically in detail, creating meticulous sketches of the eye’s structure and its connection to the brain. He noted the function of the pupil, the effects of light and shadow on perception, and even attempted to understand binocular vision (how each eye sees slightly differently, enabling depth perception). His anatomical drawings and observations were centuries ahead of his time.
 Light and Perspective: Leonardo recognized that vision is dependent on light and meticulously studied how light interacts with objects to produce form and depth. He wrote extensively about how light rays enter the eye and how the mind interprets these signals. This understanding of light was foundational to his artistic technique, especially in creating the illusion of depth through shading, or chiaroscuro.
 Direct Observation over Theory: Leonardo believed that firsthand observation was essential to true knowledge. He argued that the eye was the most reliable source of knowledge about the world, more dependable than texts or teachings. His philosophy here was closely linked to his empirical approach to science and art; he emphasized learning from nature and closely observing visual phenomena.
  Vision as Central to Artistic Mastery: Leonardo considered the ability to see accurately to be the key to mastering the visual arts. He believed that understanding perspective, proportion, and anatomy all began with learning to see the world precisely and to translate that vision accurately onto paper or canvas.
 The Paradox of Sight and Perception: Interestingly, Leonardo was aware of the limitations of human vision. He wrote about visual illusions and the ways in which our perception can be deceived. He understood that seeing and understanding are not always synonymous and that the eye can sometimes mislead the mind, an insight that fed into his fascination with depicting complex, subtle expressions in his art.
Leonardo’s approach to vision was not only deeply scientific but also philosophical, merging his understanding of anatomy with broader questions about perception, truth, and representation. His studies on the eye went on to influence both his art and his scientific inquiries, leading him to become a pioneer in the fields of both optics and visual representation.