Primary Source for Leonardo da Vinci Qoute

June 24, 2013 2:25 AM

I'm looking for a primary source for this quote. "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” The quote is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Thanks in advance!
posted by lrnarabic to Religion & Philosophy (2 answers total)

Best answer: I believe the original quote is in French and is by Charles de Gaulle:

"Rien ne rehausse l'autorité mieux que le silence, splendeur des forts et refuge des faibles"
- apparently found in his book Le Fil de l'épée
posted by vacapinta at 2:48 AM on June 24, 2013

Oh, It is also on his wikiquote page as "Nothing builds authority up like silence, splendor of the strong and shelter of the weak."
posted by vacapinta at 3:11 AM on June 24, 2013 [1 favorite]