Civilization 6 provides players with a rich tapestry of historical settings and iconic figures to engage with and learn from. While this aspect has been widely praised by fans, the game has inadvertently perpetuated a historical fallacy concerning one of the most celebrated minds in history.
Throughout the Civilization series, players have been granted the opportunity to construct their versions of renowned civilizations. By assuming the roles of historical leaders and enlisting the help of 'Great Persons,' players can manipulate world history like pieces on a chessboard, creating their narratives. Despite its reputation for blending history into gameplay effectively, it's crucial to acknowledge that these games are not intended as educational tools. The information presented may not always align with historical accuracy.
Unraveling the Misattributed Da Vinci Quote in Civ 6
One of the most glaring inaccuracies in Civilization 6 is a quote erroneously linked to Leonardo da Vinci. The quote reads, “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you will long to return.” This quote prominently features in the game, especially upon unlocking the flight technology. Moreover, it serves as the inspiration behind the game's main musical theme, Sogno di Volare, credited to Chiara Cortez and Leonardo da Vinci. Cortez derived the song's lyrics from this misattributed quote.
However, it's unfair to fault Cortez for this misattribution. The quote's origins can be traced back to a Science Fiction story called The Storms of Windhaven, where it was mistakenly credited to da Vinci. This misconception stemmed from a documentary about da Vinci by John H. Secondari, misinterpreted by one of the story's authors, Ben Bova. While Civilization excels in geographical education, its historical accuracy may be questionable.
Shedding Light on Da Vinci's Perspective
The misattribution of this quote sheds light on the profound impact of flight on its author. While the sentiment indicates personal experience with flying, there is no concrete evidence that da Vinci ever took to the skies. His sketches depict a fascination with flight and innovative flying machines, but none are believed to have achieved flight. Incorrectly crediting this quote to da Vinci implies an erroneous existence of flight technology during his era. This misinformation alters perceptions of da Vinci significantly, cautioning against blind acceptance of Civilization 6's ideas.
Da Vinci's legacy as a pivotal figure in history, influencing art, technology, and philosophy, should be celebrated accurately. Similarly, while Civilization 6 excels in gaming, its occasional historical missteps should be acknowledged. Every endeavor is prone to errors, and while this misquote plays a significant role in the game, both da Vinci and Civilization 6 should be recognized for their respective strengths and contributions.