Learning from Leonardo da Vinci
Of the many "How To" books available by the scores in the market, How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb stands out not only because it does NOT hand you an easy 7 steps to success but also provides you with so much information on Leonardo that even if you do not get to think like him, you get to know the man much better by the end of the book.
This lens reviews the book.
Picture courtesy: Hannah Gleghorn
Step aside, NYT book reviewers...
The book starts of by laying down a simple (simplistic?) logic of becoming a better person: adopt a role model; and obviously offers Leonardo da Vinci as the role model. I am not really surprised at this choice. After all, Leonardo has been declared the best f the best, the genius of all times.
The book then goes on to list the seven Da Vincian principles:
Curiosita - an insatiable curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning.
Dimostrazione - a commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Sensazione - The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to enliven experience.
Sfumato - A willingness to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty.
Arte / Scienza - The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination. "Whole-brain" thinking.
Corporalita - The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise.
Connessione - A recognition of and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and phenomena. Systems thinking.
Each principle is elaborated by referring to da Vinci's notebooks and sketches and paintings, followed by questions to stimulate thinking and introspection. This is then followed by practical steps to internalize the principle.
On the way, one is also introduced to other path breaking applications of out-of-box thinking applications, such as Mind Mapping and Alexandre Method.
The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 presents a brief overview of Leonardo's life and achievements. Part 2 is dedicated to the seven principles. Part 3 actually attempts to teach you how to draw.
The blurb at the back page of the book claims that this book will help you master:
problem solving
creative thinking
self-expression
enjoying the world around you
goal setting and life balance
harmonizing body and mind
In other words, everything that the master stood for.
The book is a delight to read. It shows you aspects of Leonardo which you may not have known before. The practical exercises may actually do you some good. My only grouse: the Leonardo paintings are not in colour.
Buy your own copy here
Amazing Facts About Leonardo
Did you know that da Vinci had astonishing power of sight? His recordings about the movements of feather and wings in flight remained unconfirmed until the development of slow-motion moving pictures
Top 10 genius of all times - do you agree?
Tony Buzan and Raymond Keene have made a list of the top 10 genius of all times based on ratings on categories such as "Originality," "Versatility," "Dominance-in-Field," "Universality-of-Vision," and "Strength and Energy".
10. Albert Einstein
9. Phidias (architect of Athens)
8. Alexander the Great
7. Thomas Jefferson
6. Sir Issac Newton
5. Michelangelo
4. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
3. The Great Pyramid Builders
2. William Shakespeare
1. Leonardo da Vinci
Do you agree? Rearrange the list or add your own.
About the author, on Wikipedia
Michael J. Gelb (born 1952) is a writer and trainer who specializes in personal development and corporate training seminars.
Gelb is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning and innovative leadership. Gelb leads seminars for organizations such as BP, Nike, Merck, IBM and Microsoft. He brings more than 20 years of experience as a professional speaker, seminar leader and organizational consultant to his diverse, international clientèle.
Gelb graduated with a BA in Psychology and Philosophy with honors from Clark University in 1973. He received his MA in Mind and Body Education from Goddard College in 1978 and was certified as a teacher of the FM Alexander Technique (S.T.A.T.) that same year. A fourth degree black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, Gelb is co-author with International Grandmaster Raymond Keene, of "Samurai Chess: Mastering Strategy Through the Martial Art of the Mind."
Gelb's work has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post and Training Magazine. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, CNN's Business Unusual and on countless radio programs including live interviews with NPR and the BBC World Service
A 'retired' professional juggler who once performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, Gelb's book, "More Balls Than Hands: Juggling Your Way to Success by Learning to Love Your Mistakes," was released in September, 2003.
What other lensmasters think about Leonardo da Vinci
Each lens has a different perspective on Leonardo. Please visit these lenses to get a 360 degree information on Leonardo.-
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Reader Feedback
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Reply
- JenOfChicago JenOfChicago Mar 31, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
- Great lens.
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Reply
- riff999 riff999 Mar 26, 2009 @ 10:48 am
- Leonardo da Vinci, in my mind, is one of the greatest thinkers of all time. I own the book that you feature on this lense and I can vouch - it's a good read. Lens has been lensrolled and rated.
Best of luck
~Jane
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Reply
- sophie21 sophie21 Feb 3, 2009 @ 12:14 am
- Yeah, I agree with you the Da Vinci code gave me a good picture of this genius in the most exhilarating way.
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