“How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day” by Michael J. Gelb is a captivating exploration of the timeless wisdom and creativity of Leonardo da Vinci, one of history’s greatest polymaths. Drawing on the principles and practices that defined da Vinci’s life, this book offers a blueprint for unlocking your own creative potential.
Chapter 1: Curiosity (Curiosità)
Leonardo da Vinci’s principle of Curiosità emphasizes an insatiable curiosity about life and an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge. It’s about fostering a deep, childlike wonder about the world around you and maintaining a lifelong commitment to learning and exploration.
Da Vinci’s curiosity knew no bounds—he studied art, anatomy, engineering, music, and more. Expand your horizons by learning about subjects outside your usual interests. Cross-disciplinary knowledge fosters innovation and helps you connect ideas in new and unexpected ways.
"The desire to know is natural to good men."
— Leonardo Da Vinci
Chapter 2: Demonstration (Dimostrazione)
A commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Chapter 3: Sensation (Sensazione)
The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, has the means to enliven experience.
Chapter 4: Going up In Smoke (Fumaco)
A willingness to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty.
Chapter 5: Chienza Court (Corte Chienza)
The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination, whole brain thinking.
"Art is never finished, only abandoned"
— Leonardo Da Vinci
Chapter 6: Peralità Court (Corte Peralità)
The cultivation of grace and the dexterity, fitness and poils.
Chapter 7: Congestion (Conestion)
A recognition of and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and phenomena, systems thinking.