Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LIKE LEONARDO
DA VINCI
Seven Steps to Genius
Every Day
MICHAEL J. GELB
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How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci - Page 1
MAIN IDEA
Leonardo da Vinci was the ultimate high achiever -- with simultaneous careers as a world-class artist, architect, scientist, inventor
and engineer. In his spare time, he was also an accomplished cook and played musical instruments to a professional level.
Therefore, if anybody can exemplify how to apply creativity and learning skills productively, da Vinci is the consummate role model.
While it is true that Leonardo da Vinci was a genius, it is also true that most people typically use only a fraction of their potential
brain-power. Therefore, by analyzing how da Vinci achieved so much, a system for personal and professional achievement can
be developed. In essence, this system has seven key principles, detailed below.
By learning through imitation of the system da Vinci used to achieve so much, you are following a role model that embodies a very
practical and down-to-earth approach to applied genius. This system also provides proven techniques for sharpening the mind,
liberating intelligence, creative thinking and expansive self-expression.
Leonardo da Vinci lived through one of the most remarkably creative periods in history -- the Renaissance. Notable developments
of this era include the printing press, pencils, inexpensive paper, the magnetic compass, the large sailing ship, the long-range
cannon and the mechanical clock -- inventions that would alter the course of human history. Like the Renaissance, the modern
era is characterized by technology, and the release of newer versions of consumer products and technologies. Therefore, it is
altogether appropriate to look to the Renaissance for hints and clues on how to manage change creatively and productively. Da
Vincis approach to life and his careers provides just such guidance and inspiration.
In the final analysis, Leonardo da Vinci could well serve as the patron saint of independent thinkers, and the ultimate model of what
the human spirit is capable of achieving.
Principle #5 -- Arte / Scienza -- Balance Science and Art, Logic and Imagination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
The concept of being left-brained (logical) or right-brained (artistic) is now well known. Leonardo da Vincis
life, however, showed what can be achieved when both sides of the brain are harnessed. The dynamic
between the two sides of the brain generates substantial capacity for achievement.
Principle #6 -- Corporalita -- Develop Poise -- the Balance of Body and Mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
In addition to cultivating an ability to think clearly, logically and creatively, da Vinci was in exceptionally
good physical health. He taught (and exemplified) the idea that smart people should also take good care
of their physical health and well-being if they expect to remain productive throughout their lives.
Principle #5 -- Arte / Scienza Leonardo da Vinci used the concepts of mind maps quite
Balance Science and Art, Logic and Imagination extensively. Da Vinci was a successful artist, inventor, scientist
and military engineer:
Main Idea As an artist, he painted the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper --
The concept of being left-brained (logical) or right-brained two of the greatest paintings ever produced, along with a
(artistic) is now well known. Leonardo da Vincis life, however, number of other great works. He transformed the direction of
showed what can be achieved when both sides of the brain are the art, pioneered the use of oil paints and introduced a host
harnessed. The dynamic between the two sides of the brain of innovative methods and techniques. Da Vinci was also a
generates substantial capacity for achievement. renowned architect and sculptor.
Supporting Ideas As an inventor, da Vinci envisaged a vast array of devices
including helicopters, parachutes, hydraulic equipment and
Da Vinci gave birth to the modern ideas of brainstorming and much more. He also pioneered the concept of automation
creative thinking. He also developed a method of problem around which the Industrial Revolution was built.
solving, called mind mapping.
As a military engineer, da Vinci conceived the tank, machine
To create a mind map: gun, guided missile and submarine -- but never wanted any
1. Take a blank piece of paper, and write the question you are of these devices to be built.
considering at the top. As a scientist, da Vinci made significant contributions to the
2. In the center of the page, draw a symbol which represents fields of anatomy, botany, geology and physics. He was, in
both the left- and right-sides of the brain. essence, the father of comparative anatomy, botanical
3. Next, print key words which come to mind on lines that science, hydrostatics, optics and mechanics. He also
radiate out from the central image. Print one key word per discovered the sun did not move 40-years before Copernicus,
line, with each line being the same length as each key word. developed the concept of the telescope Galileo would use
60-years later to make his breakthroughs, wrote about the
4. For each key word that you have drawn, draw lines out from
theory of gravitation 200-years before Newton and suggested
there, listing the ideas that flow from that key word. Give each
the basic theory of evolution approx. 400 years before Darwin.
of these second-generation words their own line, going
outwards from the parent key word. In summary, Leonardo da Vinci set the stage for modern
scientific thinking to become established. Pretty impressive
5. Keep going without censoring what youre doing. Write down
achievements for someone who was born in 1452 and died at
whatever comes to mind for each of the key words.
age 67 in 1519.
6. Once youve generated enough material, stop and look at
Key Thoughts
your map. Look for major themes -- ideas that have been
expressed in a few different variations. Number the themes These rules are intended to help you to a free and good
you can identify. judgment: for good judgment proceeds from good
7. Connect ideas that are related with arrows, or use colors to understanding, and good understanding comes from reason
connect these different themes. trained by good rules, and good rules are the children of sound
experience, which is the common mother of all the sciences and
8. Now redraw the mind map, with every theme grouped
the arts.
together. Keep refining it until you feel youve completely
-- Leonardo da Vinci
exhausted the subject.
Mind mapping is a technique by which you can generate a lot of Everything is connected to everything else.
ideas on how to solve problems. It is equally useful for fun -- Leonardo da Vinci
exercises or something that is of critical importance. For
example, you might: Leonardo took an artists vision into science. He understood that
science, as much as painting, has to find the design of nature in
Make a mind map of what you can do on your next day off. her detail. He gave science what is most needed, the artists
Make a mind map of your dream vacation. sense that the detail of nature is significant. Until science had
Make a mind map of how to spend a perfect evening with a this sense, no one could care -- or could think that it mattered --
close friend or other associate. how fast two unequal masses fall and whether the orbits of
planets are accurately circles or ellipses.
Make a mind map of all the possible uses for mind mapping.
-- George Sarton
(Try coming up with 20 different applications that would be
useful for you). Those who become enamored of the art, without having
Make a mind map of something you want to memorize, using previously applied to the diligent study of the scientific part of it,
vivid images and other materials. may be compared to mariners who put to sea in a ship without
a rudder or compass and therefore cannot be certain of arriving
Enhance your mind maps creatively with drawings, sketches,
at the wished for port.
pictures, etc. All of these attachments will improve your
-- Leonardo da Vinci
memory and recall of that subject.
Use a mind map to do some creative thinking.
And dont forget to include a break for ideas to incubate. Go do
something else for a while, and then come back and draw a
revised version of your mind map. Youll find plenty of new
material will come to mind.
How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci - Page 7
Principle #6 -- Corporalita It is important that while you rest in that position, you let
Develop Poise -- the Balance of Body and Mind your neck move freely. You should almost be able to feel
your body lengthening as your spine reverts to its natural
Main Idea shape while you rest.
In addition to cultivating an ability to think clearly, logically and Arise slowly, with your head leading the movement
creatively, da Vinci was in exceptionally good physical health. forward. Get up in a smooth, flowing transition, easing
He taught (and exemplified) the idea that smart people should yourself into a crawling position before you stand up
also take good care of their physical health and well-being if they again.
expect to remain productive throughout their lives. Pay particular attention to your senses. You should
Supporting Ideas almost feel a little taller. Now visualize moving with grace
and poise through your normal daily activities.
In business, the state of your physical body influences your mind
and your performance. The essential idea is that you can For best results, try and repeat this exercise twice each
improve the quality of your life dramatically by cultivating fitness day -- when you arise in the morning and when you get
and better coordination of mind and body. To do this: home at the conclusion of your work day.
1. Develop a regular fitness program. 4. Cultivate ambidexterity.
A balanced fitness program will have three elements: Physical ambidexterity will enhance your ability to use both
sides of your brain to solve problems. Try these ideas:
Aerobic conditioning -- at least four 20-minute sessions
per week of brisk walking, running, dancing, swimming, Practice using your non-dominant hand each morning, or
rowing or other activities. for a part of each day, to do simple tasks initially and stay
with it until you can achieve more and more.
Strength training -- using weights. Strengthens muscles
and promotes the resilience of connective tissue and Try signing your name with your other hand. Try writing
bones. out the alphabet. Practice writing with your non-dominant
hand a little every day.
Flexibility exercises -- stretching exercises involving all
the major muscle groups. Try writing with both hands at once. Your dominant hand
will then be training your non-dominant hand.
Seek expert advice on each of these elements and develop
a program that is suited to your physical condition. Experiment with mirror writing. Leonardo da Vinci wrote
his notes so they could only be read in a mirror. Try and
2. Study practical anatomy. develop the same skill, using your non-dominant hand.
A constructive approach to general fitness is to develop your 5. Learn how to juggle.
kinesthetic sense -- a sense of your weight, position and
movement. It will help you improve your ambidexterity, balance and
mind-body coordination.
Draw a map of your own anatomy, based on observing
yourself closely in a mirror. Where do you feel most alive? Key Thoughts
Where do you feel stiffness? Are all joints working properly? To keep in health these rules are wise:
Your body map will guide you in seeking corrective exercise - Beware of anger and avoid grievous moods.
programs, stretching routines and so forth. Make a note of - Rest your head and keep your mind cheerful.
the practical information you gather on this topic, and - Be covered well at night.
integrate this into your overall exercise routine. - exercise moderately.
3. Use the Alexander Technique to relearn poise. - Shun wantonness, and pay attention to diet.
- Eat only when you want and sup light.
F. Matthias Alexander was a Shakespearean actor who - Keep upright when you rise from the dining table.
developed an important relaxation technique. To follow this - Do not be with the belly upwards or the head lowered.
procedure, do this: - Let your wine be mixed with water, taken a little at a time, not
This exercise is designed to assist the spine to be properly between meals and not on an empty stomach.
aligned and to enhance general balance and poise. - Eat simple (i.e. vegetarian) food.
Start by placing some paperback books on the floor about - Chew well.
your bodys length away from you. Stand with your feet - Go to the toilet regularly!
shoulder width apart, and relax. -- Leonardo da Vinci
Regulate your breathing so it is easy and smooth. Be alert The state of your body influences your mind. If your body is stiff
and focused on straightening the spine. and rigid, or collapsed and limp, your mind will often follow suit.
Sit on the floor with your hands behind you, feet flat on In many meetings and brainstorming sessions, for example,
the floor and knees bent. people sit around for hours, in more or less the same position,
Now lie backwards, effectively rolling your spine along the trying to generate new ideas and solve problems. And then they
floor, until your head is resting on the paperback books. wonder, "Why are we stuck?" Many organizations are
Add or take away books until you feel a gentle lengthening introducing brief sitting massage sessions, yoga and aikido
and realignment of your spine. Your knees should still be classes to help their people discover greater physical and mental
bent and your feet flat on the floor. flexibility.
-- Michael Gelb
Rest in that position for 10- to 20-minutes to allow gravity
to do its work naturally. Dont fall asleep.
How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci - Page 8