How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was arguably the most creative person who ever walked the earth. He is known by many as an artist but his most impressive contributions came in the form of inventions. Imagine in the fifteen hundreds conceptualizing tanks, automatic weaponry, and parachutes. He was so far ahead of his time that people thought he was crazy.

Leonardo da Vinci is widely perceived as the most versatile genius of all time. Artist, sculptor, scientist, military engineer, bridge builder, and anatomical pioneer, no other person throughout history has shown Leonardo’s breadth of interest. In this book Michael Gelb distills the principles which permit the readers to learn and deploy Leonardo’s secrets in their own lives. 

This book had to be first. I’ve read three biographies about da Vinci, alert for clues into his brilliance. And I’ve never had a book recommended to me as frequently, by former students, colleagues, and friends. I’ve read it twice. Gelb draws on da Vinci’s notebooks and his work to shape The Seven da Vincian Principles—Curiosity, Being Sensual, Embracing Uncertainty, and Holistic Perspectives are my favorites—and also provides specific creative tips to help us live true to those principles in all aspects of our lives. I love da Vinci’s appreciation for what nature can teach us about being creative and… show more.

Leonardo da Vinci lived to age 67 and during his life pioneered the sciences of botany, anatomy, and geology. He drew up plans for a flying machine, parachute, and helicopter, and he invented the telescoping ladder that’s still used by firefighters today. He also painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. His secrets to creativity and wellness are applicable to this day: 

Ask questions. Throughout their lives, great minds ask confounding questions with childlike intensity.

Carry a notebook so you won’t forget your brilliant ideas.

Challenge your long-standing opinions and ask yourself whether those conclusions still make sense.