How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Seven Steps to Genius Every Day

by Michael J. Gelb

4.6(982 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book explores how to unlock a more creative, curious, and balanced mind by studying seven principles inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. It shows how to develop both the intellect and intuition, nurture a childlike wonder for life, and merge art and science to expand creativity and personal insight. Readers will discover practical methods for sharpening their thinking and cultivating a vibrant, holistic way of approaching each day.

Introduction

Imagine stepping into a world where art and science blend together, where curiosity forms the root of every new discovery, and where mistakes turn into treasured lessons. This summary reveals how to enrich your thinking by drawing on the same principles that empowered one of history’s greatest minds: Leonardo da Vinci.

Many of us feel that our innovative spark dwindles as life becomes more routine. Yet deep down, a part of us still craves the sense of wonder we had as children. By learning to think like Leonardo, we reconnect with that spark.

Over the next pages, you’ll uncover how to expand your sense of curiosity, use real-world tests to learn from experience, heighten your senses, tolerate ambiguity, weave science with art, improve your physical self-awareness, and see the hidden connections in all things. Prepare to embark on a personal journey of discovery.

The Power of Curiosità

Few forces drive personal development as much as curiosity. It’s the spark that compels us to ask questions, make observations, and remain open to the mysteries of the world. Leonardo himself never stopped posing questions, whether wondering why water forms rings when a stone is dropped or exploring the shape of clouds.

One practical tip is to keep a dedicated notebook where you record everything from small daily observations to big philosophical queries. This act of writing down questions primes your mind to uncover answers and step beyond the obvious.

Leonardo reminds us that curiosity grows by daring to investigate. Whether you’re exploring a new hobby or probing a deep question about life, let asking “why” and “how” become second nature. This renewed sense of wonder transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Rid yourself of passive acceptance; let your curiosity lead the way.

Looking to dive deeper into How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci?

Download our app to unlock every key idea and gain full access.

What is How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci about?

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day by Michael J. Gelb is an enlightening exploration into mastering creativity and intellectual prowess. By delving into the principles that guided one of history's most iconic polymaths, this book offers a roadmap to cultivating a mind as bold and expansive as da Vinci's. The narrative presents seven transformative principles, or "da Vincian" principles, to unlock dormant genius and foster a balanced, inquiring mind.

The book tackles key themes of curiosity, lifelong learning, and the seamless fusion of art and science. It guides readers through the processes of awakening one's boundless potential by embracing curiosity, learning from experience, and honing sensory awareness. As a practical guide, it provides actionable steps, allowing individuals to harness the cross-disciplinary genius of da Vinci and apply these methods to contemporary life. With its blend of theory and practice, Gelb's book inspires not just to think creatively but to live richly and fully.

Review of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Michael J. Gelb's How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci stands out for its ability to demystify the genius of Leonardo, making his philosophy accessible to contemporary readers. This book excels in its balance between theoretical insights and pragmatic strategies, offering readers a unique blend of reverence for historical wisdom paired with practical application. Gelb captures the essence of da Vinci's brilliance by distilling it into seven core principles that cater to building a well-rounded, sharp, and inquisitive mindset.

The book's strength lies in its holistic approach, encouraging readers to nurture both their intellectual and intuitive capabilities. Each chapter offers exercises and reflections, ensuring that the principles discussed have practical relevance in modern contexts, whether professional or personal. Gelb's writing is both engaging and accessible, making complex ideas effortlessly comprehensible. With thoughtful prose, the book appeals to a wide audience, maintaining a professional yet conversational tone throughout.

The book is particularly beneficial for those seeking to integrate creativity into their everyday lives. Gelb's emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking, curiosity, and openness to ambiguity encourages self-reflection and growth in multiple dimensions. Recommended for anyone willing to explore their potential, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci is a valuable guide for igniting innovation and finding fulfillment through thoughtful inquiry and observation.

Who should read How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci?

Education professionals and lifelong learners seeking to enhance their teaching techniques and personal growth will find the strategies for cultivating curiosity insightful.
Creative thinkers and artists aiming to combine their skills with logic and interdisciplinary understanding will appreciate the balance between art and science.
Corporate professionals looking for innovative problem-solving strategies and a fresh perspective can leverage the book's lessons to foster creativity in their careers.
Students of art history and philosophy can find inspiration and practical applications in Gelb's breakdown of Leonardo's historical genius and thought process.
Anyone interested in personal development can benefit from techniques to harness their creativity, improve self-awareness, and embrace adaptive thinking.

About the author

Michael J. Gelb is a renowned American non-fiction author, executive coach, and management consultant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Clark University (1973) and a master's degree in Psychophysical Re-education from Goddard College (1978). With over 35 years of experience, he has authored 17 books, including "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day," which has been translated into 25 languages and appeared on the Washington Post, Amazon, and New York Times bestseller lists. He is also a senior fellow at the Center for Humanistic Management and a member of the advisory board for Leading People and Organizations at the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business.