#876 - Michael Gelb - How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
In this episode of the Modern Wisdom podcast, Michael Gelb shares insights into Leonardo da Vinci's unique thought processes and habits. With his insatiable curiosity and penchant for combining rigorous logic with unbridled creativity, da Vinci approached the world with an integrated, systems-based mindset.
Gelb reveals how da Vinci structured his days optimally, alternating intense stretches of work with breaks for rest and sensory engagement. He further explores how da Vinci's environments fostered his inspiration and productivity. The episode offers a window into the routines and perspectives that enabled da Vinci's brilliance.
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Da Vinci's Charismatic Personality
Leonardo da Vinci was renowned for his charming and elegant presence, winning over patrons with his charisma and wit, according to Gelb. Despite self-doubt later in life, Da Vinci's engaging persona helped secure commissions for masterpieces like The Last Supper.
Da Vinci's Unique Thought Processes
Insatiable Curiosity
Da Vinci possessed an insatiable, childlike curiosity that drove him to constantly question and push for deeper understanding. He rejected simplistic answers, instead digging beneath the surface through probing questions.
Integrated Thinking
Da Vinci combined rigorous critical thinking with boundless creativity. He refused to simply accept knowledge from authorities without empirical testing, exemplified by his anatomical dissections. Gelb discusses Da Vinci's synthesis of logic and imagination in pursuit of "truth, beauty, and goodness."
Systems Thinking
Leonardo da Vinci perceived the interconnectedness of all things, recognizing how everything relates in a wider context. Gelb shares Da Vinci's stance that "Everything connects to everything else," underscoring his grasp of systems thinking and potential consequences.
Da Vinci's Habits and Routines
Balanced Work and Rest
Da Vinci structured his days with intense focus followed by restorative breaks to rest and allow new ideas to emerge, as evident in his work on the Last Supper. He advocated balancing exertion and relaxation.
Sensory Engagement
According to Gelb, Da Vinci emphasized sharpening the senses through nature, music, and varied tastes. He valued physical, mental, and emotional balance, understanding attitude's influence on health.
Curated Environments
To foster inspiration and productivity, Da Vinci carefully chose natural settings that stimulated his senses. His notebooks contain observations mixed with creative doodles from reflective interludes in nature.
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Counterarguments
- While Da Vinci's charisma is often highlighted, some historians argue that his reputation was also built on the quality of his work and his innovative techniques, not solely on his personality.
- The assertion that Da Vinci's persona was a key factor in securing commissions could be countered by the fact that during his time, patronage was often based on social and political connections as well as artistic talent.
- Da Vinci's curiosity was indeed remarkable, but it could be argued that his relentless questioning sometimes led to projects remaining unfinished, as he moved on to new inquiries.
- While Da Vinci is celebrated for integrating critical thinking with creativity, some might argue that this approach was not unique to him and was a characteristic of Renaissance thinking in general.
- The idea of systems thinking as understood today might not fully align with Da Vinci's worldview, given the differences in historical context and scientific knowledge.
- Da Vinci's work-rest balance might be idealized; historical records suggest he often faced intense pressure to complete commissions, which may have led to periods of overwork.
- The emphasis on balancing exertion and relaxation is a modern interpretation that may not accurately reflect the realities of Da Vinci's working life, which was subject to the demands of patrons and the challenges of his projects.
- While Da Vinci's sensory engagement is well-documented, it's important to note that not all creative individuals or thinkers may require or benefit from such sensory stimulation.
- The value placed on physical, mental, and emotional balance is a contemporary perspective that may not have been explicitly shared or articulated by Da Vinci himself.
- The idea that Da Vinci curated environments for inspiration could be seen as a romanticized view; his choice of settings may have been influenced as much by necessity or opportunity as by a deliberate strategy for fostering creativity.
Actionables
- You can enhance your charisma by practicing storytelling with friends, focusing on conveying passion and using expressive gestures, much like a painter would with a canvas, to captivate your audience and leave a memorable impression.
- Storytelling is a skill that can be honed through regular practice. Start by choosing a topic you're passionate about, then gather a small group of friends or family members to share your story. Pay attention to their reactions and ask for feedback on how engaging and clear your presentation was. Over time, this will help you develop a presence that can charm and engage people, similar to how da Vinci's personality won over his patrons.
- Develop a habit of carrying a small notebook to jot down questions and observations throughout the day, fostering a mindset of continuous inquiry and reflection.
- Keeping a notebook handy allows you to record thoughts, questions, and observations as they occur. This practice encourages you to look at the world with a sense of wonder and to seek deeper understanding of your surroundings. Over time, this can lead to a habit of critical thinking and curiosity, akin to da Vinci's relentless pursuit of knowledge.
- Create a personal retreat space in your home or garden where you can surround yourself with elements from nature, calming music, and aromatic plants or herbs to engage your senses and rejuvenate your mind.
- Designate a quiet corner or section of your living space as a retreat area. Fill it with plants, perhaps a small fountain for the sound of running water, and have a selection of calming music at hand. Use this space to take breaks from work or daily routines, allowing yourself time to relax and engage your senses. This practice can help you achieve a balance between exertion and relaxation, leading to improved productivity and well-being.
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Da Vinci's Personality and Personal Characteristics
Leonardo da Vinci, one of history's most celebrated polymaths, was not only a master of art and science but also possessed a distinctive and engaging personality that captivated those around him.
Da Vinci's Charismatic Presence
Da Vinci was renowned for his charming and elegant demeanor, which allowed him to win over influential patrons throughout his career. Gelb describes him as charismatic, funny, and extraordinarily well-dressed, often sporting the finest clothes and fabrics he could afford. His talent as a musician also played a role in his ability to make others feel at ease and draw them into his circle. It was not just his art that attracted attention; even Leonardo's graceful movements were an attraction, as people would reportedly turn out just to watch him walk down the street. This engaging personality, coupled with his remarkable intellect and talent, helped him secure commissions for masterpieces such as The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.
Reflection and Self-Doubt
Despite his brilliance and the high e ...
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Da Vinci's Personality and Personal Characteristics
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Counterarguments
- While Da Vinci was known for his elegant demeanor, it's possible that his charm and attire were also strategic, helping him to navigate the complex social hierarchies of his time rather than being purely a reflection of his personality.
- Charisma is subjective, and what some may have perceived as charisma could have been interpreted differently by others; not everyone may have found Da Vinci's personality engaging.
- The emphasis on Da Vinci's talent as a musician and his ability to make others feel at ease might overshadow the fact that his primary contributions were in visual arts and sciences, and these talents were likely more influential in securing commissions.
- The notion that people turned out just to watch Da Vinci walk may be an embellishment or mythologization of his character, as historical accounts can sometimes be prone to exaggeration.
- While Da Vinci's personality and talents undoubtedly played a role in securing commissions, it's also important to consider the political and economic factors of the time that wou ...
Actionables
- Enhance your social presence by taking a short improvisation class to boost your charisma and humor. Improv classes encourage spontaneity and can help you become more quick-witted and engaging in social situations, much like Da Vinci's reported charm. You'll learn to think on your feet and respond to social cues in a way that can captivate an audience or a small group of peers.
- Develop a personal style that reflects confidence and attention to detail by curating a capsule wardrobe. Choose versatile, well-fitting pieces that make you feel confident and put-together. This approach to dressing can mirror the elegance attributed to Da Vinci and help you make a positive impression in both professional and personal settings.
- Create a personal reflection jour ...
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Da Vinci's Unique Thought Processes and Creative Approach
Leonardo da Vinci's approach to creativity and learning was vastly different from his contemporaries, exhibiting a blend of intense curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, and experiential learning. Michael Gelb provides insight into Da Vinci's ways of thinking, which can serve as a guide to unlocking our full potential.
Da Vinci possessed an insatiable curiosity and childlike wonder that drove him to constantly ask probing questions.
Leonardo da Vinci was known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge, guided by an almost childlike sense of wonder and an insatiable curiosity. Gelb explains that for Da Vinci, curiosity was less about a casual interest and more of a childlike, focused, and passionate desire to know. This curiosity was a key principle for thinking like Da Vinci, prompting him to refuse simplistic answers and constantly push the boundaries of his understanding.
He believed questioning to be a discipline and it was a trait inherent in children. Gelb even suggests a practice to reignite curiosity by writing down 100 questions without stopping, a method designed to help one break out of habitual thinking patterns.
He believed in the power of questioning and refusing to accept simplistic answers, always pushing to dig deeper.
Da Vinci's commitment to questioning and his discontent with simple answers was profound. He never took "yes" for an answer and would always delve deeper for understanding. Gelb mentions that after asking children a few consecutive questions, one can reach the essence of their knowledge. In a similar style, Da Vinci was always seeking the core understanding of subjects he inquired about.
Da Vinci integrated rigorous critical thinking and empirical demonstration with his boundless imagination and creativity.
Da Vinci combined a relentless demand for empirical evidence with boundless creativity. He refused to accept secondhand knowledge and empirically tested ideas through hands-on experimentation.
He refused to simply accept information from authorities, instead demanding to test and verify ideas through hands-on experimentation.
Evidence of Da Vinci's empirical approach is found in his detailed dissections of over 30 bodies, which was quite challenging at the time. Gelb discusses "dimostratione," underscoring the importance of learning from personal experience over accepting something just because an authority said it. Da Vinci's refusal to accept authority without empirical evidence is significant, exemplified in his anatomical drawings, including the first accurate depiction of an embryo in the womb.
Gelb also discusses "artesienza," reflecting Da Vinci's integration of art and science. Logic and imagination together facilitated Da Vinci's pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. This synthesis of convergent and divergent thinking was central to his methodology.
Da Vinci saw the world through a lens ...
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Da Vinci's Unique Thought Processes and Creative Approach
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Counterarguments
- While Da Vinci's curiosity was indeed remarkable, it's important to note that not all of his pursuits led to successful outcomes or practical applications, which could be seen as a limitation in his method of inquiry.
- The emphasis on questioning everything can sometimes lead to analysis paralysis, where an individual becomes so caught up in questioning that they struggle to reach conclusions or take action.
- Integrating critical thinking and creativity is powerful, but it can also be argued that Da Vinci's lack of formal education in some areas might have limited his ability to fully exploit certain scientific principles that were not well understood at the time.
- Da Vinci's refusal to accept information without empirical evidence was revolutionary, but it also meant that he sometimes rejected contemporary knowledge that was accurate, potentially slowing his own discoveries.
- The interconnectedness of all thing ...
Actionables
- Start a "Wonder Journal" to capture your daily curiosities. Keep a small notebook or digital app handy to jot down questions that arise from your everyday experiences, no matter how trivial they seem. This practice will help you develop a habit of inquiry, similar to Da Vinci's insatiable curiosity. For example, if you wonder why leaves change color, write it down and later research the science behind it.
- Create a "Thinker's Toolbox" with items that encourage hands-on exploration. Fill a box with various objects like modeling clay, building blocks, a magnifying glass, and art supplies. Whenever you encounter a problem or a new concept, use these tools to model ideas or conduct simple experiments. This could mean using the clay to understand the anatomy of a heart you're learning about or using the magnifying glass to examine the details of a leaf's structure.
- Map out the ecosystem of a personal project ...
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Da Vinci's Daily Habits and Routines
Leonardo Da Vinci's approach to work and life balanced intense focus with periods of rest and recreation. Michael Gelb provides insights into the habits and routines that made Da Vinci a paragon of creativity and productivity.
Da Vinci structured his days with periods of intense, focused work followed by breaks to rest, reflect, and allow new ideas to emerge.
Leonardo appreciated the importance of oscillating between exertion and relaxation for optimal performance and creativity. This practice was evident when he painted the Last Supper; he worked with intense focus before taking days off. When questioned about his work pattern, Da Vinci famously suggested that sometimes geniuses accomplish more when they work less, highlighting the need for balance between labor and leisure.
Da Vinci placed great importance on engaging all of his senses and maintaining physical, mental, and emotional balance.
Da Vinci was not only a master artist but also an advocate for a sensory-rich life. He encouraged the sharpening of one's senses through activities like nature walks, listening to music, and tasting varied foods. Balance and moderation were key themes for Da Vinci. Gelb highlights how Da Vinci valued sustainable enjoyment in life, such as savoring wine sensibly. He also understood the significance of a positive mindset, which is supported by modern research into psychoneuroimmunology—the study of how attitude affects the immune system.
Da Vinci's working environments were carefully ...
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Da Vinci's Daily Habits and Routines
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Counterarguments
- While Da Vinci's approach to work and rest may have been effective for him, it may not be universally applicable; different individuals may thrive under different routines and levels of structure.
- The idea of balancing exertion and relaxation, although beneficial, might not be feasible for everyone, especially in modern work environments with demanding schedules and fewer opportunities for breaks.
- Engaging all senses and maintaining balance is an ideal that may not take into account sensory processing differences among individuals, such as those with sensory processing disorders.
- The concept of sustainable enjoyment, like savoring wine sensibly, assumes that all individuals can exercise moderation and does not account for those with addictive tendencies or medical reasons to avoid alcohol.
- The emphasis on a positive mindset is valuable, but it's important to recognize that some individuals may struggle with mental health issues that make maintaining a positive attitude challenging.
- Curating working environments for inspiration might not be practical for everyone, especially those with limited resources or those who work in structured, unchangeable environm ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your daily routine by setting a timer for 90-minute focus sessions followed by 20-minute breaks to mimic the intense work and rest periods. During these breaks, engage in a different type of activity, like a short walk or meditation, to refresh your mind before the next work session.
- Create a sensory stimulation kit to use during your workday that includes items like essential oils for smell, textured materials for touch, calming visuals for sight, ambient music for hearing, and perhaps a small snack like dark chocolate for taste. Use these items when you feel your energy or creativity waning to re-engage your senses and rebalance your focus.
- Start a "Life's Pleasures" journal where you record one ...
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