How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Seven Steps to Genius Every Day
by Michael Gelb | Dell © 2000 · 336 pages

Michael Gelb profiles the seven attributes of da Vinci's genius in his great book and in our Note we'll have fun checking out some Big Ideas including one of the most powerful exercises I've ever done called "A Hundred Questions." The exercise literally shaped my life and I trust you'll dig it as much as I have. We'll also look at the power of affirmations (did you know da Vinci used them?!) and the body of a genius (did you know da Vinci was also an exceptional athlete?!). Fun stuff.


For in truth, great love is born of great knowledge of the thing loved.
Leonardo da Vinci

“It was with the idea of finding the principles underlying Leonardo’s limitless creativity that I began my work on the book you are now holding in your hands. The seven principles I eventually identified were simply my attempt to write the how-to guide that Leonardo never put down on paper, to codify the principles implicit in Leonardo’s work so that they can be used by others. I feel very strongly that the genius of Leonardo resides not just in what he created but in what he can inspire us to create. Beyond all his stellar achievements, Leonardo da Vinci serves as a global archetype of human potential, giving us intimations of what we ourselves may be capable of doing.”

~ Michael Gelb from How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci was not only the leading artist (Mona Lisa, Last Supper, etc.) of his time, he was also an incredible inventor, military engineer, musician, and scientist (not to mention the fact that he was, apparently, also one heck of a party planner and one of the strongest athletes as well)?!

Yep. That’s our kind of guy.

In How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, Michael Gelb boils down da Vinci’s genius into seven attributes and provides a fun and powerful framework complimented with incredible exercises that help us develop our creativity and fully express our unique genius.

This book was one of the most influential reads in my early days and I can vividly remember reading it shortly after selling my first business (eteamz) nearly eight years ago. I highly recommend it and I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas (plus one of the most transformative exercises I’ve ever done: A Hundred Questions).

Let’s start by taking a quick look at the seven attributes of da Vinci and then we’ll explore a few of my favorite Big Ideas on how to rock ‘em!

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About the author

Authors

Michael Gelb

Creativity, Innovation, Leadership