Of helicopters and more

Imagine coming up with the idea of a snorkel and a helicopter, while making significant contributions in botany, anatomy, physics and geology. Oh, did I mention also painting the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Yes, Leonardo da Vinci did all of the above and more. Michael Gelb has written a book about Leonardo’s approach to living entitled How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci.

Gelb has come up with seven principles that capture the qualities of da Vinci’s life. The principles are far ranging, covering mind and body. Gelb gives each an Italian name for flavor. For example, dimostrazione is a commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence and a willingness to learn from mistakes. It reminds me a bit of Tom Crum’s Discovery Model in his Magic of Conflict work which suggests that peak performers all possess the characteristic of a willingness to explore and learn from their experiences.

An unusually appealing part of the book is that at the end of each chapter devoted to a Da Vinci Principle, there is an intriguing array of exercises for the reader to help assess and develop his or her own growth in the principle. I found the self assessments and suggested activities had enough variety so that there was at least one in each chapter that I would actually consider doing.

This book underscores what a truly amazing person Leonardo was and not only encourages us to develop our own potential but gives us some tools for doing so.