How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci Book Summary - How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci Book explained in key points

Listen to the Intro

00:00

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci summary

Name: How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
Rating: 4.5 (135 reviews)
Author: Michael J. Gelb

Michael J. Gelb

Seven Steps to Genius Every Day

4.5 (135 ratings)

19 mins

Brief summary

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci guides readers in embracing their inner genius by applying da Vinci's principles. It encourages curiosity, sensory engagement, and creativity to enhance personal and professional development.

Topics

Success Self-Help Creative Flow Biographies Learning Skills

Table of Contents

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
Summary of 7 key ideas

Audio & text in the Blinkist app

Key idea 1 of 7

What’s in it for me? Uncover your hidden genius.

Imagine being able to tap into the genius of one of history’s greatest minds – Leonardo da Vinci. A true Renaissance polymath, da Vinci mastered fields as diverse as art, science, engineering, and anatomy. His unparalleled ability to weave creativity with logic and curiosity with discipline made him a visionary for the ages.

But what if da Vinci’s approach to life and learning wasn’t just a relic of the past? What if the principles that fueled his genius could be applied to your own life – right here, right now?

Leonardo’s brilliance wasn’t a mere stroke of luck or natural talent; it stemmed from an intentional philosophy rooted in lifelong learning, insatiable curiosity, and the belief in the interconnectedness of all knowledge. He understood that insights from one discipline could spark innovation in another. Whether sketching the designs for flying machines or meticulously dissecting human bodies to grasp their inner workings, da Vinci’s genius was fueled by his relentless questioning of the world around him.

By adopting just a few of da Vinci’s principles – curiosity, observation, and the pursuit of knowledge – you, too, can unlock greater creativity, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and discover deeper fulfillment in your personal and professional life.

The first principle: Curiosità

Leonardo da Vinci lived a life guided by seven core principles: curiosità, dimostrazione, sensazione, sfumato, arte e scienza, corporalita, connessione. These principles shaped his genius and defined his approach to learning and creation.

We’ll begin with curiosità, the Italian word for an insatiable spirit of inquiry. From a young age, Leonardo’s curiosity set him apart. According to his biographer, Giorgio Vasari, young Leonardo confounded his teachers with endless questions, seeking to unravel the mysteries of everything around him. This curiosity never faded; it fueled his desire to learn and understand the essence of the world. As an artist, for instance, he delved into human anatomy so deeply that he performed dissections to understand muscle and bone structure, just so he could portray the human form with precision. Whether designing flying machines or imagining submarines, Leonardo’s mind constantly pushed him to explore the impossible.

The good news is that curiosità isn’t just for Renaissance geniuses – it’s a skill you can develop in your own life. A practical starting point is to do what da Vinci did: carry a journal everywhere you go. Leonardo’s hundreds of notebooks were filled with questions, observations, sketches, and ideas – essentially, a stream of consciousness documenting his interactions with the world. You can mirror his habit by recording anything that piques your curiosity – questions, facts, observations, or dreams. Challenge yourself to make a list of 100 questions in a single sitting, ranging from the philosophical, such as "What is the nature of time?," to the trivial, like "Why do we yawn when we’re tired?" Don’t overthink it; the goal is to let your mind wander. When you review this list, you might discover recurring themes that point to deeper areas of interest.

By honing your questioning ability – something Leonardo excelled at – you’re more likely to find innovative solutions to problems, whether creative or practical. Often, the key to solving a problem isn’t in finding the right answer, but in asking the right question. History shows us that entire civilizations evolved by reframing the questions they asked. For example, early nomadic societies focused on the question, “How do we get to water?” However, once they reframed it to, “How can we bring water to us?” humanity developed settled agrarian societies. Likewise, in your life, rethinking the questions you ask can lead to breakthroughs in creativity, work, and personal growth.

The second principle: Dimostrazione

Imagine being trained in the bustling workshop of a Renaissance master, where every day was an opportunity to learn through hands-on practice, not textbooks. This was the world of Leonardo da Vinci. As an apprentice in the studio of Andrea del Verrocchio, one of Florence's most renowned artists, Leonardo was immersed in a system that prioritized doing over theory. From mixing pigments to sculpting, apprentices learned by working alongside their masters, engaging with real materials and processes.

This practical approach shaped Leonardo’s lifelong philosophy of learning, known as dimostrazione, or learning through experience. To apply dimostrazione in your own life, start by reflecting on the most influential experiences you've had. What did these teach you, and how do they shape your beliefs and actions today? Take it a step further: challenge your assumptions. Leonardo constantly examined things from multiple perspectives – can you do the same with your deeply held beliefs? Perhaps a belief you formed in childhood about success, failure, or creativity is worth reexamining.

The third principle: Sensazione

Imagine experiencing the world the way Leonardo da Vinci did – through senses so finely tuned that they unlocked new dimensions of creativity and understanding. For Leonardo, the five senses were not just tools for basic survival; they were gateways to a heightened experience of life. As a master painter, he developed an extraordinary sense of sight, capturing the subtleties of light and shadow in works like The Last Supper. But his sensory awareness didn’t stop there. He was also a musician, a foodie who savored meals, and a lover of tactile beauty, furnishing his home with fine fabrics like velvet and lace when he could afford it. This principle of sensazione, or the continual development of the senses, was central to his genius – and it’s something you can cultivate in your own life.

To strengthen your sensory faculties, start with sight. Visit a museum or gallery, and spend time with your favorite artwork. Instead of rushing by or snapping a photo, pick one painting and observe it for at least ten minutes. What details emerge over time? You can also practice positive visualization: imagine yourself achieving a specific goal with vivid detail, engaging all your senses in the process.

The fourth principle: Sfumato

Leonardo da Vinci is celebrated for the exquisite beauty of his paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but his genius was equally fueled by his fascination with the tension between beauty and ugliness. He believed that embracing paradox and contradiction – what he called sfumato – was essential to creativity. He famously said, “The painter who has no doubts will achieve little,” acknowledging that true mastery often comes from grappling with the unknown.

Like Leonardo, you can make friends with ambiguity. Start by reflecting on moments in your life where ambiguity reigned. Perhaps it was an important career decision, a complicated relationship, or a time when your life took an unexpected turn. Describe these moments in your notebook, paying attention to how the uncertainty made you feel and where you experienced it in your body. For many, ambiguity triggers anxiety, a feeling we often suppress. Instead of pushing it away, try sitting with your anxiety and observing it. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step to thriving in uncertain situations.

The fifth principle: Arte e Scienza

In the 1960s, Nobel laureate Roger Sperry’s research on brain hemispheres introduced the concepts of “right” and “left” brain thinking into popular conversation. The left brain, associated with logic, analysis, and STEM fields, became the dominant focus in education and society. Meanwhile, the right brain, responsible for creativity, imagination, and holistic thinking, was often neglected. This divide can limit our potential. Leonardo da Vinci, however, offered a different model. He mastered both hemispheres by seamlessly blending arte e scienza – art and science. His genius stemmed from integrating the analytical precision of a scientist with the imaginative vision of an artist.

Leonardo achieved extraordinary success by bringing artistic insight into his scientific work and applying scientific rigor to his art. For example, his detailed anatomical sketches of the human body, such as Vitruvian Man, were informed by dissections and scientific study, while his paintings, like The Last Supper, are masterpieces of mathematical proportion and symmetry. By merging these disciplines, Leonardo pushed the boundaries of both fields.

The sixth principle: Corporalita

When we think of genius, the image of a frail, bespectacled intellectual often comes to mind. But Leonardo da Vinci defied this stereotype – he was not only a brilliant thinker but also an accomplished athlete, horseman, and an embodiment of vitality. His holistic approach to life and work is encapsulated in the principle of corporalita, which emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and body awareness in achieving greatness. Leonardo’s success wasn’t just a product of his intellect but also his finely honed body and physical presence.

To cultivate corporalita in your own life, start by developing a balanced fitness routine. Like Leonardo, who excelled in a variety of physical pursuits, your program should include a mix of strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and flexibility work. Focus on movements that engage the whole body, such as swimming or yoga, and be sure to maintain regularity. This balance will keep both your mind and body in peak condition, much like Leonardo’s active lifestyle.

The seventh principle: Connessione

Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks have been criticized for being disorganized and lacking structure. Pages filled with sketches, questions, and observations often jump from anatomy to engineering, from flight machines to water studies. But this seeming chaos was, in fact, one of Leonardo’s greatest strengths. His refusal to neatly categorize his thoughts allowed him to see unexpected connections, sparking groundbreaking ideas. This was the essence of connessione – the principle of interconnectedness – which guided his ability to make creative leaps between seemingly unrelated fields.

You can cultivate connessione by embracing the idea that everything is connected. Start by contemplating wholeness: What does it mean to you? Consider how your actions, thoughts, and environment influence one another, and reflect on the broader relationships in your life.

Want to see all full key ideas from How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci?

Key ideas in How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

More knowledge in less time

Read or listen

Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.

Find your next read

Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.

Shortcasts ^New

We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

What is How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci about?

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci (1998) introduces seven Da Vincian principles that define genius, drawing on Da Vinci's very own notebooks and masterpieces. These principles, ranging from curiosity to recognizing interconnectedness, provide a framework for approaching life and problem-solving in innovative ways. Through practical exercises and thought-provoking lessons, it empowers individuals to tap into their own inner genius, cultivating skills such as creative thinking, self-expression, and achieving balance between the mind and body.

Who should read How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci?

Artists and designers seeking to boost creativity through interdisciplinary thinking
Managers aiming to foster creative thinking and strategic problem-solving in teams
Anyone focused on self-mastery and balancing mind and body

About the Author

Michael J. Gelb is an author, speaker, and leadership coach, known for his expertise in personal development and creative thinking. With a background in psychology and expertise in leadership development, Gelb has authored multiple bestsellers, including Innovate Like Edison and The Art of Connection, which focus on unlocking human potential and fostering creative thinking. His work combines practical exercises with insights drawn from history, science, and art, inspiring individuals and organizations to think more creatively and achieve their fullest potential.

Categories with How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Creativity Biography & Memoir Personal Development Career & Success

Book summaries like How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

The Inner Clock

Lynne Peeples

Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms

17 min

4.2

On the Origin of Species

Charles Darwin

By Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life

Discover Your True Self Through the Wisdom of World Religions

The Foundations of Language, Writing, and Meaning

A Philosophical User's Manual

15 min

4.6

The Art of Witty Banter

Patrick King

Be Clever, Quick, and Magnetic

When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health

High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best

Mastering Search Engine Optimization

The Comprehensive Guide to Delay, Don't Deny® Intermittent Fasting

Uncovering Hidden Manipulations That Erode Trust and Truth

What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference

Discover Cultural Divide in Colonial India

13 min

3.8

How to Think Like Socrates

Donald J. Robertson

Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World

The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment

17 min

4.4

I Know What to Do So Why Don't I Do It?

Nick Hall

The New Science of Self-Discipline

A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI

Use Storytelling to Engage, Inspire, and Share Your Message

The secrets of 40 millionaires' wealth, revealed

15 min

4.4

Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life

Bob Proctor

Unlock Your Potential to Achieve

19 min

4.4

The Battle for Your Brain

Nita A. Farahany

Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology

13 min

4.2

Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain

Partha Nandi

Five Pillars for Gut Health and Cognitive Optimization

How to Start Conversations that Get Results

15 min

4.1

Revenge of the Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell

Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering

Master the Art of Business Strategy

Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life

16 min

4.0

What Kind of Creatures Are We?

Noam Chomsky

A deep exploration of human nature, language, and consciousness

Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work

19 min

4.2

The Art of Conflict-Free Negotiations

Halbert Ward

6 Steps to Winning Without Conflict

Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, and Feeling Guilty... . and Start Speaking Up, Saying No, and Unapologetically Being Yourself

19 min

4.4

History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides

A Chronicle of Power, Conflict, and the Fall of Ancient Greece

18 min

4.6

Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT

Larry Wheeler

Use AI to Generate Ideas, Automate Marketing, and Build Profits

Stop Drama, Eliminate Entitlement, Maximize Results

19 min

4.2

The Skills-Powered Organization

Ravin Jesuthasan

The Journey to the Next-Generation Enterprise

17 min

4.2

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Mark Manson

A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

22 min

4.3

The Richest Man in Babylon

George S. Clason

Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century

17 min

4.3

Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult

Jon Gordon & Amy P. Kelly

A Simple, Smart Way to Make Your Relationships and Team Better

Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience

A Magical Fable About Following Your Dreams

The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward

Why You're Not Built for Constant Happiness, and How to Enjoy the Journey

Secrets for Commanding Attention and Getting Results

16 min

4.3

Habits of a Peacemaker

Steven T. Collis

10 Habits to Turn Toxic Conversations Into Healthy Dialogues

A Very Short Introduction

19 min

4.3

A Beginner's Guide to the Stock Market

Matthew R Kratter

Everything You Need to Start Making Money Today

19 min

4.1

Creativity, Inc.

Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace

Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

Uncover Ancient Wisdom on Love and Relationships

15 min

4.0

People ❤️ Blinkist

Sven O.

It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

Thi Viet Quynh N.

Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

Jonathan A.

Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

Renee D.

Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.