How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci - Michael Gelb

Why Would We Want to Think Like Da Vinci? (0s)

• Most people are not aware of the unlimited potential they are born with, and their incredible brains did not come with a manual, so they learn how to think and be by imitating the people around them, usually their family and teachers (10s).
• Having a historical genius like Leonardo da Vinci as a personal mentor could help utilize one's capabilities, and Da Vinci was charming, funny, elegant, and a musician who made people feel comfortable and connected with others (49s).
• Da Vinci's ability to connect with others helped him get high-level patrons throughout his career, and he charmed them into keeping him around and seeing what he could do, which led to him painting famous works like the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa (1m23s).
• In Da Vinci's time, having a patron or sponsor was necessary to get by, and he was a canny operator who knew how to get what he needed, much like needing sponsors for a show (1m49s).
• The political and cultural landscape of Italy during Da Vinci's time was very interesting, and he had to move due to political turmoil, eventually working under the patronage of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan (2m31s).
• Da Vinci wrote a famous employment application letter to Sforza, boasting about his abilities to build bridges, take care of things in times of war, and even paint, which showcased his confidence and humility (3m0s).
• Da Vinci's artistic endeavors may have been seen as secondary to his other skills, but he was passionate about understanding the mind of God, truth, beauty, and goodness, and saw art and science as ways to explore these concepts (4m20s).
• Da Vinci's curiosity led him to draw the first reasonably accurate drawing of an embryo and perform dissections of over 30 bodies, which was very challenging at the time, and his drawings of these dissections were exquisite and beautiful works of art and science (5m51s).
• The integration of art and science, or "artenza," was a key principle for Da Vinci's thinking, and he was driven to explore the nature of things and understand the secret of life (6m33s).

Differences Between Michelangelo & Da Vinci (6m45s)

• Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci are often mentioned together in the context of the Vatican, but they had distinct personalities, with Michelangelo being a conflicted soul, pessimistic, and possibly suffering from permanent depression throughout his life (6m47s).
• Michelangelo's drive for work seemed to stem from a need for validation and external accolades to fill an internal void, making his motivation easier to understand (7m27s).
• In contrast, da Vinci's motivation for working hard is more difficult to understand, as he seemed to come from a more balanced place (6m48s).
• The contrast between Leonardo and Michelangelo serves as a character study of genius, reflecting aspects of human quests to express themselves, achieve, and live their life's purpose (7m52s).
• Some people, like Michelangelo, may be driven by guilt and shame, while others, like da Vinci, may be driven by love and passion (8m10s).
• Michelangelo's self-image is reflected in his painting "The Judgment of Christ," where he depicted himself as a flayed skin hanging in purgatory, while his works like "David" and the "Pietà" show a more hopeful and loving side (8m52s).
• It is essential to avoid reducing individuals like Michelangelo and da Vinci to simple psychological explanations, as their complexities cannot be fully captured by such reductions (9m32s).

The Dark Side of Da Vinci (9m39s)

• The Dark Side of Da Vinci is twofold, with one aspect being his tendency to not finish projects due to his pursuit of perfection, as he was competing with God rather than other artists (9m47s).
• Da Vinci's perfectionism led him to strive for a level of quality that rivaled nature, causing him to struggle with completing his works (10m13s).
• Another reason for his unfinished projects was his confidence in his own genius, which made him less concerned with meeting the expectations of others, such as the monks who commissioned his work (10m22s).
• The other aspect of the Dark Side of Da Vinci is the period of profound doubt he experienced towards the end of his life, as evident in his notebook writings where he questioned whether he had truly accomplished anything (10m46s).
• Despite his accomplishments, Da Vinci's self-doubt and potential loss of faith are seen as a natural contrast to his brilliance, which he referred to as "kiaroskuro," the interplay of light and dark (11m13s).
• This contrast of light and dark is a key element in Da Vinci's artwork, where light emerges from the darkness, and is a testament to his pioneering spirit and deeper meaning in his work (11m30s).
• The combination of Da Vinci's genius and his struggles with self-doubt continue to fascinate people and inspire a deeper understanding of his work, even 550 years after his time (11m51s).

Things We Don’t Know About Da Vinci (12m2s)

• Leonardo da Vinci wrote "Il no mo" stating the sun does not move, many years before Copernicus created his theory, which is a lesser-known fact about Da Vinci (12m21s).
• Da Vinci's work continues to fascinate people, with his painting "Salvator Mundi" selling for $450 million, the most any work of art has ever sold for, and his life being featured in various media, including a PBS special and "The Da Vinci Code" (13m1s).
• The "Salvator Mundi" painting is a portrait of Christ holding the globe of the world in the palm of his hand and was authenticated by Professor Martin Kemp before being sold at auction (13m23s).
• Despite his fame, what Da Vinci really wanted to teach people was how to think more creatively and use their potential, as evident from the instructions in his notebooks (14m12s).
• Da Vinci's notebooks contain around 20,000 written pages, with approximately 6,000 to 7,000 pages surviving to this day (14m56s).
• Researching Da Vinci's work involved reading his notebooks, studying his paintings, and interviewing Leonardo scholars, which led to the development of the "Da Vinci principles" (15m40s).
• The research process also involved visiting the places where Da Vinci was born and died, walking in his footsteps, and contemplating his paintings, which helped to gain a deeper understanding of his work and life (15m27s).

A Normal Day for Da Vinci (15m57s)

• Leonardo da Vinci's daily routine likely varied depending on his location, but he advocated for working with great intensity and then taking a break, a concept supported by contemporary research on optimizing memory and high performance (16m0s).
• Da Vinci would often work for hours with total intensity, as seen when he was working on "The Last Supper," and then disappear for a few days, which would upset the prior of the Church of Santa Maria De Gracia (16m50s).
• When questioned by the prior and the Duke about his work habits, Da Vinci replied that "Men of Genius sometimes work best when they work least," indicating his understanding of the importance of rest and relaxation in the creative process (17m44s).
• A typical day for Da Vinci likely involved working with great intensity, going for a walk in nature, writing in his notebook, and being open to new ideas and observations (18m20s).
• Da Vinci's notes were often messy and included creative doodles, reflecting his unique approach to creativity and idea generation (18m30s).
• It is rare for people to be financially rewarded for the quality of their thoughts, and most people have jobs that are not creatively demanding, but the goal for many is to be repaid for the quality of their thoughts (18m46s).
• Da Vinci's ability to optimize his work and rest periods is an inspiration to those who want to be creative and generate new ideas, and his approach can be applied to contemporary life, despite the challenges posed by modern technology (19m43s).
• The modern world has made it difficult for people to be "off" and fully disconnect from work, as even leisure activities are often interrupted by technology (20m5s).
• The concept of work and leisure has changed over time, with the ancient Greek word for work implying it was an aberration, whereas now people often find it difficult to fully switch off from work due to constant stimuli and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life (20m10s).
• France has introduced a new bylaw that prohibits employers from contacting employees after 5:00 p.m. or on weekends in an attempt to create a clear distinction between work and personal time (20m40s).
• The quality of one's thoughts is a specific use case that many people aspire to improve, particularly in terms of achieving a better work-life balance and increasing creativity (20m55s).
• The modern world often presents a mismatch between what is required for success and what is beneficial for human flourishing, with many people seeking to find a more harmonious balance between the two (21m5s).
• The ability to be playful, creative, and have fun while working is a valuable asset, and helping corporate people cultivate this mindset can be a key factor in their success (21m16s).
• Teaching people with money to be more creative and make more money can be seen as playing on "easy mode," while teaching those without money to make money is a more challenging task (21m30s).
• The concept of conscious capitalism involves helping business leaders think more creatively and compassionately, with the goal of raising their consciousness and contributing to a better world (21m46s).
• The book "The Healing Organization," co-authored with Raj Sisodia, explores this idea and its potential for positive change (21m51s).
• The goal of helping business leaders think more creatively and compassionately is driven by the realization that this is where the power and money reside, and that by influencing business, it is possible to make a positive impact on the world (22m7s).
• The idea of teaching government how to think creatively was initially pursued, but it was ultimately business leaders who showed interest and provided opportunities for growth and learning (22m36s).
• Working with visionary and humanistic business leaders has provided valuable insights into the world of business and its potential for positive change (22m57s).

Developing Genuine Curiosity (23m10s)

• The first principle to think like Leonardo da Vinci is curiosita, which is a genuine, childlike, focused, and passionate desire to know, and it's essential to embody this curiosity in daily life (23m10s).
• Curiosity is a birthright, and it's the key to getting to the essence of what anybody knows, as seen in the way children keep asking questions to learn more (23m57s).
• The education system and workplace often stifle curiosity, focusing on getting the right answers instead of asking powerful questions, and it's essential to have a Renaissance or rebirth of curiosity (24m12s).
• One exercise to cultivate curiosity is to write out 100 questions in one sitting, without lifting the pen off the paper, and then highlight the 10 most powerful questions that draw you in (25m12s).
• This exercise helps break out of the habitual mind and can lead to new insights and ahas, especially when thinking about the highlighted questions before sleep (26m8s).
• Practicing curiosity through exercises like the 100 questions can be done regularly, such as three or four times a week, to cultivate a more curious mindset (26m46s).
• Engaging in conversations that involve asking questions and exploring topics can be a fun and enjoyable way to cultivate curiosity, as seen in the example of a road trip conversation (27m0s).
• Syncopation is a concept that sparks curiosity and imagination, and it's surprising that not everyone is driven to explore and learn new things all the time, as it's considered the most fun and coolest thing to do (27m33s).
• Asking questions fires the imagination, raises energy, and is a key aspect of having a personal Renaissance, as it empowers the questioning process and feels like being pulled rather than pushing (28m13s).
• Curiosity is the opposite of forcing oneself into a situation, instead, it's like creating a vacuum that sucks you forward, and it's a desirable state to be in (28m51s).
• To consistently keep curiosity alive, one can use a simple toolkit of journalist questions: who, what, why, where, when, and how, which can be applied to almost any issue or project (29m12s).
• Asking questions like "who's involved," "how did it happen," "where did it take place," "when did it start," "when will it be brought to completion," and "why is it happening" can keep one busy and engaged for a long time (29m21s).
• Having a personal Renaissance is possible at any time in life by empowering the questioning process and firing one's imagination, which can lead to increased energy and a stronger sense of curiosity (28m27s).

Turning Cynics to Enthusiasts (29m48s)

• The concept of "demonstration" is discussed, which means to demonstrate things through one's own experience, rather than just accepting something because of authority or written sources (29m56s).
• This concept is related to the idea of being open and playful, yet also skeptical and critical, in order to think things through and drive forward with responses to questions (30m32s).
• The idea of finding a balance between being open and critical is discussed, with the suggestion that it's not about finding a middle ground, but rather about playing with the extremes and oscillating between different modes of thinking (31m34s).
• The concept of the yin and yang symbol is mentioned, which represents the harmony of opposites, and the idea that there is a little bit of light in the dark and a little bit of dark in the light (33m18s).
• The importance of recognizing the rhythmic pulsation of different modes of thinking is discussed, using the analogy of breathing, where one inhales and exhales, and the idea that one cannot creatively write and proofread at the same time (32m31s).
• The idea of periodizing one's approach to thinking and learning is discussed, where one goes all in on one direction and then switches to another, rather than trying to do both at the same time (32m13s).
• The concept of the "golden mean" is mentioned, which refers to finding a balance between extremes, but the idea is also presented that it's not always necessary to find a balance, and that sometimes it's better to go all in on one direction (31m26s).
• The idea of being a skeptic rather than a cynic is discussed, with the suggestion that cynics are often broken-hearted idealists, and that it's possible to move from being a cynic to being a skeptic and then to being an enthusiast (31m2s).
• The concept of relational and strategic thinking is discussed, with the idea that it's possible to be open and warm-hearted in relational contexts, but that in strategic contexts, it's often better to go all in on one direction and periodize one's approach (32m9s).
• The concept of dimensions can be applied to various aspects of life, including orbital dynamics, and considering different dimensions can lead to interesting perspectives (33m52s).
• Recovering cynics who want to let go of their worldly scrutiny and dark thinking are encouraged to consider how they want to feel and whether their current mindset is working for them (34m23s).
• It's essential to evaluate whether one's current perspective is protecting them from something or providing a benefit, and if not, it may be worth experimenting with other ways of looking at things (35m0s).
• A ruthless question to ask oneself is "how's that working for you?" which can help individuals assess their current mindset and consider alternative perspectives (35m54s).
• Cynicism can be a significant obstacle to personal growth and happiness, and it's essential to recognize its presence in oneself and others (36m7s).
• People often cling to a life they don't like, and it's crucial to acknowledge the vulnerability and temporality of life (36m43s).
• Brokenhearted idealists may use cynicism as a defense mechanism to avoid feeling their emotions and vulnerability (37m2s).
• Conversations that promote hope and hearten people are essential, especially during difficult times, as they can help individuals navigate challenges and find a higher purpose (37m31s).
• Having a higher purpose, or a "North Star," can guide individuals through life's challenges and provide a sense of direction and commitment to principles like truth, beauty, and goodness (38m11s).
• The concept of navigating through difficult times is inspired by Victor Frankl, who believed that having a strong enough "why" can help people bear almost any "how" (38m27s).
• The idea of moving towards a destination and tracking progress is discussed, with the notion that almost everything is a positive destination, and people can get positive reinforcement by moving towards it (38m53s).
• However, people can get disheartened by the adaptation process, where they start taking things for granted and feel guilty for not being more grateful for what they have (39m18s).
• The concept of "La Dolce Vita" (the sweet life) in Italian culture is mentioned, which emphasizes the intrinsic notion that life is beautiful and meant to be enjoyed (40m4s).
• The French have a similar concept called "Joie de Vivre" (the joy of living), which is about finding pleasure in everyday life (40m28s).
• In contrast, the US has a more limited concept of "Happy Hour," which is a short period of time to relax and enjoy oneself before returning to a busy life (40m37s).
• The idea of being fully present and savoring the moment for its own sake is discussed, with the notion that it is the source of truth, beauty, and goodness (40m58s).
• The importance of mindfulness and being present in relationships is emphasized, allowing something creative to emerge without forced effort (42m28s).
• The concept of being connected to everything and everyone through the shared experience of breathing is mentioned, highlighting the idea that people are all made of the same cosmic dust (41m30s).
• The speaker reflects on their own personal growth, from being a driven achiever to learning the value of being present and mindful (41m59s).

Our Links to Ancient Wisdom (42m42s)

• The concept of interconnectedness is explored, suggesting that through molecular diffusion, it is statistically probable that every breath we take contains some particles from Julius Caesar's last breath, with every breath containing 10^22 molecules (43m9s).
• This idea can be linked to ancient wisdom from the Vedas and non-dual truth, which can now be backed up with physics, illustrating the connection between ancient concepts and modern science (43m42s).
• Research data shows that treating stakeholders with care and respect, and prioritizing their welfare, can lead to increased profits over time, highlighting the importance of ethics in business (44m12s).
• The concept of a "little ticker" in the brain is introduced, which refers to the internal voice that knows when one has done something wrong, causing feelings of guilt or remorse, and is thought to be an evolutionary mechanism to maintain social status and avoid negative consequences (44m45s).
• The tension between short-term pleasure and long-term contentment is discussed, with the acknowledgment that things that bring pleasure in the moment can be negative in the long term, and vice versa, emphasizing the need to manage this balance (45m31s).
• The idea of finding a balance between pleasure and long-term contentment is illustrated through the example of wine appreciation, where the goal is to enjoy the present moment without future negative consequences, as stated by a philosopher of wine (46m32s).
• The concept of enjoying life's pleasures sustainably is discussed, with a focus on finding a balance between indulgence and self-control, allowing for a more enjoyable and fulfilling life (46m55s).
• The idea of "Dolce in my Vita" is mentioned, which translates to finding sweetness in life, and making every hour happier by appreciating the good things (47m25s).
• The example of wine and dark chocolate is used to illustrate the concept of temperance, where one can enjoy something in moderation, but not to excess, with dark chocolate being a better example of something that is fulfilling in small amounts (47m45s).
• Two approaches to achieving temperance are discussed: developing self-control through willpower, and creating an environment that supports moderation by choosing the right friends, routines, and lifestyles (48m7s).
• The importance of choosing environments and lifestyles that promote moderation is highlighted, such as switching to a diet of meat and fruit, which can lead to weight loss due to the natural limitations of how much one can eat (48m30s).
• The Puritan ethic is mentioned as a cultural influence that can lead people to internalize the idea that they must deny themselves pleasure and goodness, and that this mindset can be limiting (48m57s).
• The need for balance is emphasized, as some people may overindulge and become addicted, while others may deny themselves pleasure and joy, and that finding a middle ground is essential (49m32s).
• The importance of learning the art of enjoyment and appreciating the good things in life is highlighted, and the role of a guide or mentor in helping people discover this is discussed (49m58s).

Sharpen Your Senses (50m13s)

• Leonardo da Vinci considered the five senses as the Ministers of the Soul and trained his senses like an Olympic athlete, advocating for consciously sharpening sensory awareness, which becomes more important with age (50m24s).
• The average person often overlooks the beauty around them, looking without seeing, eating without tasting, breathing without awareness of aromas, and talking without thinking (50m47s).
• To sharpen senses, appreciate nature and beauty by going for a walk with a theme, such as observing colors, shades of green, perspective, light and shadow, or sounds, which can raise the immune system and enhance creative thinking (51m32s).
• Engage in comparative tastings, like comparing different dark chocolates, to notice sensory nuances and enjoy the experience, as the brain loves to compare and contrast (52m10s).
• Apply the same principle to music, art, or other experiences, and discuss them with others, remembering that there are no wrong answers, only personal experiences and enjoyment (53m8s).
• Sharpening senses can also be beneficial in professional settings, allowing individuals to be more perceptive and attentive, reading body language, and noticing voice tone and language discrepancies (54m43s).
• The opposite of being sharp is being dull, and finding a balance between sharpness and savoring is essential, as savoring involves patience and taking time to appreciate and experience things fully (55m20s).

Embrace the Unknown (55m54s)

• The term "sfumato" was coined by art critics to describe the hazy, mysterious quality in Leonardo da Vinci's paintings, which is a distinguishing characteristic of highly creative people who can embrace the unknown (56m0s).
• The Mona Lisa is considered amazing due to her mysterious nature, as Leonardo da Vinci blurred the lines around her eyes, smile, and figure, making things seem to meld into each other (57m22s).
• Imitating the Mona Lisa's smile can help people understand how it makes them feel, and this exercise was done with a group of gifted children who earnestly participated and came up with insightful observations (58m1s).
• The Mona Lisa is the Western equivalent of the ancient Eastern symbol of Yin and Yang, embodying the harmony of dark and light, good and evil, and masculine and feminine (59m14s).
• The Mona Lisa's smile is endlessly fascinating due to its mysterious nature, which is a result of Leonardo da Vinci's technique of using multiple thin layers of paint to create a haunting and engaging effect (1h0m22s).
• The lesson from the Mona Lisa's mysterious nature is that when going through periods of big change or uncertainty, one should maintain emotional intelligence, connection to their higher purpose, and sense of humor (1h0m48s).
• The concept of sfumato can be applied to everyday life by maintaining a sense of humor and emotional intelligence, which can help shift one's perspective and find new insights (1h1m24s).
• The exercise of naming something and then naming it something it isn't can help people think creatively and find new connections between seemingly unrelated things (1h1m41s).

Integrating Logic & Imagination (1h2m6s)

• Embracing ambiguity is the fifth principle, which involves integrating art and science, logic and imagination, and convergent and divergent thinking, a concept referred to as "sin virgin thinking" or the synergetic integration of these opposing modalities (1h2m11s).
• This integration of art and science is exemplified by Leonardo da Vinci, who was a genius scientist, artist, and inventor, and is the reason why his methods are being discussed (1h2m59s).
• Mindmapping, a methodology for integrating art and science, was originated by Tony Buzan, who was inspired by the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison (1h3m30s).
• Mindmapping is a simple, elegant, and practical way to think like Leonardo da Vinci, and it is recommended to learn it the old-fashioned way with colored pens and big sheets of paper before using computer programs (1h4m0s).
• Drawing and using colored pens activates circuitry in the brain, promoting neuroplasticity, and can help individuals think like Leonardo da Vinci (1h4m27s).
• A free program for Mac called Mind Node is available, which uses a visual and tiered approach to mindmapping, similar to nested bullet points (1h4m43s).
• Modern society is often too focused on rational and left-brain thinking, and mindmapping can help individuals tap into their creative and imaginative side (1h5m15s).
• Practicing mindmapping is a practical way to cultivate creative and imaginative thinking, and can be applied to various aspects of life, such as planning daily tasks, dinner parties, or long-term life goals (1h5m48s).
• Mindmapping allows individuals to stimulate both their imaginative and analytical minds simultaneously, providing a detailed and focused approach to planning and goal-setting (1h6m27s).
• Leonardo da Vinci was a physically gifted individual, renowned as the strongest man in Florence, a master equestrian, fencer, and juggler, who loved to walk through the countryside with his notebooks, taking note of his surroundings and giving advice to his students (1h6m46s).
• Da Vinci advised his students to learn to preserve their own health, which can be translated into contemporary terms as integrative medicine or functional medicine, and to take responsibility for their health and wellness (1h7m43s).
• He also advised avoiding grievous moods and keeping the mind cheerful, which is now known as psychoneuroimmunology, where one's attitude affects their immune system (1h7m54s).
• Da Vinci recommended eating a healthy, wholesome diet of fresh foods, dining with friends, having a little red wine with dinner in moderation, getting moderate exercise every day, having plenty of fresh water, and being in nature (1h8m8s).
• He was renowned for his grace and poise in his own movement, with chroniclers of the time recording that people would turn out to watch him walk down the street because he moved with so much poise and grace (1h9m3s).
• Da Vinci's drawings and artwork, such as the drapery and curls of hair in his subjects, are indicative of his sense of having the right amount of energy in the right place at the right time, which is one of the secrets of life (1h9m41s).
• This sense of poise and grace is often missed in physical training, where people focus on achieving goals but lose form and do more harm to themselves than good (1h10m14s).
• The Alexander technique is a methodology for cultivating poise and grace in everyday movement, and Leonardo da Vinci is a supreme example of this quality (1h10m48s).

Everything Connects to Everything Else (1h11m0s)

• Leonardo da Vinci wrote in his notebook that "everything connects to everything else," which can be described as systems thinking, looking at how things that may not seem related are actually connected (1h11m6s).
• This concept involves seeing the big picture, thinking things through, and considering potential unintended consequences or effects of a project, product, or plan (1h11m34s).
• To apply this concept to one's life, it's essential to identify purpose, values, and goals, and see how they fit together, making adjustments to daily actions to align with these principles (1h12m14s).
• Making small shifts every day can lead to significant changes over time, and it's helpful to ask questions like why, how, when, and where to ensure alignment with one's purpose, values, and goals (1h12m48s).
• Creating a mind map with symbols and key words can help stay on track and navigate through challenges, a concept that Leonardo da Vinci referred to as staying focused on one's "star" (1h13m8s).
• Intentionality is a crucial aspect of this approach, involving doing what one means to do, rather than following default settings or being controlled by external influences (1h13m39s).
• Setting intentions in a systems way, using images and imagination, can make the process more effective and enjoyable (1h14m10s).

Where to Find Michael (1h14m28s)

• A new Leonardo da Vinci documentary is coming out, and people may want to learn more about the topic after watching the current episode (1h14m29s).
• To keep up to date with Michael Gelb's work, people can visit his website at MichaelGelb.com (1h14m49s).
• When signing up for the free newsletter on MichaelGelb.com, visitors will receive a 14-page handout on how to do mind mapping for free (1h14m55s).
• Viewers can find more content they may enjoy by checking out the recommended link provided (1h15m14s).