Modern Wisdom Podcast Episode #876: Michael Gelb - How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Release Date: December 12, 2024

Introduction

In episode #876 of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson welcomes Michael Gelb, an esteemed executive coach, speaker, and author renowned for his extensive work on Leonardo da Vinci. Gelb delves into Leonardo’s unparalleled genius, unraveling the seven essential principles that can help individuals harness their creative potential and think like the Renaissance master.

Leonardo's Personality and Background

Gelb begins by painting a vivid picture of Leonardo da Vinci’s personality. Described as charming, funny, and elegant, Leonardo was not only a brilliant artist and inventor but also a master at connecting with others. His ability to secure high-level patronage was partly due to his personable demeanor. Gelb notes, “[Leonardo] had a gift for making people feel comfortable, for connecting with others…” (05:17).

The Political and Cultural Landscape of Renaissance Italy

Understanding the turbulent political climate of Renaissance Italy is crucial to comprehending Leonardo’s movements and opportunities. Gelb explains how Leonardo navigated shifting allegiances, moving between the patronage of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, Cesare Borgia in the Vatican, and eventually François I, the King of France. This adaptability ensured Leonardo could continue his quest for knowledge and artistic excellence despite political upheavals.

Contrasts Between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo

A fascinating segment contrasts the geniuses of Leonardo and Michelangelo. While Michelangelo is portrayed as a conflicted soul battling perpetual self-doubt and pessimism, Leonardo is characterized by his boundless curiosity and passion. Gelb highlights, “Some of us do it from guilt and shame like Michelangelo. And some of us do it from love and just passionate, deepest level curiosity” (12:10).

Seven Principles to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Gelb outlines the seven principles derived from Leonardo’s life and work, each accompanied by practical applications:

1. Curiosita (Curiosity)

   • Description: Emulating Leonardo’s insatiable curiosity, Gelb emphasizes the importance of asking profound and continuous questions.
   • Quote: “Our birthright is curiosity. Who are the most imaginative people? Little children.” (27:32)
   • Exercise: Writing 100 questions in one sitting to break free from habitual thinking.

2. Dimostrazione (Demonstration)

   • Description: Demonstrate ideas through personal experience rather than accepting information passively.
   • Quote: “Men of genius sometimes work best when they work least” (14:03)

3. Sfumato (Embracing Ambiguity)

   • Description: Embrace the unknown and maintain emotional intelligence amidst uncertainty.
   • Quote: “She seems to follow you around the room... she follows you” (62:38)
   • Exercise: Imitating the Mona Lisa’s smile to explore emotional responses.

4. Sensazione (Sensory Awareness)

   • Description: Sharpen and consciously enhance your sensory perceptions to appreciate beauty and nature.
   • Quote: “The five senses are the ministers of the soul.” (54:35)
   • Exercise: Comparative tasting of different dark chocolates or wines to notice subtle differences.

5. Arte Scienza (Integration of Art and Science)

   • Description: Combine logical analysis with imaginative creativity for holistic problem-solving.
   • Quote: “Integrate these modalities that we usually tend to think of as opposites, all in service of his quest for truth, beauty, and goodness.” (66:30)
   • Exercise: Mind mapping using colored pens and images to stimulate both analytical and creative thinking.

6. Corporalita (Balance of Body and Mind)

   • Description: Maintain physical health and mental well-being to support overall creativity and productivity.
   • Quote: “Learn to preserve your own health.” (73:03)
   • Practice: Incorporating moderate exercise, a healthy diet, and social dining into daily routines.

7. Conazione (Everything Connects)

   • Description: Adopt systems thinking to understand the interconnectedness of various aspects of life and work.
   • Quote: “Everything connects to everything else.” (75:22)
   • Exercise: Creating a comprehensive mind map of life goals, values, and daily actions to ensure alignment with personal purpose.

Practical Applications and Exercises

Gelb provides actionable strategies to implement Leonardo’s principles:

• Curiosita: Engage in exercises like writing extensive questions to foster a rebirth of personal curiosity.
• Sensazione: Enhance sensory experiences through deliberate practices such as themed walks focusing on colors or sounds.
• Arte Scienza: Utilize mind mapping to visually organize thoughts, blending creativity with logical structuring.
• Corporalita: Prioritize physical activities that promote grace and poise, echoing Leonardo’s balanced lifestyle.

Integration of Art and Science

A cornerstone of Leonardo’s thinking is the seamless integration of art and science. Gelb introduces the concept of Synvergent Thinking, a blend of convergent (analytical) and divergent (creative) thinking. He encourages using traditional methods like colored pens and paper for mind mapping to stimulate neuroplasticity and enhance both creative and analytical capacities.

Maintaining Balance Between Body and Mind

Emphasizing the importance of corporalita, Gelb discusses how Leonardo balanced physical prowess with intellectual pursuits. Practices like the Alexander Technique, which cultivate grace and poise, are recommended to prevent physical strain and promote mental clarity.

Navigating Modern Challenges with Leonardo’s Principles

Gelb connects Leonardo’s timeless principles to contemporary issues, such as the prevalence of cynicism in modern society. He advocates for adopting a higher purpose and maintaining emotional resilience to navigate personal and professional storms. Gelb shares his own journey of leveraging creativity to foster conscious capitalism, aiming to create opportunities and improve lives through compassionate business practices.

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode, Michael Gelb distills the essence of Leonardo da Vinci’s genius into seven actionable principles. By embracing curiosity, demonstrating ideas through experience, sharpening sensory perceptions, integrating art and science, balancing body and mind, and understanding the interconnectedness of all things, individuals can unlock their creative potential and navigate life’s complexities with the wisdom of one of history’s greatest minds.

Notable Quotes

• “Why would anybody not want to think like Leonardo da Vinci?” (04:22)
• “Men of genius sometimes work best when they work least.” (14:03)
• “Our birthright is curiosity. Who are the most imaginative people? Little children.” (27:32)
• “Everything connects to everything else.” (75:22)
• “The five senses are the ministers of the soul.” (54:35)

Where to Learn More

Listeners interested in delving deeper into Michael Gelb’s work can visit michaelgelb.com and sign up for the free newsletter, which includes a comprehensive handout on mind mapping.