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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Leonardo da Vinci is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in history. His life and works are filled with valuable lessons that can be applied to our own lives. This excellent book takes those lessons and transforms them into a self-help manual that is both engaging and practical.


By reading this book, I learned many new facets of da Vinci's life. I discovered his curiosity, his creativity, and his ability to think outside the box. I also found many useful tools that I can apply to my everyday life. For example, the book taught me how to be more observant, how to ask better questions, and how to think more creatively.


I highly recommend this book to anybody, whether you are a professional or a layperson looking to get more out of life. It is a great source of inspiration and practical advice that can help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.

July 15,2025
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This is not your ordinary self-help book,

obviously. I've always been a tremendous Leonardo da Vinci fan.

So, I would be lying if I said I didn't contribute my love for him to the rating of this book.

However, I am biased in no way.

This book is a fantastic way for people to tap into their undeniable human potential.

Gelb ties some of da Vinci's important life principles into numerous activities that can expand our consciousness.

For example, whether you are observing and savoring every taste of your dinner,

judging your own creations by reflecting them through a mirror,

or studying your favorite composers,

you are bound to absorb a whole lot of wisdom by practicing the principles within this book.

This was a creative and well-thought out read.

I highly recommend it to anyone who desires a little bit of growth.

It offers practical and engaging ways to apply da Vinci's principles to our daily lives,

helping us to unlock our hidden potential and become better versions of ourselves.

So, if you're looking for a unique and inspiring self-help book,

this one is definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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Genius is not something one is born with; rather, it is made, as Leonardo da Vinci believed. He asserted that human beings are endowed with an almost boundless potential for learning and creativity.

Leonardo da Vinci served as the inspiration for this book. However, it would be unjust to assume that every aspect within it is solely his wisdom and creative approach.

Michael Gelb incorporated his own message, aiming to enhance da Vinci's ideas. He intended to utilize the concepts in the book for his own seminars and workshops. The book presents these as "the Seven Da Vincian Principles" for learning how to approach life like a genius.

For more on this review, visit www.connectedeventsmatter.com.
July 15,2025
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Leonardo da Vinci was born in Italy on April 15, 1452. He was truly one of the greatest polymaths in history. He was not only an inventor, engineer, painter, philosopher, scientist, and mathematician, but also had many other talents.

Throughout his life, he made numerous inventions and discoveries that were previously unknown. He had a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore different fields, and he excelled in most of them.

In this book, the author presents seven crucial steps from Leonardo's life that anyone can implement to improve their own lives. These steps are: Curiosita (asking the right questions), Dimostrazione (learning from mistakes and experiences, developing independent thought), Sensazione (sharpening the senses as we age), Sfumato (strengthening the ability to hold creative tension and embrace life's paradoxes), Arte/Scienza (balancing art and science at home and work), Corporalita (nurturing the balance of body and mind), and Connessione (understanding how all the elements fit together).

The book contains many powerful questions and self-assessment sections after each chapter. The author also includes exceptional quotes from Leonardo da Vinci, many of which are from his notebook. These quotes are both encouraging and inspiring.

At the end of the book, the author adds a chapter on The Beginner's Da Vinci Drawing Course, which provides interesting techniques for those interested in learning to draw like Leonardo.

Overall, this book is a good resource for learning about Leonardo da Vinci, but it could have been written in a more concise form. While the author covers important elements, the content could have been presented more succinctly.
July 15,2025
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This book was an utter disappointment.

The author, Gelb, seemed to be completely blinded by his excessive love for Leonardo da Vinci. This affection actually impaired his ability to write a truly decent book.

He took some principles that could potentially be associated with Leonardo da Vinci, briefly listed common self-help tips under the appropriate categories, and then dropped da Vinci's name very often, as if that alone could make the ideas original. It really felt like he was simply using the celebrity status of da Vinci to sell a product.

At the end of the book, there is a so-called bonus: A Beginner's Da Vinci Drawing Course. It was kind of cute, but aside from the constant reminder and pictures that were there to ensure that da Vinci himself did indeed draw, half of the exercises seemed to be put in place simply to create the illusion of productivity.

Overall, this book failed to deliver on its promise and left the reader feeling rather let down.
July 15,2025
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I really enjoyed listening to the book. There were several valuable nuggets of wisdom that I not only learned but also plan on implementing in my life.

Seek knowledge actively, just like a bird flies freely in the sky, asking questions without hesitation and seeking answers from others. Keep an open and curious mind. When working on something, it's beneficial to take a break and come back. By distancing yourself from the "painting," things that once seemed huge may now appear small. Also, look at different perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

Curiosity demands that you constantly ask profound questions about the core quality-of-life issues and then search intensively for answers.

Journaling is another great practice. Spend 10 minutes writing down whatever comes to your mind.

Experience is indeed the best teacher when it comes to examining current practices. Don't be afraid to fail as you will learn valuable lessons from it. Challenge your own beliefs, whether it's in spirituality, work, or other aspects of life.

A good way to enhance your sensory perception is to learn to draw, which can activate the left side of the brain. Additionally, practice layered listening by tuning in to the sounds around you. Take a walk outside and pay attention to your surroundings.

Mind mapping is a useful tool for improving memorization and generating new ideas.

Finally, be comfortable with ambiguity as it allows your curiosity to thrive and encourages you to experiment in order to find answers and solutions.

There were also other topics in the book that focused more on health and self-care.
July 15,2025
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Everyone knows Leonardo da Vinci as the painter who gave us the iconic Mona Lisa. But he was far more than just a painter. Leonardo da Vinci was an artist, scientist, inventor, writer, and a lifelong learner. He was a true Renaissance man.


Although many of us find da Vinci truly inspiring, most of us don't believe we can reach his level of genius.


However, author Michael J. Gelb has a different opinion, which he presents in his book How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day.


This book is divided into three parts.


In part one, Gelb tells us that our brains are better than we think, what we can learn from da Vinci, and how to approach genius. He also provides a primer on the Renaissance and Leonardo da Vinci's major achievements.


Part two is what I consider the core of the book, the seven da Vincian principles. They include: Curiosta - Curiosity, Dimostrazione - Demonstration, Sensazione - The five senses, Sfumato - Dealing with ambiguity, Arte/Scienza - Art and science, Corporalita - The incorporation of grace, fitness, dexterity, and poise, and Concessions - The connection and appreciation of all things.


Think you can't draw like da Vinci? Part three challenges this idea with a comprehensive guide on how to draw like da Vinci, complete with various instructions and steps.


How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci is filled with tips, exercises, and information on a wide range of topics, including problem-solving, creativity, setting goals, self-expression, enjoying one's surroundings, and achieving physical and mental balance. If these tips were valuable during the Renaissance, they are even more so in 2020. Gelb even offers the "da Vinci Diet," which is very practical and achievable.


Throughout the book, Gelb includes da Vinci's artwork, sketches, and writings, as well as quotes by and about da Vinci. He suggests reading the entire book before attempting the exercises.


At times, Gelb seems to have a bit of an admiration for da Vinci. But if you're going to have an admiration for someone, it might as well be good old Leo. How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci is a great book.


Originally published at The Book Self: https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
July 15,2025
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A well-written "Users Guide" to improving your cognitive powers is truly a valuable resource.

The author of this guide delves deep into the techniques that can be employed for remodeling one's cognitive outlook.

He presents a plethora of suggestions that are aimed at helping you expand your view on life and the world.

By following these techniques, you can enhance your ability to perceive, understand, and process information.

This, in turn, can lead to better decision-making, increased creativity, and a more fulfilling life.

The guide covers a wide range of topics, including mindfulness, meditation, and learning new skills.

It also provides practical tips on how to overcome cognitive biases and limitations.

Whether you are looking to improve your academic performance, boost your career prospects, or simply gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, this "Users Guide" is an essential read.

So, pick up a copy today and start your journey towards enhanced cognitive powers!
July 15,2025
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A non-topical book about some thinking mechanisms, derived from the way of Descartes.


The new book is for me because it focuses on honing golden skills, but in the style of self-development books. And it is the first book for me in this way.


The book is characterized by its non-topicality in its view of Descartes, where the author leads him to be the greatest thinker in history and calls him "The Lord". It is a good example of the "American" way of exaggerating the marketing of people.


There are some good golden exercises in the book, such as the exercise of asking a hundred questions.


And at the end of the book, there is a short chapter about the mechanisms of drawing, which is good for those who want to quickly master the techniques of drawing.

July 15,2025
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How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci offers a straightforward framework for structuring thoughts.

It also serves as an excellent mini-biography of its namesake, presenting descriptions of how Da Vinci implemented this framework in his life.

The book truly shines in its detailed practical section on mind mapping. However, there are six additional steps that are merely highlighted and not explored as comprehensively. Instead, we are presented with the author's own examples and preferences rather than being able to independently develop our own.

The exercises within the book are beneficial for creating a personal inventory of thoughts. Nevertheless, for those with diverse interests, it amounts to a significant amount of busy work and may not be very useful beyond the organizational stage. The book appears to fall short in demonstrating what can be achieved after the mind is mapped or the exercises are completed.

Finally, the book is somewhat derivative, drawing from multiple other sources and repackaging them into this volume.

Overall, while the book has its strengths in presenting the mind mapping framework and providing insights into Da Vinci's thinking, it also has limitations in its exploration of the additional steps and its derivative nature.
July 15,2025
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Leonardo da Vinci is a remarkable figure in history, and this article delves into his lifestyle, his significant achievements, and his unique way of thinking.

Some of the ideas presented, I didn't quite understand or wasn't convinced by. Perhaps it's because I'm not as perceptive as he was (or maybe I'm just being a bit cheeky
July 15,2025
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This book was recommended to me at church by the nephew of the man in charge of the horse statue project.

I provided comments on his notes for this Sunday school presentation, which was a mind map of the discussion he led.

The following week, he brought me the book.

To begin with, it is essentially a hagiography of Da Vinci, and it is evident that the man must have been a god or an alien.

Seven subsequent chapters explain the seventeen Da Vinciian principles, accompanied by fascinating exercises for developing them.

Finally, there is the strangest yet perhaps the second-most-effective learn-to-draw course I have ever come across.

I hope to acquire my own copy and experiment with more of it in the future.

Overall, this book seems to offer a unique and interesting perspective on Da Vinci and his principles, as well as some useful exercises for personal growth and artistic development.

I look forward to delving deeper into its contents and seeing what else I can learn from it.
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