I had extremely high hopes for the "Think Like Da Vinci" book. After all, who wouldn't eagerly desire to unlock the secrets of one of history's greatest minds? However, while there are indeed flashes of brilliance within its pages, I ultimately came away with rather mixed feelings.

Gelb's concept of applying Leonardo da Vinci's thinking to modern creativity is truly intriguing. The seven principles, such as curiosità (curiosity) and dimostrazione (testing knowledge), are most definitely worth exploring in-depth. Nevertheless, not all of them manage to hit the mark precisely. The chapters on sharpening your senses (sensazione) and balancing logic with imagination (arte/scienza) initially sounded very promising. But as I delved deeper, they unfortunately felt more like rather generic self-help advice rather than the deep and profound dive that I was so hoping for. At times, the exercises bordered on being gimmicky, and after a while, they began to feel somewhat repetitive. It became increasingly hard to stay fully engaged throughout.

One of my biggest gripes is the way Gelb seems to use Da Vinci's name almost as a means to package what are, in essence, somewhat basic ideas. Of course, Leonardo was undeniably a Renaissance genius. But I was really hoping for more concrete and tangible connections between the principles and his actual life. Some well-chosen historical anecdotes would have made the principles feel much more grounded and relatable to the average reader.

That being said, there are still moments within the book that manage to inspire. Gelb's focus on nurturing curiosity and the art of asking questions definitely made me stop and think. If you're just embarking on a journey of creative self-improvement, there is undoubtedly some value to be found here. But for anyone who is truly looking for a truly in-depth exploration of Da Vinci's brilliance and precisely how to apply it in a practical sense, this book might well leave you with a sense of wanting more.

Final verdict: Some chapters have the ability to spark creativity, while others unfortunately fall rather flat. It is still worth a read, but don't go into it expecting to be completely blown away by every single page.

Women are cool, but being a genius is cooler. Sorry.

Maybe if Raphael knew this, he would have made it to his 40s. Michelangelo damn sure knew it.

I think that is one piece of this puzzle that makes DaVinci arguably the most fascinating character history has to offer. He was the Universal Mind, but that mind was so active and perpetually busy that he skipped out on a major piece of the life we all think is key to achieving peace and happiness at the end of the day. You know, wife and kids and whatnot.

We know so so much about the way he thinks because of the notebooks and of course the art he did actually complete, (more the notebooks). No other figure have we ever been able to dive into the mind of. I mean, the way he draws and writes, it's literally like the thoughts in his head are being depicted perfectly right on the page. It's genuinely mind-blowing stuff that he just jots down. I am definitively sure you could spend a lifetime studying him and still feel that eternal mystery. How did he really feel about it all? What was he feeling emotionally?

I will have to read a biography soon, but this was cool.

There's something to him that keeps pulling me back. I don't know what it is. It started when I was living in Florence, and nearly a year later, I can't stop thinking about him. I think he is the inspiration, the model, the outline for everything. It's endlessly endlessly fascinating.

I can't believe I'm going back to Florence in a month. I need to get to Milan too to see the Last Supper and The Musician. Regrettably, The Louvre will have to wait. If I stared at Michelangelo's David for 45 minutes straight, I think the line for the Mona Lisa is 90.5 Min, fuck maybe 120.5 O or U.

OK, who wouldn't want to learn how to think like da Vinci?

This title initially seemed a bit preposterous to me. However, since I noticed it on one of my friend's reading lists, I decided to give it a whirl.

As it turns out, this book actually falls more into the self-help realm, which wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Nevertheless, the author has managed to create an interesting bridge between da Vinci and the concept of "how to live a happier life", and it actually works.

Moreover, for folks like myself who are in the creative services world, it's also quite easy to find some valuable professional guidance within its pages.

The book basically illustrates how opening your mind and senses, and leading a healthy life, can significantly contribute to creative and insightful output.

And it has reaffirmed my long-held belief that creative people tend to be more content and happier in life. Overall, despite its unexpected categorization, this book offers some interesting perspectives and useful lessons.

The perfect manual for anyone wanting to become a polymath or think like Leonardo Da Vinci.

This manual is a comprehensive guide that offers valuable insights and practical strategies for those who aspire to be a polymath or emulate the thinking of the great Leonardo Da Vinci.

It delves into the various aspects of Da Vinci's approach to learning, creativity, and problem-solving. By following the principles and techniques outlined in this manual, you can expand your knowledge across multiple disciplines, develop a more innovative and holistic way of thinking, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone with a thirst for knowledge, this manual is an essential resource that can help you unlock your full potential and become a true polymath.

I was on a business trip and had some spare time. So, I decided to do a lot of exercises in my hotel room. During that time, I read something that really intrigued me.

Leonardo was truly a remarkable person. He was like a life hacker even before we had a specific term for it. His ideas and approaches were ahead of his time.

Now that I'm reflecting on it, I realize that I need to go and retrieve that particular thing from the bookshelf. It has left such an impression on me that I want to revisit it and explore its contents further.

I'm looking forward to delving back into it and seeing what new insights and inspiration I can gain from it. It's amazing how something I read during a business trip can have such a lasting impact on me.

I simply can't fathom that a school would mandate a graduate student to read this particular book.

I decided to skip part 1 and directly plunged into part 2, hoping to get to the essence or the meat of the book.

However, after reading a total of 5 chapters, I was rather dismayed to discover that there really wasn't anything substantial.

Perhaps this might prove to be a decent book for 5th graders, or for those individuals who have some mental challenges.

But seriously, adults should surely be expected to engage with material at a much higher level than this.

It's just page after page of extremely simplistic advice such as learning from your mistakes and creating word lists... It's all just so blahhh and uninteresting.

This book really seems to fall far short of what a graduate student should be exposed to in an academic setting.

This remarkable book offers a wealth of valuable lessons.

It delves into the crucial aspects of mastering life-altering abilities.

You'll discover how to achieve life balance and effective goal setting, which are essential for a fulfilling life.

The book also explores the power of creative thinking, enabling you to approach problems and opportunities from unique perspectives.

It encourages you to fully enjoy the world around you, finding beauty and inspiration in the simplest of things.

Self-expression is another key area covered, allowing you to communicate your thoughts and feelings authentically.

Problem-solving skills are taught in a practical and accessible way, equipping you to handle any challenges that come your way.

Finally, the book emphasizes the importance of harmonizing the body and mind for overall well-being.

To make learning these skills even easier, the book includes step-by-step exercises.

These exercises guide you through the process, ensuring that you can apply what you've learned in your daily life.

Whether you're looking to make a significant change in your life or simply want to enhance your existing skills, this book is an invaluable resource.

The premise of this piece seems good.

However, it is filled with a lot of useless fluff, which detracts from the overall value.

There isn't much truly good content to be found here.

In fact, you can obtain content of the same quality by simply going to Reddit and searching in the r/iwtl subreddit for "IWTL how to be smarter".

Alternatively, you could read a summary of it online.

This would likely provide you with more useful and relevant information without all the unnecessary filler.

It's important to be discerning when it comes to the content we consume, as not everything is of equal value.

By being more selective and seeking out high-quality sources, we can ensure that we are learning and growing in a meaningful way.

So, instead of relying on this article with its abundance of fluff, it might be a better idea to explore other options for obtaining valuable knowledge.

It is excellent and interesting in the arts and also in educating the reader on how to build his mind and his scientific life and in raising questions like the great scientists.

This piece of work not only showcases remarkable creativity in the artistic realm but also serves as a valuable educational tool. It guides the reader in the process of constructing a rational mind and developing a scientific approach to life. By presenting thought-provoking questions similar to those raised by renowned scientists, it encourages the reader to think deeply and explore new ideas.

Whether you are an art enthusiast or someone interested in personal growth and intellectual development, this article has something to offer. It combines the beauty of art with the rigour of science, providing a unique and engaging experience for the reader.

It is extremely difficult: 3

Even if we apply all the basics with their fine details, it is difficult for Leonardo da Vinci to repeat himself a second time with his feelings and creativity...

Come on, let's give it a try.. It doesn't hurt :D

Leonardo da Vinci is a renowned genius, and his works are a testament to his extraordinary talent. The idea of him duplicating his efforts with the same level of passion and innovation seems almost impossible.

However, perhaps we can draw inspiration from his example and strive to push our own boundaries.

Maybe in our attempts, we will discover new aspects of ourselves and create something unique.

So, let's not be afraid to take on the challenge and see where it leads us.

Who knows, we might just surprise ourselves.

I found this quite interesting. As I have a great admiration for most things related to Leonardo di Vinci, I was eager to see how this book would fare. What I discovered was that it wasn't exactly a traditional "self-help" style book. In fact, it didn't really fit neatly into any other specific category either. It had a sort of unique, stand-alone style. It was truly unlike any other book I've ever read.

I did, however, appreciate the ideas that were presented. I'm not typically someone who gravitates towards books of this genre, but it was a pleasant change. The cover claims that the author helps you to apply yourself to uncovering your own inner genius and developing other skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking, self-expression, enjoying the world around you, goal setting, life balance, and harmonizing the body and mind. Aside from the last one, the first few regarding creativity were quite good and very reasonable.

It was fascinating to see how Leonardo di Vinci's own genius could be emulated and applied to one's life in order to cultivate one's own unique genius. I'm both an architect and an artist, and I'm constantly seeking ways to open myself up to new ideas that enhance my creativity or to attempt new things that push my brain into more creative thinking. For example, simply trying out any new artistic mediums that are available but that I haven't yet explored. Or looking for opportunities to help myself experience some new skill that I never thought I could do. Such as life drawing based on the human physique in movement or poses.

Surprisingly, I found that I have a hidden talent for this. Now, in my mid-life, it's quite a contrast to what I could do when I was in college and fully immersed in the world of arts and design. Back then, I struggled to draw a human body with all its lines, curves, shading, and color. But now, I can. It's been a refreshing and exciting discovery. So, now I'm going to attempt another new creative hobby that I never imagined I was capable of doing. It's truly invigorating!

In some ways, I can see that this book has been beneficial to me. The recommendations in this book have worked for me. I've read numerous reviews from other people who have read and loved this book, as well as its companion workbook. They all speak very positively about the influence it has had on them. If you're looking to enrich your life, give it a try. Maybe you don't necessarily need a book to get you started, but it certainly can't hurt. It's not a religious textbook trying to push certain ideas or a cultish piece of propaganda. It simply uses the example of a well-known and highly respected artist to assist others in applying new methods of creativity to their own lives.

Okay, this isn't so much about history as about being a Da Vinci fan and self-help and self-motivation.

Which does work for me, as long as I keep in mind that it's not historically accurate.

Q: But the reasons for his influence are easier to understand, and were perhaps best summed up by the art critic Bernard Berenson when he said of Leonardo: “Everything he touched turned to eternal beauty.”

Leonardo da Vinci is truly an extraordinary figure. His works and ideas have had a profound and lasting impact.

As a fan, I am constantly inspired by his creativity and innovation.

His ability to see the world in a unique way and translate it into art and inventions is truly remarkable.

Even though some of the things we attribute to him may not be entirely accurate from a historical perspective, the essence of his genius still shines through.

Bernard Berenson's statement about Leonardo's touch turning everything into eternal beauty captures the essence of his influence.

It is this quality that makes him such an important and inspiring figure in the history of art and human achievement.