Heros of Creativity

One of the indispensable tools for learning to use your creativity more effectively is the book, "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci - Seven Steps to Genius Every Day" by Michael J. Gelb.  In this infinitely practical books, Gelb describes 7 characteristics embodied by Leonardo da Vinci that fed his creative genius. He gives some background to da Vinci's life and his active mind before heading into the workbook section of the book.

Gelb writes in his introduction, "But the key question remains.  Can the fundamentals of Leonardo's approach to learning and the cultivation of intelligence be abstracted and applied to inquire and guide us toward the realization of our own full potential?

"Of course, my answer to this question is: Yes! The essential elements of Leonardo da Vinci's approach to learning and the cultivation of intelligence are quite clear and can be studied, emulated, and applied.

"Is it hubris to imagine that we can learn to be like the greatest of all geniuses? Perhaps.  It's better to think of his example guiding us to be more of what we truly are."

A little later he says, "Baby ducks learn to survive by imitating their mothers. Learning through imitation is fundamental to many species, including humans.  As we become adults, we have a unique advantage: we can choose whom and what to imitate. We can also consciously choose new models to replace the ones we outgrow.  It makes sense, therefore, to choose the best "role models" to guide and inspire us toward the realization of our potential."

He presents these Seven Da Vincian Principles are:

Curiosita - An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning.
Dimostrazione - A commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Sensazione - The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to enliven experience.
Sfumato (literally "Going up in Smoke") - A willingness to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty.
Arte/Scienza - The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination.  "Whole-brain thinking.
Corporalita - The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise.
Connessione - A recognition of and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and phenomena.  Systems thinking.

The second section of the book covers each of these principles along with some extremely practical exercises that makes learning and practicing them attainable.

Over the next week, I'll share some of my personal experiences with each of these principles and hopefully inspire you to start your own journey in da Vinci's footsteps.