Thinker, Explorer, Scientist, Botanist, Naturalist, Analyst, Writer, Architect, Engineer, Musician and Artist Extraordinaire…..

Each of these words describe valuable human talents, which are typically expressed through the work of different individuals.  In select instances, one person may possess a couple or even a few of these abilities, yet it is the rarest of rare individuals who might possess and express them all.  Leonardo da Vinci was such a rare human.

The fascinating biography of Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson tells the remarkable story of da Vinci’s life and works, made possible in a remarkable level of detail due to the written works and art that da Vinci gifted to the world.  That da Vinci lived some 500 years ago and remains relevant today is a testament to the genius of his works.

The author provides a powerful summary of “Learning from Leonardo”, from which I’ve captured 20 takeaways that describe his life well-lived:

• Be curious, relentlessly curious
• Seek knowledge for its own sake
• Retain a childlike sense of wonder
• Observe
• Start with the details
• See things unseen
• Go down rabbit holes
• Get distracted
• Respect facts
• Procrastinate
• Let the perfect be the enemy of the good
• Think visually
• Avoid silos
• Let your reach exceed your grasp
• Indulge fantasy
• Create for yourself, not just for patrons
• Collaborate
• Make lists
• Take notes, on paper
• Be open to mystery

Plus a bonus:

• “Describe the tongue of the woodpecker” (If you’re curious “why?” you’ll need to read about it!)

As you ponder the list, some of these may strike you as running counter to conventional wisdom and modern day “best practices”.  Yet when viewed through the lens of what makes a true genius exactly that, they make perfect sense.  Leonardo da Vinci was quite human and therefore approachable; it was the combination of these traits that fueled his lifelong curiosity and lasting value.

Tempus Maximize!