Leonardo da Vinci was the textbook definition of a polymath. A polymath is an individual whose knowledge, skills, and expertise span many different subjects. These individuals draw upon their extensive knowledge and expertise to solve complex and difficult problems. Leonardo da Vinci lived during the so-called High Renaissance period. For this reason, we often use the terms polymath and Renaissance man interchangeably.
We could certainly learn a lot from Leonardo da Vinci. The author and management consultant Michael J. Gelb wrote a book in 1998 entitled, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day. While da Vinci himself never wrote down a set of "seven principles", Gelb and other modern thinkers have listed seven principles needed to understand his genius, based largely upon da Vinci's own notebooks, writings, and life. They are:
Curiosità
The Italian word curiosità is translated directly to the English word curiosity. Leonardo da Vinci possessed an insatiable and lifelong curiosity for all things, asked questions to explore life's wonders, and sought new experiences and knowledge. His notebooks are filled with his observations and ideas, and he famously sketched out his ideas for an early version of the airplane, the helicopter, the parachute, and an armored tank. If we wish to be like da Vinci, we should start by asking questions and continuously learning. As Ted Lasso famously said, "Be curious" (see my post "Barbecue Sauce").
Dimostrazione
The Italian word dimostrazione is translated directly to the English word demonstration. Leonardo da Vinci was committed to learning through direct, hands-on experience. He believed that we learn best when we learn from our own mistakes. It is often said that experience is the best teacher, and I am sure that Leonardo da Vinci would agree with that sentiment. I am reminded (see one of my old posts) of a quote by former major league baseball player, Vern Law (who won the Cy Young Award in 1960 while pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates), who said, "Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards."
Sensazione
The Italian word sensazione is translated directly to the English word sensation. Leonardo da Vinci believed that in order to maximize our experiences (see above), we needed to use each of our five senses, particularly the sense of sight. We learn by our experience, for sure, but we experience our world around us through our five senses (see my post "All life is an experiment" for more).
Sfumato
The Italian word sfumato refers to one of da Vinci's painting techniques that uses subtle, soft blending to create a hazy or "smoky" transition between colors and tones, effectively blurring harsh lines (his masterpiece Mona Lisa is an excellent example of this technique). However, in this context, the term is used to suggest that not everything has a clear answer. We live in a world characterized by uncertainty. In order to be thrive in this world, we need to be willing to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty (see my posts "Welcome to the age of chaos..." and "What if this isn't the storm?").
Arte/Scienza
These two Italian words translate directly to the English words art and science. In order to thrive in a world of chaos and uncertainty (see above), we need to strike a balance between logic and imagination, between science and art. We need to leverage our "whole brain" in order to merge our analytical powers with our creative ones (see my posts, "What do Robert Frost, Hippocrates, and Daniel Drake have in common?", "Ipsa scientia potestas est", and "A night at the theatre").
Corporalità
The Italian word corporalità translates directly to the English word corporality or corporeality. The concept refers to the cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise. Leonardo da Vinci, as a scientist, was fascinated by the human body and, more importantly, by the connections between physical health and mental well-being (see my post, "The Five Pillars of Happiness"). True wisdom can only come when we are thriving from a physical, mental, and spiritual standpoint.
Connessione
The Italian word connessione translates directly into the English word connection. Leonardo da Vinci thought about the interconnectedness of all things and applied "systems thinking" in order to see and understand patterns and links between seemingly unrelated ideas. Just as important, I believe (and the evidence strongly supports) that in order to thrive in today's world, we need to stay connected with our friends, family, and peers (see my post "The truth about connection", "Ubuntu", "It's a small world after all...", and most recently, "Connections").
So there you have it! Follow these seven principles and you will be well on your way to becoming a person of the Renaissance! More importantly, they will help you to become a better person and a better leader.
