Leonardo da Vinci was the most creative genius in history. Of course, saying that I learned things from Leonardo is perhaps a bit risky, because in fact Leonardo is the very embodiment of genius.
As we know, Leonardo lived in a particular era for humanity, the Renaissance, when literature, philosophy, science and the fine arts experienced an unprecedented splendour. Italy was in full economic momentum and Florence became the capital of fine arts.
Leonardo was born not far from Florence, in Vinci in 1452. In Florence, he learned painting, sculpture, architecture, music, nature, science, geography, poetry and who knows what else. After all, we know he was a genius, right?
Let’s see some of his main masterpieces:
1. The Last Supper, a mythical painting, difficult to preserve because Leonardo used a technique of his own invention that proved to be inappropriate.
2. The Vitruvian Man, a drawing that illustrates the proportions of the human body.
3. The Gioconda, also known as the Mona Lisa, one of the most famous and seen artworks in the world.
Other works are less famous but not less important:
- The Codex Atlanticus, which brings together the largest collection of Leonardo’s writings and drawings.
- His futurist inventions such as the helicopter, the plane and the submarine.
- The huge statue depicting a horse: 70 tons of bronze and 7 metres high.
Why did Leonardo want to make these works so different from each other?
I think he was mainly driven by the curiosity to experiment and discover new horizons. He loved creating and doing things with his hands. He loved dreaming, designing, building and putting wings to his ideas.
Taking care of all his projects, one after the other and sometimes even in parallel, represented for Leonardo his life’s purpose.
The lesson that Leonardo taught me is that in life you have to try, make mistakes, do not give up and start over again to move forward. It does not matter how many difficulties you may face. Surely, Leonardo had to go through a series of failures to achieve his project. I am sure that determination and perseverance were also some of his skills. Look at what he left us, all the works that gave him the title of genius of all time.
You may not forget your failures, but to progress you can learn from them.
What are the lessons learned from your life?
I came across this book “How to think like Leonardo Da Vinci” by Michael J Gelb. It is a self help book with details on how Leonardo mind works and his knowledge paradigms. Totally loved it, the author had shared the Leonardo’s resume which is one of a kind and truly inspiring. He is indeed a genius by birth and had explored in various fields.
I did not know that book! I will definitely read it, thanks for sharing.
He alright¡
“What are the lessons learned from your life?”
What I’ve learned is life continues with or without me. Life was never created to give me what I want or need. The best thing to do is attempt to deal with the multitude of challenges it presents to me.
“What are the lessons learned from your life?” Oh my, so far I’ve written 2 books about the lessons I’ve learned and have put into practice in my own life. I’m continuing to work on writing more, as my learning isn’t complete!
Big picture lessons? 1) I’m deeply loved by God/the universe (as we all are), 2) How to first like, then to love myself, which led to 3) learning to speak gently and kindly to myself!
These things alone created massive inner changes in my spirit!
Have a beautiful day!
They are indeed good lessons learned!
Inspiring post! Never stop trying is my favorite life lesson and I love that you’ve given me some creative genius context in which to appreciate that lesson. Thank you!
I think the lesson learned that has served me best and brought me the most satisfaction is that learning continues throughout life. Be curious. Every experience and every person you meet has something to teach you. I am 72 and still try to learn something new every day. I very much enjoyed your post on Leonardo Davinci, Chris. <3
Exploring my inner-landscape and diving the well that is inside
Thanks, Cristiana. When I was a child, I had a book on Leonardo da Vinci. In fact, it was one of the first books I actually owned, if my memory serves me correctly. I actually thought of him as a hero and dreamed of being like him. In Rome, there is a da Vinci museum that I visited on one of my trips. Thanks so much for this piece. You’ve helped me think of him in new ways!
Leonardo da Vinci was a true embodiment of what may be called a polymath. A unique genius who contributed to arts, science, and invention. A great post about a great man 👍
Thank you!
This is such incredible and insightful content.
What are the lessons learned from my life?
Well, I’m loyal, I talk a lot, even though I try not to. And when I make mistakes and hurt people, I make amends. I know for the most part, things aren’t as bad as they seem, because they could always be much worse.
That’s a beautiful lesson, and something we can learn from da Vinci and many other artists, poets, writers, alike. I was lucky enough to see The Last Supper in person when I was in Florence this summer. Grazie per i tuoi pensieri. 🙂
Grazie a te!
I always associated with Van Gogh and his mental health struggles…But you’re right. Learning to make mistakes is definitely something harder to understand. And not being afraid to start over is too. I’m often afraid of being imperfect…but it makes us human…and that is beautiful, too.
meme of the moment: “……Taking care of all his projects, one after the other and sometimes even in parallel, represented for Leonardo his life’s purpose……”