How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day [Paperback]

Michael Gelb fills this book with exercises of this nature. At the beginning of the book, Gelb provides only a very short biography (less than 25 pages) of Leonardo's life. Gelb then goes onto describe what he calls "The Seven Da Vincian Principles" giving them clever Italian names. He sprinkles short quotes from Leonardo throughout the book that seem to support his principles, but the support is short lived and most of Gelb's book is filled with exercises such as the dance described above. Granted, some of Gelb's suggestions are good, "keep a journal," but you can get suggestions like these from reading just about any self-help book.

One thing that any historian would agree on is that Leonardo Da Vinci was a very practical man - a man of science. The title of this book promises something special. It promises a look into the mind of a man who was one of the world's greatest thinkers. In my opinion, it fails to deliver.

The recipe for linguine with fresh clams and black truffles (Workbook, page 74). No additional comment considered necessary.

The suggestion for developing comparative tasting - three kinds of olive oil, etc (Textbook, page 129). I would be interested to know where three kinds of smoked salmon and caviar can be found, at reasonable expense, in Wichita

The recommendation to eat only "free range" meats (Textbook, page 201) - if it "oinks, moos, or clucks" in Kansas, then it is almost certain that it will have been pumped full of "hormones, antibiotics, and other toxins" long before it reaches the meat cabinet in Dillons or Albertsons. I am aware of at least one farmers' cooperative that tried, and failed, to raise free range cattle for beef.

Gelb does not mention one key factor of personal development, and that is "attending" the school of "hard knocks." This is usually more effective than all the motivational programs put together."

If you still go ahead and buy this book, you have my every sympathy. You need help, but you won't find it in this book.

1. Curisoita - An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning.
2. Dimostrazione - A committment to test knowledge through experience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
3. Sensazione - The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to experience.
4. Sfumato - A willingness to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty.
5. Arte/Scienza - The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination. "Whole-brain" thinking.
6. Corporalita - The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness and poise.
7. Connessione - A recognition of and appreciation fro the interconnectedness of all things and phenomena. System thinking.

Familiar? Notwithstanding the brief introduction of da Vinci's life, abundant photos of his artpieces and sayings highlighted, this book is very similar to those in the sea of self help books with extensive use of mind maps and self assessment questions. For art lovers and with the "Da Vinci Code" storm, the Da Vinci label is for sure a plus. On the down side, I am afraid many self help book lovers and new quasi/psuedo Da Vinci fans may get disappointed by the remote and a little bit lukewarm Da Vinci substance the book carries, though the chapter "The Beginner's Da Vinci Drawing Course" is really unique.

So I give it a three star, that you can predetermine your love or hatred of it, which depends much on your experience with self help books and the temperature of your Da Vinci fever.

p.s. Below please find the author's recommendation of Ten Power Questions to personal growth and fulfillment on page 60 for the support of my comment above.

- When am I most naturally myself? What people, places and activities allow me to feel most fully myself?
- What is one thing I could stop doing, ro start doing, or do differently, starting today that would most improve the quality of my life?
- What is my greatest talent?
- How can I get paid for doing what I love?
- Who are my most inspiring role models?
- How can I best be of service to others?
- What is my heart's deepest desire?
- How am I perceived by: my closest friend, my worst enemy, my boss, my children, my co-workers etc?
- What are the blessings of my life?
- What legacy would I like to leave?