How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb Summary

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci explores seven principles inspired by Leonardo’s genius—Curiosità, Dimostrazione, Sensazione, Sfumato, Arte/Scienza, Corporalità, and Connessione—to help readers cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and holistic thinking. Gelb combines historical insights with practical exercises, such as journaling and observational techniques, to teach actionable strategies for personal and professional growth.

This book is ideal for professionals, creatives, educators, and self-improvement enthusiasts seeking to enhance innovation, critical thinking, and mindfulness. It’s particularly valuable for leaders aiming to foster resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset in fast-paced environments.

Yes—the book blends historical wisdom with modern psychology, offering timeless tools for creativity and problem-solving. Readers praise its actionable exercises, such as “100 Questions” for curiosity development and “Think Visually” for improving observational skills.

The seven principles are:

• Curiosità: Cultivating insatiable curiosity.
• Dimostrazione: Learning through experimentation.
• Sensazione: Sharpening sensory awareness.
• Sfumato: Embracing ambiguity.
• Arte/Scienza: Balancing logic and imagination.
• Corporalità: Harmonizing body and mind.
• Connessione: Recognizing interconnectedness.

Gelb recommends keeping a “Da Vinci Notebook” to jot down questions, observations, and reflections daily. He also suggests practicing the “10 Power Questions” exercise, like “What if?” and “How else could this be approached?” to stimulate inquisitive thinking.

Connessione emphasizes seeing relationships between disparate ideas, fields, and experiences. Gelb encourages readers to use mind-mapping, analogical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration to foster innovation—mirroring Da Vinci’s ability to connect art, science, and nature.

Gelb analyzes Leonardo’s journals to extract habits like daily reflection, sketchnoting, and iterative experimentation. Exercises include sketching challenges, writing backward (mirror script), and “stream-of-consciousness” journaling to unlock creativity.

Yes—it teaches Sfumato (tolerance for ambiguity) and Dimostrazione (testing knowledge through experience). Techniques like “Defy the Routine” (changing habits to gain new perspectives) and “Shift Your Assumptions” help reframe challenges.

Gelb advocates journaling as a tool for self-discovery, idea generation, and tracking progress. He shares Da Vinci’s method of categorizing notes by themes (e.g., “Daily Observations,” “Inventions”) and revisiting them to identify patterns.

The Arte/Scienza principle teaches balancing analytical and creative thinking. Exercises like drawing problem diagrams or using metaphors to explain scientific concepts help readers integrate both hemispheres of the brain.

Some critics argue Gelb oversimplifies Da Vinci’s complexity into a self-help framework. Others note the exercises require sustained effort, which may challenge casual readers. However, most praise its practicality for modern applications.

In an era of AI and rapid change, its focus on adaptability, creative resilience, and systemic thinking aligns with demands for innovation. Concepts like Connessione resonate with interdisciplinary tech and sustainability challenges.