08 September 2024: My Idol - Da Vinci

9/8/20241 min read

In today’s edition, I want to talk about my Idol, Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance genius, who was more than just an artist—he was an avid learner, inventor, and thinker.

A man who lived by his words, such as

“The knowledge of all things is possible.”

Here are a few principles from da Vinci's approach to lifelong learning that can inspire us today:

1. Curiosity is Key:
Da Vinci’s insatiable curiosity drove his exploration of everything from anatomy to astronomy. He is even said to visit the morgue at night to explore anatomy from dead bodies. Watch this world with wonder and stay curious.

2. Observation:
Leonardo believed that learning starts with observation. He meticulously studied nature, the human body, and the world around him. Practice deep observation—whether you’re reading a book or taking a walk, notice the details and reflect on their significance.

3. Experiment:
For da Vinci, knowledge wasn’t just about theory—it was about experimentation. He constantly tested ideas through sketches, models, and prototypes. Don’t be afraid to experiment, fail, and iterate in your learning process.

4. Cross-Disciplinary Thinking:
Leonardo connected art with science, math with nature. Embrace learning from multiple fields to unlock creative solutions. Whether you’re a marketer studying psychology or an engineer reading philosophy, mixing disciplines leads to groundbreaking insights.

5. Persistence and Patience:
Da Vinci’s works, like the Mona Lisa, took years to complete because he believed in perfecting his craft. Learning doesn’t happen overnight—commit to persistent practice and deep work over time to master your passions.

There’s so much more you can learn from the Master Leonardo Da Vinci. If you apply his above principle you’re sure to decode things like never before.