Leonardo da Vinci
by Walter Isaacson
Isaacson's life of Leonardo, built on the notebooks: the insatiable curiosity, the anatomical dissections, the unfinished projects, the blending of art and science, the to-do lists that read 'describe the tongue of the woodpecker.' Its lesson is that curiosity and observation are trainable, and that procrastination and perfectionism were part of the genius.
Read it if…
you want to be more curious and observant, and to forgive your unfinished projects.
Skip it if…
you want a short read; it is large and lavishly illustrated.
Three things you will actually use
- Observe closely; most people look without seeing.
- Cross disciplines; the connections are the insight.
- Curiosity is a practice.
Do this first
Write a Leonardo-style list of ten things you are curious about and investigate one this week.
Our verdict
Rich and inspiring.
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