Leonardo da Vinci

I never gave too much thought to Leonardo da Vinci until recently. He was always one of those guys like Plato and Aristotle that I’d hear about in school–how brilliant they were, what a difference they made in the world, etc.–and I always tended to ignore da Vinci. But now, after learning more about the life he lived on a daily basis, and the things he accomplished, I’m fascinated. Here are some things from the book I read about him, that I want to remember, before I give the book back. Some are simply sayings or things he did, and others are activities I want to incorporate myself.

1. Keep random notes about things in a variety of places. Don’t worry so much about keeping everything perfectly organized. If a thought comes, write it down.

2. The brain can learn seven facts per second, every second if used properly.

3. Take more time to draw and sketch certain things. Focus on details and try to recreate them.

4. At some point, make a list of 100 questions I have about myself, the world, or even simple things. Narrow that list down to the 10 most important and see what they reveal.

5. Meditate more often.

6. Ask questions constantly when I don’t understand something. Don’t be so proud that I’m afraid of not knowing a word or a person or an event.

7. Learn from others. Both those who inspire me and those who I wish never to be like. Learn from Anti-Role Models.

8. Awaken and stimulate the five senses with variety. (Taste, smell, touch, sight, hearing.)

9. Constantly work to create environments which foster peace, creativity, and that inspire.

10. Embrace change and ambiguity.

11. Mind map my past. Then do it for my present. Then, finally, for my future goals and ambitions.

12. Never forget that the body, the mind, and the soul are connected. What I eat impacts how I think. Exercise stimulates the heart, but also the mind. If my body and my mind are calm, so too will be my soul.

13. Remember: the environment and the people are connected, and we should care for each other as a result of this.

14. Keep my life balanced.

• Some final quotes:

“Amor vincit omnia.” – Latin Proverb

“Love conquers all.” (This was one of Leonardo’s favorite Latin quotes.)

“The love of anything is the fruit of our knowledge of it, and grows as our knowledge deepens.” – Leonardo da Vinci