WAY OF THINKING
Although it is hard to overstate Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliance, recent scientific research
reveals that you probably underestimate your own capabilities. You are gifted with virtually
unlimited personal potential for learning and creativity.
What happens to your brain as you get older? Many people assume that mental and physical
abilities necessarily decline with age; that we are, after age twenty five, losing significant
brain capacity on a daily basis. Actually, the average brain can improve with age. Our
neurons are capable of making increasingly complex new connections throughout our lives.
And, our neuronal endowment is so great that, even if we lost a thousand brain cells
everyday for the rest of our lives, it would still be less than 1 percent of our total (of course,
it’s important not to lose the 1 percent that you actually use!).
Baby ducks learn to survive by imitating their mothers. Learning through imitation is
fundamental to many species, including humans. As we become adults, we have unique
advantage: we can choose whom and what to imitate.
Part 2 is the heart of the book: the discussion of the seven Da Vincian Principles. These
principles are drawn from an intensive study of the man and his methods. The Seven
Principles discussed are:
1. Curiosita: An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for
continuous learning.
2. Dimostrazione: A commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence,
and willingness to learn from mistakes.
3. Sensazione: The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means
to enliven 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 for the interconnectedness of all
things and phenomena. Systems thinking.
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