Michael J. Gelb

Ok, so most of the self-help, self-improvement books out there are complete bunk and just full of outrageously obvious or deluded truisms (or, not-so-truisms). But I've found Michael Gelb's writings to be consitently worthwhile. Yes, it's a bit silly to think you can "think like Leonardo," but there are some interesting tricks you can use to make yourself open up your mind just a little bit more and a lot of great things you can learn about yourself by exposing yourself to new experiences. show more That's mostly what this book is about: self-understanding through self-expanding. show less

With the wealth of information and principles for action presented by Michael Gelb in this book one wonders where to start? It provides an "inspirational" approach to improving your mind and your life. I have always been fascinated by fictional superheroes and I also enjoy reading about the lives of geniuses of the past in all fields of endeavor. This book uses a close study of the life and achievements of Leonardo da Vinci to identify principles that each of us can apply in our life to show more improve and reach a level of genius beyond that we might have thought possible.
The book is divided into three parts: Part One includes a concise biography and list of Leonardo's accomplishments; while Part Two focuses on the "Seven Da Vincian Principles" that include curiosity, a focus on the senses, use of ambiguity and development of whole-brain thinking. While the principles are not unique to Leonardo, this presentation is particularly effective and helpful. Part Three discusses the art of drawing and perspective which is at the heart of Leonardo's art. The inclusion of a chronology of Leonardo's life, which spanned the last half of the fifteenth century into the first decades of the sixteenth, and a topical bibliography of recommended reading increases the value of this truly inspirational book. (less)
FRIEND REVIEWS (1) show less

Gelb's work definitely contains some valuable "self-help" nuggets that can be applied to general problem-solving. One such nugget involves Edison's use of mind-maps that help individuals physically "chart" strategies for tackling problems. The book focuses on how "failure" is often critical to future success and how optimism can shape results. It also explores some of Edison's well-known mantras (example: make everything as simple as possible -- but no any simpler). In all candor, some of show more the book was a bit dry and seemed unnecessarily redundant in a few spots -- and I'm a big fan of business books. But overall, I'm glad I took the time to read it. show less

It will take a while to finish this book if you stop to tackle the exercises sprinkled throughout designed to hone your creative thinking. By examining the techniques, personalities and quirks of highly creative people epitomized by Da Vinci's brilliance, Gelb presents a perfectly viable "mind map" to inspire even the least creative to spark off a few ideas. Those already with an artistic temperament will find new ideas and those with a more mundane bent will find themselves thinking in new show more ways. show less