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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Leonardo Da Vinci# summary
The Biography
21 mins
Brief summary
'Leonardo Da Vinci' by Walter Isaacson is a comprehensive biography of the Italian artist, inventor and scientist. It provides insights into his genius mind and creative process, as well as his personal life and historical context.
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Leonardo Da Vinci#
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Key idea 1 of 12
Leonardo was an illegitimate child, but this worked in his favor.
Even in the best of times, being labeled “illegitimate” would hardly be considered a great plus. But for Leonardo da Vinci it turned out to be a distinct benefit.
Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, to Piero da Vinci and Caterina Lippi, a 16-year-old peasant girl. They were not married.
Piero was a notary in the town of Vinci. In other words, he worked for merchants and upper-crust princes, resolving disputes and handling business transactions. It was a pretty respectable job as these things go – it even meant that Piero could use the honorific title “Ser.”
But because Leonardo had been born out of wedlock, he was under no compulsion to join Piero’s business.
Ser Piero’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all been notaries and, in normal circumstances, Leonardo would have become one, too. However, to be a notary you had to be a member of the guild. Needless to say, there were rules about who they let in. Certainly no children born out of wedlock, which is why the door was closed to Leonardo.
However, this exclusion gave Leonardo the opportunity to flourish. Nor was he the only one who benefited from being an illegitimate child. In fact, some of the most famous cardinals, princes and generals of the day had been born out of wedlock. The same was true of the Renaissance poets Giovanni Boccaccio and Petrarch, as well as the artist Leon Battista Alberti, who himself greatly influenced Leonardo.
Theoretically, Piero would have been able to fill out the paperwork to “legitimize” Leonardo at a later date. But there was little point – it was clear from early on that Leonardo was destined for life as an artist.
It made sense. He hadn’t been sent to any of the foremost Latin schools, and this further spurred Leonardo to learn through his unique personal curiosity and from experience. Another sort of life was in store.
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What is Leonardo Da Vinci# about?
Leonardo da Vinci (2017) is an illuminating and thoughtful account of one of history’s most renowned individuals. Isaacson has studied previous biographies and accounts of Leonardo’s life – including the very first one, from the sixteenth century – as well as Leonardo’s wealth of notes. Isaacson paints a very human portrait of the legendary Renaissance artist and engineer. Though one of the few people in history who may truly be called a genius, Leonardo was only human and there is much that can be learned from his curiosity and approach to life.
Leonardo Da Vinci# Review
Leonardo Da Vinci (2017) by Walter Isaacson delves into the life and mind of the genius artist and inventor, offering readers an immersive experience. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through detailed research and analysis, the book reveals Leonardo's multifaceted talents and provides a deeper understanding of his contributions to art, science, and humanity.
- Isaacson skillfully weaves together personal journals, historical documents, and anecdotes, bringing Leonardo's story to life and making it highly engaging.
- The book showcases Leonardo's unconventional thinking and insatiable curiosity, making it a captivating exploration of creativity and innovation.
Best quote from Leonardo Da Vinci#
Because of his love for animals, Leonardo was a vegetarian for much of his life…
—Walter Isaacson
Who should read Leonardo Da Vinci#?
- Artists and creative types
- Fans of Renaissance art and history
- Readers who love an inspiring life story
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Leonardo Da Vinci# FAQs
What is the main message of Leonardo Da Vinci#?
The main message of Leonardo Da Vinci# delves into understanding the life and creative genius of one of history's greatest minds.
How long does it take to read Leonardo Da Vinci#?
The reading time for Leonardo Da Vinci# varies based on individual reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Leonardo Da Vinci# a good book? Is it worth reading?
Leonardo Da Vinci# is a captivating read that offers deep insights into the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci, making it a valuable book for history and art enthusiasts alike.
Who is the author of Leonardo Da Vinci#?
The author of Leonardo Da Vinci# is Walter Isaacson.
What to read after Leonardo Da Vinci#?
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