The Takeoff
Leonardo da Vinci, one of history’s greatest geniuses, is known as much for his art as for his inventions. What is not as well known, however, is his approach to problem solving. What is not as well known, however, is his approach to problem solving. In his life and work, Da Vinci used a number of principles and techniques that we can still apply today to solve our own problems, no matter how impossible they may seem.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply Being willing is not enough; we must do.
Leonardo da Vinci
Deep Navigation
Navigating the vast seas of knowledge and innovation requires a deep and nuanced understanding. Like a ship entering uncharted waters, we must be prepared to explore in depth, understanding the key elements that guide us. In this section entitled ‘Sailing Deep’, we will dive into the subsections of Da Vinci’s formula, exploring curiosity, ambiguity and mind-body balance, to understand how these principles intertwine and how we can apply them in our daily lives.
Curiositas: Infinite Curiosity
The first principle is “Curiositas.” Da Vinci was insatiably curious. To him, everything was interesting and worth exploring. When faced with a problem, adopt this mindset of curiosity. Research, ask questions, learn as much as you can about the problem. In doing so, you may discover new angles and perspectives that will help you find solutions.
Sfumato: Embracing Ambiguity
The second principle is “Sfumato,” which literally means “faded” in Italian. In his paintings, Da Vinci used this technique to create smooth, almost imperceptible transitions between colors. In problem solving, Sfumato is the ability to handle ambiguity, uncertainty, and to accept that not all answers will be clear or definitive. The ability to be comfortable with uncertainty can allow you to explore solutions that others might dismiss as too risky or uncertain.
Connections: The Integration of Knowledge
The third principle is Da Vinci’s ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated fields of knowledge. He was a master at integrating art, science, music, mathematics, and more into his approach to problem solving. When faced with a problem, don’t limit yourself to a single field of knowledge. Look to a variety of disciplines for inspiration and solutions.
Dimostrazione: Learning through Experience
The fourth principle is “Dimostrazione,” or learning through experience. Da Vinci believed in the power of direct experience to understand and solve problems. If you have a problem, look for ways to experience and learn from it directly, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.
Corporality: Balance between Mind and Body
The fifth and final principle is “Corporalità,” which refers to the balance between mind and body. For Da Vinci, it was important to maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body. Be sure to take care of your physical well-being while working on problem solving. Exercising, sleeping well, and eating healthy can help you think more clearly and have better problem-solving skills.
In short, Da Vinci’s formula for solving “impossible” problems involves curiosity, comfort with ambiguity, ability to make connections between different fields of knowledge, learning through experience, and balance between mind and body. Although he lived over 500 years ago, his principles are still useful and relevant in our modern world.
Application Trail
The journey towards solving problems and discovering new frontiers does not happen in a single step or in a single direction. We venture down diverse routes, exploring different paths, and in each, we find valuable lessons and applications. In this section, we will navigate the ‘Application Pathways’, where we will see how the Da Vinci formula manifests itself in different areas of our society, from technology and education to environmental sustainability.
- Innovative Companies: Large companies such as Apple, Google and Tesla have applied the Da Vinci formula in their innovation processes. Curiosity has led them to investigate new technologies, ambiguity has allowed them to explore unknown areas, and mind-body balance ensures a healthy work environment.
- Education: In modern education, these principles are being applied to foster multidisciplinary learning, where students are encouraged to explore and connect different fields of knowledge.
- Environmental Problem Solving: The integration of knowledge in fields such as biology, chemistry, and technology is making it possible to find solutions to critical environmental problems, following the same logic of connection and experimentation that Da Vinci promoted.
Destination Harbor
Da Vinci’s formula for solving “impossible” problems is more than a set of historical principles; it is a guiding light in our ever-changing world. It teaches us that curiosity must be our compass, that ambiguity is not our enemy, and that integration and experience are our most powerful tools. At a time when challenges seem overwhelming, Da Vinci’s formula reminds us that we have within us the capacity to meet them, with the creativity and ingenuity that define the best of humanity. Like an experienced navigator on the seas of the unknown, Leonardo da Vinci invites us to embark on a voyage of discovery and to believe in the possibility of the “impossible.”
Knowledge Map
Books:
- Gelb, Michael J. (2000). “How to think like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven steps to genius every day” Ediciones B. ISBN 978-84-666-3334-4.
- Isaacson, Walter (2017). “Leonardo da Vinci”. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1501139154.
- Nicholl, Charles (2005). “Leonardo da Vinci: The Flights of the Mind”. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0143036128.
Websites:
