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Summary: The logical truth behind the book
Review: This book was fabulous. Leonardo states, "No one should imitate the manner of another...it is important to go straight to nature..." As a Computer Science student with a strong logical background, and after researching the life and observations of Leonardo da Vinci, I can state that some of Leonardo's best teachings contradict the purpose of this book. If we eliminate this contradiction, then this book truly teaches you how to identify nature and use it to harness creativity. This book opened my eyes to the patterns in life, and allowed me to understand computer theory in a new light. Possibly, it might do the same for you with whatever it is that you do. It goes straight to what is important, and does not sound like a parrot that only knows a few words. I believe that anyone who reads this will be enlightened with a positive attitude for change, and be able to identify the means toward achieving a greater level of success in life; if he or she lets it.
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Summary: Where's the beef?
Review: The book's premise is interesting. What is it that made da Vinci unique and great? Can I observe his life and learn? Gelb's seven characteristics were insightful. The introduction of each characteristic was interesting. Sadly, there was no development, no depth. I'm sure Gelb's speeches and workshops are entertaining and inspiring, but when reduced to print, it's superficial, self-improvement, feel-good guru mush. It's pseudo science in a bottle - a cure for 21st century man with too much leisure and money and not enough purpose. There is page after page of exercises to help me become more like Leonardo. But sorry, but this left brained guy just can't bring himself to close his eyes and make ever larger circles (first with each finger, then the hand, then the whole arm...) all the while visualizing a rainbow of colors coming up through his body and out his fingertips.
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Summary: Fantastic ideas to meet your full potential
Review: Gelb succeeds in making the Da Vinci lifestyle attainable for anyone. The book is easy to read and full of interesting facts about this amazing person. I especially enjoyed his look into Da Vinci's personal history. The reader can take away many useful lessons for a more fulfilling life. Da Vinci met his human potential better than almost any other historical figure. Imitating his way of life will certainly help us maximize our own potential.
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Summary: If you like snake oil . . .
Review: If you like snake oil, and wasting your money, then buy this book..."Perhaps it is a cultural issue, but I found...Gelb's book was...very disappointing. To me, people like...Gelb are the modern equivalent of the "Traveling Medicine Show" of the "Wild West," and the programs they promote are the cure all "Snake Oil."...There are also elements, especially related to Gelb's suggestions for eating, which border on the outrageous, especially in Kansas. This makes me wonder if he has ever been west of the Mississippi, or even left the East Coast, examples are: The recipe for linguine with fresh clams and black truffles (Workbook, page 74). No additional comment considered necessary. The suggestion for developing comparative tasting - three kinds of olive oil, etc (Textbook, page 129). I would be interested to know where three kinds of smoked salmon and caviar can be found, at reasonable expense, in Wichita The recommendation to eat only "free range" meats (Textbook, page 201) - if it "oinks, moos, or clucks" in Kansas, then it is almost certain that it will have been pumped full of "hormones, antibiotics, and other toxins" long before it reaches the meat cabinet in Dillons or Albertsons. I am aware of at least one farmers' cooperative that tried, and failed, to raise free range cattle for beef. Gelb does not mention one key factor of personal development, and that is "attending" the school of "hard knocks." This is usually more effective than all the motivational programs put together." If you still go ahead and buy this book, you have my every sympathy. You need help, but you won't find it in this book.
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Summary: Fun !!!!
Review: Just a unbelievably fun book to read. I initially just glanced at the book out of curiosity, skimmed a few pages, then a few more...
I've now bought more copies of this book for family and friends than any other I've ever given. Great pasta sauce recipe buried in there too!
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Summary: the retrospective and prospective way to manage life
Review: I was really wondering about the fact that Gelb comprises in his book- without my exaggeration - a great possibility which releases our inner genius. Having start to read it
I'm so convinced by the simplicity of Gelb's arguments that I can only recommend this book for anyone who wants to go sometimes further...
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Summary: sensationalisticismo!!
Review: learning how to think like Leonardo is going to take far more than what you'll find here. That said this book contains a nice overview of the kinds of things that Leonardo would have stressed: the science or art and the art of science and the ability to see clearly.
The book is worth a read but it is pretty light on real substance - Leonardo looked closely so it then exhorts you to look real closely at the world around you. Multiply that by a dozen techniques and you've got the material covered.
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Summary: One of the coolest books ever written. Will change your life
Review: Use this book as a guide to realizing your full potential as a creative, connected, talented human being. The activities are fun, the text is enlightening. You'll use the things you learn in here everyday of your life, and best of all, you'll find even more joy in the journey!
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Summary: Save Your Money
Review: I attended a two-day seminar and was given a copy of this book as an added "benefit". Michael Gelb and his training, writings and approach represent the worst of new age, self-help claptrap. Do yourself a favor: save your money and your time.
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Summary: Misleading title
Review: I found this book medium-interesting, hence the three stars. But I found the title and presentation somewhat misleading. If Gelb has figured out "how to think like Leonardo da Vinci," then where are his great works of art, scientific discoveries and plausible far-future inventions? Is he sitting on them, recorded in voluminous but unorganized notebooks, the way da Vinci did? Or is he, like other "creativity experts" whose books I've read, another of those guys in the self-help/consultancy hustle who tells others how to do something that he's not been able to do himself? Writers in that business are like authors of sex advice books who have had little sexual experience themselves. I would respect Gelb somewhat more if he could demonstrate through some tangible results that he really has cracked the great mystery of da Vinci's mind in a way that can be effectively taught to others. Realistically, Gelb should have titled his book, "How Leonardo da Vinci apparently thought," for he is clearly on the outside, looking in and trying to make sense of a puzzling phenomenon.
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