Being Inspired by Others

Leonardo da Vinci (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) is widely acclaimed for his paintings, the "Mona Lisa" and "Last Supper." He is also hailed as the archetype of the Renaissance man, as he was a polymath: a scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer. What incredibly impresses me is the means by which Leonardo da Vinci became all of these things. Largely he was self-taught through observation and experimentation.

Self-Study



Study of Hydraulic Machines




Study of Man



Study of Gradations of Shadows on Spheres



Study of the Female Anatomy



Study of Water



Study of a Flying Machine



Although da Vinci studied painting with the renowned Florentine painter, Verrochio, his art, engineering and scientific inventions were greatly influenced by personal study, even though many of his inventions were largely unused in his day. If there is anything that is more damaging in our time it is the hampering of the young and old in the discovery and creative processes. Da Vinci lived to the ripe old age of 67 and never stopped inventing. One does not need to be licensed or learned at the university to discover new things. What one needs is an inquisitive mind and an environment to be, often one needs to create this for oneself oppositionally. But the many possibilities are worth it and inspiring indeed.