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FoundersNovember 17, 2017
#15 Leonardo da Vinci: The Biography
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About This Episode
What I learned from reading Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. ---- Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ---- “I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Book Mentions
4 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
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Books Mentioned
Leonardo da Vinci
Walter Isaacson
“Isaacson discusses how Leonardo da Vinci exemplifies the ability to connect various disciplines, which is a key theme in his biographies.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: curiosity and innovation
For: Individuals interested in creativity, innovation, and historical figures
Key quote: “His notebooks are the greatest record of curiosity ever created, a wondrous guide to the person whom the art historian Kenneth Clark called the most relentlessly curious man in history.”
The host emphasizes how Leonardo da Vinci exemplifies the theme of connecting various disciplines, which is crucial for innovation and imagination. This connection is illustrated through comparisons with other historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs, highlighting the importance of curiosity and creativity.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson
“Isaacson references his biography of Steve Jobs, highlighting Jobs' admiration for Leonardo da Vinci.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Curiosity and Innovation
For: Readers interested in innovation and creativity
Key quote: “Steve Jobs climaxed his product launches with an image of street signs showing the intersection of liberal arts and technology.”
The host discusses how Steve Jobs admired Leonardo da Vinci for his ability to merge art and technology, which is a central theme in Walter Isaacson's biography of Jobs. This connection highlights the importance of curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking in fostering innovation.
ASIN: B07ZMKXMTG
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli
“Machiavelli used Caesar Borgia as a model of cunning in The Prince and taught that his ruthlessness was a tool for power.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Machiavelli's The Prince
For: Students of history and political philosophy
Key quote: “His only sliver of historical redemption, which is undeserved, came when Machiavelli, this is why I'm including this part, used him as a model of cunning in The Prince.”
The host discusses the ruthless nature of Caesar Borgia, who was used by Machiavelli as a model in 'The Prince' to illustrate the use of ruthlessness as a tool for power. This connection highlights the complex relationships between historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Machiavelli, emphasizing the moral ambiguities of their time.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
“While painting The Last Supper, Leonardo would sometimes stare at the work for an hour, finally making one small stroke and then leave.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Leonardo's creative process
For: Artists and creative professionals
Key quote: “Men of lofty genius sometimes accomplish the most when they work least, he told the Duke, for their minds are occupied with their ideas and the perfection of their conceptions, to which they afterwards give form.”
The host discusses Leonardo da Vinci's approach to creativity as described in 'The Last Supper', emphasizing the importance of experience over theory. This exploration highlights how Leonardo's method of deep observation and contemplation can inform our own creative processes.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.