This biography of Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson offers a profound look at history’s most creative genius, emphasizing that his brilliance was not divine, but a human one wrought by his own will and ambition.Key Takeaways: Lessons from a Universal MindThe book concludes by distilling Leonardo’s life into several practical lessons we can apply to our own curiosity and creativity:• Be Relentlessly Curious: Leonardo’s greatest trait was an omnivorous curiosity about everything from the tongue of a woodpecker to why the sky is blue. He sought knowledge for its own sake, not just for utility.• Observe Intensely: He didn't just glance at things; he observed them in steps, focusing on details like how dragonfly wings alternate in motion or how water swirls into eddies.• Retain a Childlike Sense of Wonder: He never outgrew the "wonder years" of childhood, continuing to puzzle over everyday phenomena that most adults take for granted.• Marry Art and Science: Leonardo saw no distinction between these disciplines; his scientific studies of optics and anatomy directly informed his artistic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa.• Indulge Fantasy: He knew how to blur the line between reality and imagination, which allowed him to envision things like flying machines and armored tanks centuries before they were possible.• Respect Facts and Change Your Mind: He was a disciple of experience; when his experiments contradicted traditional wisdom or his own theories, he was fearless about changing his mind