Leonardo da Vinci created the two most famous paintings in history The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. But in his own mind he was just as much a man of science and engineering. With a passion that sometimes became obsessive he pursued innovative studies of anatomy fossils birds the heart flying machines botany geology and weaponry. His ability to stand at the crossroads of the humanities and the sciences made iconic by his drawing of Vitruvian Man made him historys most creative genius.
Now Walter Isaacson brings Leonardo da Vinci to life showing why we have much to learn from him. His combination of science art technology and imagination remains an enduring recipe for creativity. So too was his ease at being a bit of a misfit: illegitimate gay vegetarian left-handed easily distracted and at times heretical. His relentless curiosity should remind us of the importance of instilling in both ourselves and our children not just received knowledge but a willingness to question it - to be imaginative and like talented misfits and rebels in any era to think different.
