Everyone
knows Leonardo da Vinci was one of the best artists of all time. However, did you realize that da Vinci was
born out of wedlock? Those who were
illegitimate in those days were looked down upon (as if HE was at fault). His illegitimacy prohibited him from
receiving the most lucrative occupations and a good education.
We
often hear people blame their lack of success on their upbringing. Da Vinci’s status did not prevent him from yearning
for continued knowledge, and he had great ambition to achieve success. I am not a psychologist, but it may well be
that the things from which he was prohibited actually spurred him on to prove
himself.
Da
Vinci’s determination drove him to read about and study myriad subjects from
astronomy to architecture and more.
Although he died at only 67 years of age, in his relatively brief life, he
excelled in painting, sculpting, inventing and conceiving many ground-breaking
and bold ideas.
I
knew that he had invented a few things, but I didn’t know how many things he
actually created and imagined long before they were actually invented. Here are just a few of Da Vinci’s ideas.
Da Vinci sketched what many
believe to be the forerunner to the helicopter
which wasn’t even invented until the 1940’s. His sketch of what came to be
known as the “airscrew” was accompanied by this description: “If this instrument made with a screw be well
made – that is to say made of linen of which the pores are stopped up with
starch and be turned swiftly, the said screw will make its spiral in the air
and it will rise high.”
One of Leonardo’s favorite areas
of study was aviation. He was fascinated
by the thought of human soaring through the air. From that came his invention of the “ornithopter,”
a flying machine. From his notes related
to this machine, it was apparent that he was motivated to invent this machine
by his observation of birds, kites and bats.
Da Vinci was captivated by the
world as he observed it. While living in
Venice, “the water city,” he invented several items to be used in and around
water. He invented scuba gear for the
purpose of doing underwater sneak attacks on enemy ship. The diving suit was made from leather and had
a bag-like mask for divers to wear over their heads.
Leonardo Da Vinci’s invention of
the armored car was the predecessor of the modern tank. It carried numerous light cannons and had a
360 degree range. It also included a sighted turret on top.
We
can all get inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci.
His upbringing certainly did not deter his enthusiasm to learn and
grow. In the same way, we cannot blame
our childhood or poor training if we are not successful.
Da
Vinci’s own desire, determination and character drove him throughout his
life. He used them all to continue
studying and reading to learn about many topics.
WE
are each responsible for our own growth and success. It is vital that you use the tools and
training available to you. If you choose
not to do so, it will not be the fault of your upbringing or sponsor. You alone can take the credit for your
achievements, and you alone must take the responsibility for your failure.
To read more about Da Vinci, visit: http://www.da-vinci-inventions.com/clock.aspx
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