The genius of Leonardo da Vinci

Artist Leonardo da Vinci produced two of the most famous paintings in history, "The Last Supper" and the "Mona Lisa." But he was also passionate about medical discoveries and military inventions, some of which were centuries ahead of their time. Walter Isaacson, author of bestselling biographies of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein and Benjamin Franklin, has written a new book about da Vinci, and he talks with Dr. Jon LaPook about why this Renaissance Man's mind and curiosity were so extraordinary.

---
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science, Americana and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[theproudestJAILBIRD]

Leonardo had the greatest gift a man can have/use: curiosity. He wanted to know everything, and anything that came to his mind.

[mattiamechtatel]

In my opinion, one of the most remarkable things Leonardo did it was that picture of a bicycle. Do you understand? Leonardo drew a bicycle almost half millennium before it was invented.

[LightofVenus]

I took my mother to Paris last year to see the Mona Lisa in person. Da Vinci was an otherworldly being, truly enlightened. What an incredible mind!

[drinny]

I would love to travel back in time and observe DaVinci.

[tinalouiseking]

OMG! I can't believe I'm just noticing that Mona Lisa has a veil on her head. All this time

[johnelvinbalazon]

No mention of his great friendship with the legendary figure Ezio Auditore?

[sthakur]

He was an enlightened being, truly conscious to his surroundings.

[TheArtofFugue]

if you read his codex you’ll realise he was the smartest person ever. drawings that were 500 years ahead of its time, recreated in the 20-21 century after its discovery worked perfectly. parachutes, submarines, underwater suits to breath while underwater (scuba suits), drawings of helicopters, early (machine guns), the basis of human anatomy, and so much more. he was extremely ahead of his time.

[jplaw]

Everyday look up, and look down. Notice the sky/light/birds and notice the ground/rocks/plants. Everyday.

[eilenekellogg]

He was the greatest, my favorite artist and inventor. To bad he didn't know how famous his work is!

[MandyJMaddison]

To say that Leonardo died "a poor man" Is hardly true.
Leonardo died with all the material comforts that he could possibly want, including a beautiful chateau, and the patronage of the king of France.
The painting f Leonardo's death shown in this video, shows king Francis cradling Leonardo's head as he died.
I will add here that some recent research indicated that Francis made a proclamation, several days distant, on the day of his death, and therefore ould not have been present, as tradition claims. A little further research indicated that the proclamation was actually delivered by one of the Kings nobles, and in fact Francis may well have been present after all.

Two interesting facts about Leonardo's will-
He left his housekeeper a fine black cloak with a fur collar. This meant that she could go in his funeral procession as one of his chief mourners, with her humble clothes disguised by a cloak as fine as any woman of the town.
He left instructions that sixty old men of the town should follow his bier as mourners. THis meant that each man would receive a good meal and wine as part of the wake.
He left his notebooks to his pupil and assistant Count Francesco Melzi, who began to prepare his works for publication.
He left money and land, and the Mona Lisa to his scoundrelous pupil known as Salai. Salai didn't live long as he was killed in a duel.

[adelaferreira]

Leonardo Da Vinci, the greatest brain that ever lived, he had dreams way ahead of his time and left us drawings of his creative genius in every professional field, what an incredible men !

[jacquelineramphal]

He was a man before his time! Truly a thinker and a doer! 😎🌎❤️

[bigpawpamarcos]

This dude was limited by the knowledge that was around back then, imagine the thoughts he would have if he knew everything we did ??

[bibs]

yes he died as a poor man. This is what happens to great people.

[nichols]

I read tons of books about Leonardo's life and it's the first time I've been told he died as a poor man.
He had his own castle (Le Clos Lucé) offered by François 1er since years. The King was fascinated by him and offered him and his apprentice whatever they wanted (in exchange of Leonardo's simple presence, conversations, knowledge of fireworks for the court's parties etc...) even his paintings were inherited for his apprentice/lover and the King respected that and bought some after.
Informations founded in every biography I read by Art Historians who spent their life being loyal with the facts (Vasari, Clark, Zöllner, teachers...)
Unfortunately we can't trust a quick summary of a lifetime meant for a 10mn program between 20ads.
BOOKS
(sorry if bad english, not english speaker so I don't know if I did any mistakes, I tried not to)

[vidalongaesorte]

This brilliant man was not from this planet.

[Alfablue]

So happy that I was still lucky enough to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre so much closer than now, and yes, her eyes 'moved' as I walked from left to right and back. Brilliant piece of art. What a gift to humanity DaVinci was.

[takchengsze]

The famous art historian erwin panofsky wrote a book on leonardo's codex huygen. That is a very profound essay. Highly recommended. Wisdom worth more than millions. A lot of kings or bankers were forgotten but his last supper was admired for centuries. Art gives humanity a glimpse of heaven.

[mdubozu]

They say, DiCaprio's name sake, instead of DaVinci.