My delay in concluding this series on Walter Isaacson’s biography of Leonardo da Vinci comes from my not knowing how best to comment on the remaining lessons from the great artist’s life. In some ways, merely mentioning the lessons could suffice. For the most part, they’re self-explanatory. But I will add just a few reflections on the lessons I have not discussed up until now.
• “Respect facts” – Of course! As Christians we must value truth. How could we not respect facts?
• “Procrastinate” – No. That’s rarely a good idea. But I don’t think that’s a fair way to describe da Vinci’s practice. He took his time and lingered longer to reflect and observe. As believers, we want to “redeem the time” and “make the most of every opportunity.” Sometimes, that means being still. But that’s rather different than procrastinating.
• “Let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” – I prefer, “Do your work heartily as unto the Lord.” Assuming that we could attain perfection seems arrogant. I wonder if da Vinci ever thought any of his works were perfect.
• “Think visually.” – How about, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
• “Avoid silos.” – Because God is the creator of everything, “things visible and invisible, things in heaven and things on the earth.”
• “Let your reach exceed your grasp.” – I’m not entirely sure what Isaacson is trying to say here. I do think we limit ourselves when we forget that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
• “Indulge fantasy.” – No. That really didn’t help da Vinci. In fact, his moral life was a mess as a result of his indulging far too many fantasies. I’ll say more about that in a future blog. Should we meditate and allow our minds to explore “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable”? Absolutely. That’s far better, grander, holier and more beautiful than the entire list of Isaacson’s lessons combined.
• “Create for yourself, not just for patrons.” – I prefer, “Do all to the glory of God.”
• “Collaborate.” – Agreed, especially remembering that different people have different gifts from God.
• “Make lists.” – I guess. See the next lesson and my comment.
• “Take notes, on paper.” – This is worth serious effort in the practice of spiritual disciplines. Writing things down – with pen or pencil and paper, not by typing on a keyboard – triggers learning and creativity in powerful ways. Writing out prayers and using pen and paper in personal Bible study can deepen our walks with the Lord in significant ways. This is also worth exploring in a future blog. But I’ll jot down notes on paper before I type anything.
• “Be open to mystery.” – Amen! Our God has made a world full of wonder and has told us in his word that some things are “unfathomable.” We would do well to slow down, stop and observe and appreciate, and offer praise to the One who made us in his image. Hopefully, we will then reflect his creativity, beauty, and richness, regardless of our level of artistic skill.
