Synopses & Reviews
Q&A with author Michael Gelb 1. How did you formulate the idea of inspiring readers to draw upon historical geniuses as role models as described in DISCOVER YOUR GENIUS? Baby ducks learn to survive by imitating their mothers. Learning through "role-models" is fundamental to many species, including humans. As we grow into adulthood we can access a unique advantage: we can choose whom to imitate! So, why not incorporate the best from history's brightest? 2. What is the "genius dream team" and how did you compile your list of geniuses? What role does the dream team play in your book? And, should every reader use the same list? The "dream team" analogy developed after a reporter asked me: "I like basketball, but whatever I do I ll never be like Michael Jordan," he said. "So how can anyone even think of being like Leonardo, Einstein or Elizabeth I?" Well, Michael Jordan is to basketball what Leonardo da Vinci is to creativity: the greatest of all time. Leonardo had Plato and Fillipo Brunelleschi as his role models, Michael had Elgin Baylor and Dr J. A manual for aspiring basketball-players starts with Michael, but then it might move on to explore the special qualities of a "dream team" of other legendary players. DISCOVER YOUR GENIUS is a manual for accessing your creative gifts to live a fulfilling life in the face of change and chaos; and, the ten geniuses featured in the book represent my choices for an all-time/all-star revolutionary genius "dream team" to help you achieve this seemingly elusive goal. My "team" was chosen with the help of a "genius board" of scholars, although the selections are all ultimately mine. I used the following criteria: universality of influence,attributability, contribution to creating a 'paradigm-shift' and most important -- utility for my readers in improving the quality of life. I hope to inspire readers to learn from the geniuses introduced in DISCOVER YOUR GENIUS, and to incorporate these strategies for learning from role-models so they can apply them to their own choices of great men and women. 3. Who are some of the contemporary figures that you consider to be a genius? The conclusion of the book includes a discussion of my nominations for contemporary exemplars of the genius qualities. Lucille Ball, Buckminster Fuller, Dr. Mae Jemison, Jane Goodall, Gene Rodenberry, Julie Taymor and Bill Gates are among the nominees. 4. Was there a genius who you took off your list, but now feel should have been included? No, I stand by my list. It was hard to leave out Freud, but I felt that Shakespeare said it all first! I love Edison, Machiavelli and Dante, too...perhaps I'll put them all in a sequel! 5. How To Think Like Leonardo DaVinci is a best-selling book. Why is Leonardo such an inspiration to you? And why isn't Leonardo included in DISCOVER YOUR GENIUS? Leonardo's integration of art and science makes him the supreme example of balance, and the quest for balance is the through-line of my work. Although Leonardo isn't specifically profiled in DISCOVER YOUR GENIUS, (he got a whole book all to himself!) careful readers will discover that he hovers behind the scenes. 6. You've compiled a companion cd also entitled DISCOVER YOUR GENIUS, made up of classical music that the reader can use to enhance his/her experience with this book. How important is music to your technique? How did you choose these musical compositions? Geniusthinking involves activating the senses and breaking out of habitual perceptions. I commissioned original portraits of the geniuses as illustrations for this book and created this music cd to guide my readers to a memorable, multi-sensory, inspiring experience of the genius qualities and, of course, of their own potential. The music was chosen with the help of some extraordinary cognoscenti" including Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. 7. What is the single most important idea you want the reader to learn from your book? You were born with the potential for genius. And, you can learn how to access that potential by studying those who've done it, with world-changing results! 8. Do you consider yourself a genius? Why or why not? My genius is in helping others discover theirs. 9. Do you have a favorite genius? Which one and why? They're all amazing. My favorites are Shakespeare, Elizabeth 1 and Thomas Jefferson. If I have to choose just one, I'll take Jefferson because freedom makes everything else possible.
Review
“Gelb is undoubtedly an engaging guide with an appealing approach to self-help.” Publishers Weekly
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“Insightful . . . Engaging, inspiring, and informative.” --Jennings Wagoner, Ph.D., University of Virginia, Curry School of Education
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“[Gelb has] the graceful ability to synthesis masses of material into accessible prose without sacrificing historical context.” --Carole Fungaroli Sargent, Ph.D., Georgetown University, Department of English
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“Captivating, playful and profound, [Gelb] guides you to the fulfillment of your dreams for a richer life.” Debbie Ford, best selling author of The Secrets of the Shadow
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“Gelb shows his own genius in making the past relevant.” USA Today
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“Discover Your Genius is a rich repast, and one certain to expand the readers mind and mettle.” Jean Houston, author of A Mythic Life
Synopsis
Unleash your creative potential.
Michael J. Gelb, bestselling author of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, draws upon history's most revolutionary minds to help you unleash your own creativity. With fascinating biographies of all ten geniuses, personal self-assessments, and practical exercises, this book is the key to unlocking the genius inside you!
- Plato -- Deepening your love of wisdom
- Filippo Brunelleschi -- Expanding your perspective
- Christopher Columbus -- Strengthening your vision, optimism, and courage
- Nicolaus Copernicus -- Reorganizing your vision of the world
- Queen Elizabeth I -- Wielding your power with balance and effectiveness
- William Shakespeare -- Cultivating your emotional intelligence
- Thomas Jefferson -- Celebrating your freedom in the pursuit of happiness
- Charles Darwin -- Developing your powers of observation and cultivating an open mind
- Mahatma Gandhi -- Applying the principles of spiritual genius to harmonize spirit, mind, and body
- Albert Einstein -- Unleashing your imagination and "combinatory play"
Synopsis
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Synopsis
Unleash your creative potential.
Michael J. Gelb, bestselling author of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, draws upon history's most revolutionary minds to help you unleash your own creativity. With fascinating biographies of all ten geniuses, personal self-assessments, and practical exercises, this book is the key to unlocking the genius inside you
- Plato -- Deepening your love of wisdom
- Filippo Brunelleschi -- Expanding your perspective
- Christopher Columbus -- Strengthening your vision, optimism, and courage
- Nicolaus Copernicus -- Reorganizing your vision of the world
- Queen Elizabeth I -- Wielding your power with balance and effectiveness
- William Shakespeare -- Cultivating your emotional intelligence
- Thomas Jefferson -- Celebrating your freedom in the pursuit of happiness
- Charles Darwin -- Developing your powers of observation and cultivating an open mind
- Mahatma Gandhi -- Applying the principles of spiritual genius to harmonize spirit, mind, and body
- Albert Einstein -- Unleashing your imagination and combinatory play
About the Author
Michael J. Gelb, a renowned innovator in the field of creative thinking and leadership development, is the bestselling author of How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, Body Learning, Samurai Chess and Present Yourself! Since 1978 Michael Gelb has conducted seminars around the world for companies such as BP, IBM, DuPont, KPMG, and YPO. He lives in Edgewater, New Jersey.