The Hidden Habits of Genius Summary

We are born curious. Children learn from their surroundings by touching, smelling, and looking at everything. It is our best and most effective tool for discovering new things. However, some people are born with a deeper sense of curiosity that allows them to learn constantly.

We can also cultivate curiosity. Whether traveling, reading, or finding yourself in a new situation, be curious and present. It is a great first step in your journey to becoming more knowledgeable and accumulating new and innovative perspectives. 

Picasso himself said, “It takes a lot of time to become young.”

A fresh, young, and somewhat childlike view of the world is often closer to genius than a grown-up perspective.

What distinguishes rare geniuses like Leonardo from the rest of us is that they seem to be curious about almost everything.

To develop a sense of curiosity try things you would not normally try. New topics in books and magazines. Wonder unknown areas of the city. Explore life in a multifaceted way as curiosity makes life richer.

The ability to concentrate and focus to develop deep thinking is a key feature of genius.

Concentration can come naturally or you might need to devise rituals that enable you to concentrate. Deep thinking is fundamental to develop your ideas and you need to seek ways to focus your attention for long amount of times.

Think like a child. Be grateful lik a child. Happy like a child. Embrace a kind of childishness. View the world from the eyes of a child.

Take, for example, the entries on Leonardo’s to-do list for a single day in Milan. His tasks included calculating the area of the city and its suburbs; finding a book describing the area’s churches; learning how to square a triangle mathematically; examining a crossbow; finding out how to repair a canal lock; and asking a man about the measurement of the sun.

Be curious in everything you see around you. What is the house made of?the towels? This device? What are you made of? Why are you feeling sleepy?

Many geniuses maintain a childlike curiosity throughout their lives. Mary Shelley wrote "Frankenstein" at 19, showcasing the imaginative spark often found in youth.

Childlike Perspective: Geniuses like Picasso and Shelley thrived by maintaining a youthful viewpoint. This fresh perspective fuels creativity and innovation.

Youthful Achievements: Mary Shelley wrote a classic novel as a teenager, showing that genius can manifest early with the right mindset.

Playfulness in Art: Picasso’s childlike approach allowed him to break from conventional artistic norms and create groundbreaking work.

Geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci exemplify boundless curiosity. His to-do lists included diverse tasks, from studying the area of Milan to learning about crossbows. This insatiable curiosity drove his numerous achievements across various fields.

Diverse Interests: Leonardo’s wide-ranging curiosity allowed him to excel in multiple disciplines, from art to engineering.

Restless Mind: Leonardo’s constant pursuit of knowledge is a hallmark of his genius.

Curiosity as a Driver: Embracing curiosity can lead to unexpected and profound insights, enhancing one’s creative and intellectual abilities.