Thinking Like Leonardo: Curiosity as a Critical Skill

I have long been fascinated by Leonardo da Vinci. Years ago, I co-taught a high school course titled Thinking Like Leonardo, in which students explored different approaches to observing and interpreting the world. For those looking for a deep dive, I recommend Walter Isaacson's biography—I devoured all 624 pages in two weeks, and it shaped my ongoing passion for DaVinci's approach to learning.

Over the last two years, in my work with schools, leaders, and faculty, many are asking the same question: how will AI change our world? This leads us to an even more fundamental question: what does it mean to be human in a world of intelligent machines? As human-centered organizations with mission statements that define why we exist, perhaps curiosity might be the most essential skill for the future. This is where Leonardo da Vinci's timeless wisdom becomes particularly relevant.

Ken Burns, along with co-directors Sarah Burns and David McMahon, released a two-part, four-hour documentary titled “Leonardo da Vinci” on PBS. It rekindled my interest in learning more from this remarkable teacher. In today's rapidly evolving world, what can we learn from Leonardo about leadership, learning, and innovation? How might we cultivate curiosity as a critical skill for the future?

The Essence of Leonardo's Approach

Insatiable Questioning

Leonardo's notebooks overflowed with questions, observations, and sketches—a testament to his relentless curiosity. He focused more on asking questions than seeking definitive answers. In schools, how often do we foster this kind of inquiry? Instead of rushing to certainty, how might we create space for deeper, more generative questioning?

Interdisciplinary Thinking

Leonardo saw no boundaries between art, science, engineering, and philosophy. Yet many schools still silo subjects, teaching concepts in isolation. What if we designed learning experiences around meaningful connections rather than rigid disciplines? What would it take to move beyond outdated departmental structures to teach through big ideas that connect different perspectives? Why are your administrative departments structured the way they are?

Relentless Observation

Leonardo's discoveries stemmed from deep observation—whether studying anatomy, botany, or the mechanics of machines. His ability to see what others overlooked made him a better artist, scientist, and engineer. In schools, how often do we pause to observe before drawing conclusions? Insight without observation is an assumption. Insight through observation is curiosity in action. If you observe from the perspective of an outsider, what do you see and notice?

Experimentation and Prototyping

Leonardo didn't just theorize—he built, tested, and iterated. Many of his designs failed, but failure was seen as an invitation to improve. In schools, we talk about innovation, but how often do we prototype ideas before implementing large-scale change? What if every school cultivated a culture where small, iterative experiments were part of daily practice?

These intellectual habits helped Leonardo lead an uncommonly productive and creative life. All of us are the beneficiaries of his work – something we can only hope future generations say about our time in schools.

Practicing Curiosity in Leadership and Learning

1. Adopt a "Notebook Mindset"

   Keep a daily curiosity journal—not for to-do lists, but for ideas, questions, and insights. My personal practice spans decades; I maintain paper notebooks filled with sketches and notes dating back to 1994. I prefer analog notebooks for a host of reasons. Whether digital or analog, the act of writing helps slow thinking down and reveal patterns over time. There's a reason we give notebooks to design teams we work with—they are essential tools for collecting and cultivating curiosity and documenting observations and insights.

2. Expand Your Inputs

   Leonardo was curious about everything. His study of anatomy began as a way to improve his art, drawing and sculpting the human form. This curiosity led to breakthroughs in medical science. Curiosity flourishes when we explore beyond our field—so what new disciplines, books, or experiences could expand your perspective? When trying to identify needs, challenges, and unmet opportunities, look beyond education for fresh insights. Have you invited different voices to the decision making table? What might those voices and perspectives offer in terms of new inputs?

3. Become a Skilled Observer

   Slow down. Notice details others miss. Leonardo offered this timeless advice:

   "All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions." (Codex Atlanticus)

   Seeing deeply isn't just about art—it's about training our perception to uncover insights hiding in plain sight. Have you shadowed a student recently? Take the time to spend half a day, or even better a full day, walking through the student experience firsthand. What will you notice?

4. Prototype and Experiment

   Take ideas from theory to practice. Instead of waiting for big initiatives, experiment with small, low-risk prototypes in your school or organization. Not sure if team meetings are effective? Test new formats and observe the impact. Innovation begins with testing, learning, and refining.

5. Embrace Ambiguity and Wonder

   The future feels brittle, ambiguous, nonlinear and at times incomprehensible—but curiosity thrives in the unknown. Futurists don't predict the future; they design preferred futures through curiosity-driven exploration. Consider Leonardo's Adoration of the Magi. It remains unfinished, not because he lost interest, but because his thinking evolved faster than the work itself. Instead of fearing the unfinished, what if we saw it as an invitation to keep learning, questioning, and refining? Don't be afraid to abandon an idea or pilot program if you are learning something that moves you in a new direction.

Looking Forward

If you have experience with L+D these ideas should feel familiar to you, we often use them in our opening agreements. Thinking like Leonardo isn't about replicating his genius—it's about embracing curiosity as a way of being. "The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding." Whether you're leading, teaching, or designing the future of education, cultivating curiosity is one of the most human skills we can develop. At Leadership+Design, we argue that it is one of the most vital skills for humans to have at this moment in time. Remember: be more curious than certain.