Michael J. GelbRezensionen

Un examen de los principios bá,sicos que rigen la té,cnica Alexander y su aplicació,n a la educació,n infantil y a las necesidades de actores, atletas, mú,sicos, etc. Cabe esperar que este libro sea recibido como una meditada y bien fundada adició,n al escaso nú,mero de obras que tratan de alertar al pú,blico general sobre los dañ,os causados por el mal uso que se da al cuerpo en nuestra sociedad. Al mismo tiempo, esta obra nos orienta sobre la manera de recuperar su uso má,s adecuado y saludable. En tanto que alumno, profesor y lector de muchos textos relacionados con el funcionamiento de nuestros dispositivos motores, el señ,or Gelb me parece especialmente capacitado para hablar con autoridad.

Review
'The approach to learning and the techniques outlined in Body Learning transformed my life. Read and practice, and Michael Gelb's profound message will transform yours. '-Tony Buzan, author of The Mind Map Book

About the Author
Michael Gelb is a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. he is the director of the High Performance Learning Center in Washington, DC, and international leadership consultancy to business and professional groups worldwide. he is also the author of Lessons from the Art of Juggling and Thinking for a Change.

The Alexander technique is the most revolutionary and far-reaching method yet developed for maintaining the health and efficiencey of the body. Essentally a type of therapy that aims to treat, and prevent, a range of disorders through a syystem of postural changes, the Technique stresses ethe importance of reeducating the msucular system as a means to achieve physical and mental well-being. By changing, or unlearning, common bad postural habits and ways of using the body, people can alleviate tension, fatigue, bad backs, stiff necks, asthma, headaches, depression, and many other ailments. This book offers the first fully illustrated contemporary introduction to a method whose importance is increasingly recognized by the medical profession and the general public alike. The author examines the basic principles governing the Techniqe and shows how it can be aplied to every kind of learning experience, from children's education and the acquiring of basic skills to the most advanced needs of professionals, athletes, and entertainers.

'This book is to be welcomed...Mr. Gelb seems to me uniquely qualified to speak with authority.'-Professor Nikolaas Tinbergen, 1973 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology

'The approach to learning and the techniques outilined in Body Learning transformed my life. Read and practice, and Michael Gelb's profound message will transform yours.'-Tony Buzan, author of Use Both Sides of Your Brain

'Several previous books on the sophisticated Alexander Technique have attempted to convey the complex mental and physical dynamics required of its devotees, but none has been as lucid as this one.'-Publishers Weekly

Michael Gelb is a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique and maintains a successful private practice in Washington, D.C. He is also Founder/director of High Performance Learning, an international management consultancy organization which sponsors seminars on the Technique for businesses, school systems, and professional groups throughout the world.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I Alexander: The man and his discovery...
Part II The operational ideas
Use and functioning
The whole person
Primary conrol
Unreliable sensory appreciation
Inhibition
Direction
Ends and means
Part III Learning how to learn
Utilizing potential
Education for use
What can I do myself?
Notes
Books and articles on the Alexander Technique
Source of illustrations

With the wealth of information and principles for action presented by Michael Gelb in this book one wonders where to start? It provides an "inspirational" approach to improving your mind and your life. I have always been fascinated by fictional superheroes and I also enjoy reading about the lives of geniuses of the past in all fields of endeavor. This book uses a close study of the life and achievements of Leonardo da Vinci to identify principles that each of us can apply in our life to improve and reach a level of genius beyond that we might have thought possible.
The book is divided into three parts: Part One includes a concise biography and list of Leonardo's accomplishments; while Part Two focuses on the "Seven Da Vincian Principles" that include curiosity, a focus on the senses, use of ambiguity and development of whole-brain thinking. While the principles are not unique to Leonardo, this presentation is particularly effective and helpful. Part Three discusses the art of drawing and perspective which is at the heart of Leonardo's art. The inclusion of a chronology of Leonardo's life, which spanned the last half of the fifteenth century into the first decades of the sixteenth, and a topical bibliography of recommended reading increases the value of this truly inspirational book. (less)
FRIEND REVIEWS (1)

Gelb's work definitely contains some valuable "self-help" nuggets that can be applied to general problem-solving. One such nugget involves Edison's use of mind-maps that help individuals physically "chart" strategies for tackling problems. The book focuses on how "failure" is often critical to future success and how optimism can shape results. It also explores some of Edison's well-known mantras (example: make everything as simple as possible -- but no any simpler). In all candor, some of the book was a bit dry and seemed unnecessarily redundant in a few spots -- and I'm a big fan of business books. But overall, I'm glad I took the time to read it.½

Not really a book to read like a novel. Very interesting reading about backgrounds of selected acknowledged geniuses thru history. It reviews key traits that made them who they were. Then for each there is a presentation of the types actions and activities you could take to emulate those geniuses. Different kind of reading. Thought provoking.½

Given the fact that this book is not written by a Doctor, Psychologist, or Nutritionist it is quite well-written. It is easy to read and should be easy to follow. However, some of the information appears dated. The Audio recording is good and a worthwhile companion.

Wonder. Appreciation. Awareness. Wholeness…In the Western world of the fifteenth century, these personal qualities were all boldly embodied in one extraordinary man. From art to botany, anatomy to mechanics, Da Vinci was a profoundly original thinker fully in tune with the world of man and nature, and with the divine spirit that bridges the two. In this bold new guide to awakening the soul, Michael Gelb draws on Leonardo’s writings, inventions, and works of art to show how you, too, can practice the seven essential principles by which Leonardo lived and worked:
Filled with practical exercises that will help you put each of the seven principles into use, a series of reflective questions designed for self-assessment, and inspirational sayings drawn from the world’s great wisdom traditions, Da Vinci Decoded offers a wide range of tools to use in your spiritual quest. Now you can let Leonardo and this book be your personal guides to creating your own personal spiritual renaissance today.

Wonder. Appreciation. Awareness. Wholeness 26In the Western world of the fifteenth century, these personal qualities were all boldly embodied in one extraordinary man. From art to botany, anatomy to mechanics, Da Vinci was a profoundly original thinker fully in tune with the world of man and nature, and with the divine spirit that bridges the two. In this bold new guide to awakening the soul, Michael Gelb draws on Leonardo 19s writings, inventions, and works of art to show how you, too, can practice the seven essential principles by which Leonardo lived and worked:
Filled with practical exercises that will help you put each of the seven principles into use, a series of reflective questions designed for self-assessment, and inspirational sayings drawn from the world 19s great wisdom traditions, Da Vinci Decoded offers a wide range of tools to use in your spiritual quest. Now you can let Leonardo and this book be your personal guides to creating your own personal spiritual renaissance today.

Excellent ideas and very specific application examples.

A good approach to fulfill your life with specific steps.
I was expecting much more, but the issue was not the book but my expectations...

This book was well done. Although I did not find much new in the book, I did find his approach to be interesting. I received this book via the Library Thing earlier reviewer. The problem with books like this one - is that there is usually not much new to say about the subject and presentations fall in large part into that category.

Fascinating insight into the mind of a genius. I will need to take some time to do the exercises. I think I would benefit from about 90% of them. I only found a couple to be a bit off beat (even for me).

Leonardo started a lot of projects that he never finished -- but the ones he did finish are amazing. The author, after examining Leo's life, saw that there were seven habits or characteristics that seemed to guide da Vinci and make him the Renaissance man that he was. The purpose of this book is not to make us feel inadequate by comparing ourselves to the Maestro, but to give us a path to follow, so that we may emulate him in our lives as much as possible.

The one drawback that our bookclub sees: we don't have wealthy patrons putting us up and giving us free rein to explore what we want.

by reading this book I have discovered that I have a lot to improve on, but also that I've already been living according to some da Vincian principles. Yay me!

some good ideas in here, but I have no delusions about becoming this century's Leonardo!

Ok, so most of the self-help, self-improvement books out there are complete bunk and just full of outrageously obvious or deluded truisms (or, not-so-truisms). But I've found Michael Gelb's writings to be consitently worthwhile. Yes, it's a bit silly to think you can "think like Leonardo," but there are some interesting tricks you can use to make yourself open up your mind just a little bit more and a lot of great things you can learn about yourself by exposing yourself to new experiences. That's mostly what this book is about: self-understanding through self-expanding.

I don't know if I believe his rhetoric, but it has some comprehensive tips on mind mapping which I check once in a while.

This book came highly recommended to me by two people - and I have to say that I wasn't very impressed. I was expecting something a little more life-changing, however, the only additional insight I gained from the book was that I need to spend more time in my creative side... But, the likelihood of me picking up a paint brush every night after work is pretty slim.

Adding to my disappointment with the book was the tone of the author. I found him to be very condescending and arogant. I did read the book from cover to cover, it is an easy read. And I will probably do some of the exercises (I did buy the book!). But regardless of how many of the exercises I do and how many self-portraits I complete over the rest of my life, I'm not anticipating that I'll get anywhere close to the genius of da Vinci.

Kaip mokytis, būti smalsiam ir ugdyti kūrybiškumą

This book is a powerful resource for anyone interested in cultivating creativity. It contains an insightful description of Leonardo Da Vinci, his achievements and the key to his abilities, and beyond this has useful introductions to modern tools which will help develop your creative abilities. These include the Alexander Technique to develop mind and body co-ordination, Mind Mapping and an introductory drawing course. All in all quite a package.

The book is built upon a clear fascination with Da Vinci and his work, combined with a firm belief that in each of us we have vast untapped potential.

One illustration of this, which will stick in my mind for a long time, is the reference to the work of Pyotr Anokhin of Moscow University who in 1968 demonstrated that the minimum number of potential thought patterns an average brain can make, is the number one followed by a string of typed zeros stretching for 10.5 million kilometres.

This is a mind staggeringly large number. As an attempt to give this some sort of perspective, consider that the number of atoms in the universe is estimated to be less than one followed by only one hundred zeros and you perhaps glimpse just how large the number really is.

Leonardo Da Vinci is recognised as a true genius, a great inventor, artist and as this book reveals, much more. Using Da Vinci's life as a backcloth, the book outlines seven key facets of his creative approach, which in my opinion wonderfully encapsulate the secret of creativity and change.

Curiosita
An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning

Dimostrazione
A commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Sensazione
The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to enliven experience.

Sfumato
A willingness to embrace, ambiguity, paradox and uncertainty.

Arte/Scienza
The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination. Whole brain thinking.

Corporalita
The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness and poise

Connessione
A recognition and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and phenomena. Systems thinking.

Each is outlined by description and example of how they were part of Da Vinci’s life. Each is then supported by modern examples and a comprehensive suite of techniques that can be used to stimulate creativity. The Mind Mapping tool and a drawing course are the most substantial tools presented, but there are many others which can quickly be adopted to great effect. The book builds towards the creation of a mind map of your life, through which you can create and implement a personal change plan.

The book is a fascinating look into the inspirational life of a true genius and alone makes this a worthwhile read. Begin to explore the toolkit of creativity techniques and there is true potential to enhance your creative powers.

A stunning book, about a man of staggering powers, yet even Da Vinci barely touched on the potential power of his and of course your brain.

Innovate Like Edison
I am not normally very interested in self-help/business books, but someone gave me this book so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did because it gave me a few things to think about and work on.
Basically Innovate Like Edison is about how to use creative problem solving in today’s business world to get ahead. One of the most interesting points the book covered is that people who are optimistic are generally more successful then people who are pessimistic. It goes into some detail as to why this is and explains how you can be or act more optimistic. I found most of the ideas in this book to be simple, straight-forward, and logical. I also enjoyed the interesting bits of Edison’s history, he was truly an extraordinary man!
I listened to this book on audio. The audio version allowed me to take in the material in a less labor intensive way. Sometimes listening to a book like this makes it easier to filter out the ideas that interest me without getting too hung up on the ideas that are less applicable to my situation. I would definitely recommend this book as a great way to get a fresh perspective on how to be more creative in a more productive way at work.

It will take a while to finish this book if you stop to tackle the exercises sprinkled throughout designed to hone your creative thinking. By examining the techniques, personalities and quirks of highly creative people epitomized by Da Vinci's brilliance, Gelb presents a perfectly viable "mind map" to inspire even the least creative to spark off a few ideas. Those already with an artistic temperament will find new ideas and those with a more mundane bent will find themselves thinking in new ways.

I found the author to be a bit condescending toward the medieval period and, as a result, toward the modern. The exercises were a bit purile. It would be a good book for a precocious teenager

The author falls into the "10% of our brains" myth, but the book is otherwise useful and inspiring.