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Category: Reviews
Many of us understand and recognize that the brain is the most evolved and complex organ within the human body. It has given Homo sapiens the ability to make conscious decisions, to ponder and contemplate, to create and destroy, to write, to draw, to feel pleasure, to feel pain, to build cities, to send people into space, and to dream. The list is infinite.
On that list we also see “to create art” and “to advance in science”. Art and science are two of the most fascinating and influential creations of the human brain, and although they come from the same organ, the brain processes art and science in two separate hemispheres–the right and left. Research tells us that our creative, big-picture thinking is processed by our right brain, while the left hemisphere processes our logical thinking. In this chapter of How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci entitled “Arte/Scienza”, we learn how to use these two hemispheres with balance.
Many students tend to exercise their left-brain thinking so much that it becomes exhausting. We always seek to arrive at the right answers in the most logical way, and we are rewarded for doing so time and time again. Our thinking has become so systematic that it stifles our ability to express our thoughts creatively and to see things through a more holistic lens.
Not sure which side of the brain you utilize the most? Here’s a fun self-assessment included in this chapter of the book that you can do on your own.
Scienza/Left-brained Thinking
- I like details
- I am almost always on time.
- I am skilled at math.
- I rely on logic.
- I write clearly.
- Friends describe me as very articulate.
- Analysis is one of my strengths.
- I am organized and disciplined.
- I like lists.
- I read a book starting on page one and go through in order.
Arte/Right-brained Thinking
- I am highly imaginative.
- I am good at brainstorming.
- I often say or do the unexpected.
- I love to doodle.
- In school I was better at geometry than algebra.
- I read a book by skipping around.
- I prefer to look at the big picture and leave the details to someone else.
- I often lost track of time.
- I rely on intuition.
So which side of the brain did Leonardo seem to exercise the most? As you can guess, Da Vinci used both. He would teach his students–artists and scientists alike–to go out in nature to seek out the answers to their questions. He suggested them to examine trees and other flora to understand the way in which life was like a huge network, extending like roots into the ground. He became such a prolific artist and inventor because he found ways to fuse his critical, analytical thinking with his imagination.
To begin my mind map, I drew some things that I thought best represented the game of golf: the flag of the 18th green, a golf ball, and a bag of clubs.
After I finished drawing, I drew lines stemming out from my central picture and wrote down my "key-words". This process helped me visualize my main thoughts and ideas.
Here's one of my branches entitled "Competition".
More branches. I included "Family" as one of my key-words because golf has been something that has brought my family together over the years.
MIND MAPPING
Finish the self-assessment? Learn anything new about yourself? Whether you found out you’re left-brained, right-brained, or a proud operator of both sides of the brain, try this activity from How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci for fun! You will need a blank sheet of paper, pens or colored pencils, and a simple idea/memory.
The point of this exercise is to free your mind of judgment and exercise both your critical thinking and your imagination. While most of us do outlines in basic bullet point form, this is a more creative way to begin papers or to generate theses.
To create a mind map, draw a picture in the center of the sheet of paper that best represents your idea or memory. In this case, I chose golf because it was something easy to brainstorm about. It’s recommended that you create your first mind map on a simple idea or memory.
Next, draw a few lines or branches stemming away from your center picture. On these lines, write key-words that best describe or relate to your subject. Remember to print your key-words, since this makes it easier for you to read and remember what you’re writing about.
After you’ve written down your key-words, draw more branches stemming from the branches you already established. On these branches you can write down more detailed connections to your central idea. Feel free to doodle other symbols along with these key-words. Remember, we are utilizing both sides of the brain so don’t be afraid of getting creative with this.
After you’re all done, you can draw arrows between any of your key-words if you see that connections can be made between them. Color any images you’ve drawn.
And that’s your mind map! I hope you will have just as much fun with this activity as I have.
Post submitted by: Crystal Maranan
Leonardo Da Vinci was a revolutionary thinker. Rather than accept the facts presented to him, he questioned everything in order to come closer to the truth on his on terms. What is interesting about Da Vinci is that his quest for knowledge is not a quest for absolute truth, but rather a quest to further understand through looking at concepts, ideas, and objects from different vantage points. Da Vinci was not someone who sought the “right” answer, but he was someone who sought deeper answers, even if the answers simply led to more questions.
One of the main principles of thinking like Da Vinci is cultivating and practicing curiosity. The author of this book suggests that adults are taught to become less and less curious the more and more they are shunned throughout their lives for questioning. Instead, Da Vinci remained curious throughout his life. As an exercise, the author suggests that we begin to question again.
Two of the most fascinating exercises the author suggests are 1) creating 100 questions and 2) keeping a journal and writing uninhibitedly.
In the first exercise, we are asked to write 100 questions non-stop. Whatever questions come to mind are valid. Repeats are valid, even welcome. Afterwards, we are asked to group questions that are similar and to select the top ten that we may want to begin to explore. This is an effective exercise because it suggests that Leonardo valued a very personal approach to the cultivation of knowledge. Rather than base our learning on a mainstream curriculum, Da Vinci is a proponent of self-directed discovery. The process of learning what your own mind seeks to understand is revelatory. Self-directed exploration and reflection can help us better understand ourselves, those around us, the world around us, and the connections therein.
Da Vinci’s style of daily journal keeping is also enlightening. Da Vinci felt it was important to write whatever comes to mind, without fearing logic, order, or sensibility. Through his practice, he reminds us that in order to achieve an effective process of self-directed learning, it is important that we do not self-censor our thoughts. Da Vinci is not a proponent of repressing thoughts and feelings. This is revelatory for me because I always hinder my personal and creative process by censoring my thoughts. I constantly believe that what I write must be significant, which stops me from writing and stifles my growth.
Practice these exercises to re-initiate your curiosity.
Post Submitted By: Layhannara Tep
The following is a review on the article “Curiosita: An Insatiably Curious Approach to Life and an Unrelenting Quest for Curious Learning.”
“Leondardo’s loyalty, devotion, and passion were directed, instead, to the pure quest for truth and beauty.”
When I read this line, I was completely astonished! Wow—what a beautiful example of what it means to be committed to something and how curiosity is, in fact, beneficial to a person!
The idea of this article about Leonardo Da Vinci completely combats the cliche “Curiosity killed the cat;” in fact, it fully supports the development of our minds and the extension of our curiosity, especially when our curiosity drives us to find truth, meaning, and beauty, just like Leondardo is claimed to have done.
As the title of this post suggests, I will be writing a review of the article. The first aspect I will discuss is the article’s creativity. The author took a creative approach to Da Vinci, his life, and his artwork. Instead of focusing on the religious aspect of Da Vinci like most people do, the author points out Da Vinci’s quest for truth and meaning. I appreciated the originality and the specific focus on curiosity and it’s role in mankind. I thought it was very engaging yet informative.
Secondly, I found this piece enlightening. The author includes ten “power questions” that help the reader focus on personal growth and fulfillment. I, personally, find satisfaction in activities that emphasize self-awareness, self-reflection, and personal growth because they help me develop into a stronger, more well-rounded person. Thus, I discovered new ways to view curiosity, and I felt that I learned new things about myself as well.
Lastly, I found the article truthful. It provided concrete examples of curiosity’s relevance and prominence in human beings’ lives. From children’s innocent questions to adults more philosophical ones, the author provides the reader with a sense of security and fulfillment by demonstrating to them that not only is it okay to be curious, but it is natural.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It was concise, direct, and interesting.
Post submitted by Casey O’Neill
In 1994, many of us were on our way to kindergarten or pre-school to eat the curious combination of celery and peanut butter for snack. The late Guru and DJ Premier had much different plans on their agendas. Gangstarr’s fourth release, Hard to Earn, is a milestone in rap halls of fame and is always a pleasure to my ears because of its timelessly effortless artistry. Not only does DJ Primo tell the story of 90s rap in his music, but Guru’s smoooooooth raps on Hard to Earn tracks have yet to be matched today. Classics like “DWYCK” and “Mass Appeal” are among the bangin’ tracks on this album. Even if you’re not a huge rap fan, please give this golden-era album a listen.
Posted by: Tiffany
This week I am reviewing therapeutic qualities a song off the Dear Catastrophe Waitress album by Belle and Sebastian, titled “If She Wants Me.” This song explores is about the end of a friendship, and while nothing about losing a friend is comforting, the way the song approaches this loss is quite comforting.
The song first mentions the hopelessness of the friendship as a person tells the songwriter that, “You are too young to put all of your hopes in one envelope.” The songwriter then explores the many dramatic feelings (“If I could do just one near perfect thing I’d be happy, they’d write it on my grave after they scatter my ashes”) and compares the difficulty of the end of the friendship “like coming off the pills that you take to stay happy.” However the song’s therapeutic message kicks in, letting the listener know that while something as difficult as losing a friend can hurt a lot, one should relax because it might not be as bad as it might seem. The songwriter realizes while wishing to do one thing right, that he should just relax with his best friend and have a good time. He also states that “there is no point in standing in the past if it’s over and done.”
This I believe is the most therapeutic aspect of the song by Belle and Sebastian. The artist does such a great job of taking something as painful as losing a friend and makes sure that the listener puts it all in perspective. They assure the listener that there is nothing to change about the past and that they should just enjoy the company of those who are still with them. Also, the song encourages that the listener does not look down upon his/her lost friend as all you will see is “twenty miles of wilderness,” which in the context of the song assures that nothing will come out of looking down upon someone.
I have the link attached so enjoy the soothing sound of Belle and Sebastian as it walks you through your latest trouble!
Post Submitted by: Jesse Chiang
When I was 10-years-old, I learned how to use a CD player and listened to my dad’s first CD collection. In the 70′s my dad was a huge audiophile. We still have his old turntable and audio system sitting in my mom’s office.
Of all his CDs, my favorite one was an old Telarc called “Star Tracks.” The playlist was limited, but it had the theme songs to
some of the most popular movies ever made. The CD is scratched up now because I’ve played it so much.
Ever since then, my favorite thing to do after I watch a movie that I really like is to download its background instrumentals, or score. From scores by John Williams to Michael Giacchino to Ennio Morricone, there probably isn’t a popular movie theme song that can’t be found in my iTunes.
I bet you even have a popular movie theme song playing in your head now that you decided to read this blog on theme songs. Star Wars? Indiana Jones? Usually a great movie is coupled by even greater instrumentals.
Let’s take a listen to the score from Disney Pixar’s Ratatouille.
Ratatouille is about food and the idea that anyone can cook. Even little sewer rats. Every time I have the sudden urge to whip up something special in the kitchen, I set up my MacBook at the kitchen counter and have the entire Ratatouille soundtrack on repeat. I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s even better when you’re cooking Italian food (the movie, however, is set in Paris). The music really does take you to another place and for some reason, my food tastes a lot better after I’ve had this Michael Giacchino composition blasting.
“Married Life” from Pixar’s Up, also by Michael Giacchino, is also one of my favorites.
The highest rated comment for this video summarized this song perfectly: “When a movie, in less than the first 5 minutes, can take you on the roller coaster of an entire lifetime that two people share together, and have you smiling one minute, sad the next, happy again, and very sad again; then use all this as the motivating theme throughout the movie, it is called magic.”
Last but not least, I cannot end this post without making a nod to my favorite composer John Williams. There’s a special place in my heart…or maybe in my ear…for Mr. Williams. First there was Jaws (1975) for which he received a Golden Globe and an Oscar. Then followed Superman (1978), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982), Jurassic Park (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Harry Potter (2001-2004)…you get the picture. In my opinion, he’s basically the greatest composer of all time.
He also composed the soundtrack to another familiar movie: STAR WARS. It makes my geeky heart melt just thinking about it. I would link the famous main title song, but “The Imperial March” is just too badass to pass up.
My homework gets very intense every time my iTunes decides to play this on shuffle. And as one YouTuber plainly puts it, “Star Wars wouldn’t be Star Wars without this music.”
So why are these songs so memorable? You don’t have to speak or understand any particular language to be able to appreciate the content or to remember what movie the song was from. You hear it and you can picture in your head exactly how you felt at the movie theater or in front of your TV/computer at home.
Whether you want to cook with an attitude like me or pretend that you’re flying an X-wing through LA traffic, movie scores really do take your imagination to different places, which is why I have chosen music at the movies as my music therapy.
Post submitted by Crystal Maranan
“WITH YOU” –Chris Brown
The lyrics for the song “With You” are posted below:
I need you boo, (oh)
I gotta see you boo (hey)
And the hearts all over the world tonight,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight [x2]
[Verse 1]
Hey! Little mama,
Ooh, you’re a stunner
Hot..little figure,
Yes, you’re a winner
And I’m so glad to be yours,
You’re a class all your own
And..
Oh, little cutie
When..you talk to me
I swear..the whole world stops
You’re my sweetheart
And I’m so glad that you are mine
You are one of a kind and..
[Bridge:]
You mean to me
What I mean to you and..
Together baby,
There is nothing we won’t do
’cause if I got you,
I don’t need money,
I don’t need cars,
Girl, you’re my heart.
And..
[Chorus:]
Oh!
I’m into you,
And girl,
No one else would do,
’cause with every kiss and every hug,
You make me fall in love,
And now I know I can’t be the only one,
I bet there heart’s all over the world tonight,
With the love of their life who feels..
What I feel when I’m
With you [x5]
Girl..
With you [x5]
[Verse 2]
Oh girl!
I don’t want nobody else,
Without you, there’s no one left then,
You’re like Jordans on Saturday,
I gotta have you and I cannot wait now,
Hey! Little shawty,
Say you care for me,
You know I care for you,
You know…that I’ll be true,
You know that I won’t lie,
You know that I would try,
To be your everything..yeah..
[Bridge:]
’cause if I got you,
I don’t need money,
I don’t need cars,
Girl, you’re my heart.
And..
[Chorus]
With you [x5]
Oh..
With you [x5]
Yeah Heh..
[Bridge 2]
And I..
Will never try to deny,
that you’re my whole life,
’cause if you ever let me go,
I would die..
So I won’t front,
I don’t need another woman,
I just need your all and nothing,
’cause if I got that,
Then I’ll be straight
Baby, you’re the best part of my needs
I need you boo,
I gotta see you boo
And the hearts all over the world tonight,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight [x2]
Woo Oh.. Yeah
They need it boo,
They gotta see their boo,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight,
Hearts all over the world tonight [x2]
[Chorus]
With you [x5]
Girl..
With you [x5]
Oh..
This song, in my opinion, is quite extraordinary. It fulfills a plethora of expectations: in terms of song quality, it is marvelous; in terms of lyrics, it is wonderful; in terms of therapeutic nature, it is satisfying; but most of all, it is romantic, which is of utmost importance in my book. The one area that could be improved, however, is the music video. The music video does not clearly represent the lyrics.
Let’s dive into the good characteristics of the song. First, the quality of the song. It is a classic Rhythm and Blues piece: there are aspects of Gospel, Jazz, and Country/Western embedded within it. Additionally, it is similar to Hip-Hop/Rap as it is geared toward the African American audience with Chris Brown being the key element to the song. On a musical note (pardon the pun ), the song is vibrant and diverse; it has a catchy tune and beautiful melody. It has the perfect mix of soft and “poppy” music: it is not too slow, and it is not “hard core” rap either. I love the sound of the music.
Second, the lyrics. Oh my goodness! They are touching, sweet, and they reach a vast audience. Anyone who is in love or has been through a phase of finding that person who makes them smile can relate to the lyrics. The content of the song distinguishes Chris Brown from other artists of his nature: he talks about love at its most innocent form. The best line is when he says, “So I won’t front, I don’t need another woman, I just need your all and nothing, cause if I got that, Then I’ll be straight Baby, you’re the best part of my needs” because it shows the depth of his feelings for the woman he is singing to.
Third, I want to talk about the therapeutic nature of song. Not only do the lyrics soften even the coldest of hearts, but the music itself is relaxing and soothing. I feel at peace when I listen to this song in addition to being overwhelmed with a feeling joy and warmth. It is absolutely marvelous!
Lastly, I like how Chris Brown shows off his dance moves, but there is no visual representation of what he is saying. There should be ONE girl that grabs his attention and keeps it. He is by himself in the whole video. Why? And girls show an interest in him, but he doesn’t respond to their attention. The moral of the song is that he is in love with one woman and that she completes him, so he should be illustrating that love throughout the music video.
I hope that other listener’s of Chris Brown’s “With You” appreciate the song as much as I do
Post submitted by: Casey O’Neill
On October 14th, a young woman clad in a neon flapper dress addressed a sold-out crowd at The Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Her name was Rye Rye, M.I.A.’s mentee and self-identified party-music-maker. One word that describes Rye Rye’s performance style: aerobic. Rye Rye was jumping, turning, and waving her arms all over the place (in a good way) while singing some of her newest. Her music and performance skills aren’t complex or innovative. From song to song, it was difficult to distinguish one from the other because all the beats were the same and the message her lyrics consistent: PARTY ON, YOUNG HOMIES! Yet, the simplicity of her set was endearing and enjoyable. In fact, I could’ve done without her dancers. Their technique and energy was laughable, especially compared to Rye Rye’s non-stop movement.
The headliner for the night, Ms. M.I.A. followed her protege on the stage with the /\/\/\Y/\ lights burning bright. Like most rappers, M.I.A. took about an hour to get her performance on. Yet, Los Angeles fans anxious to see M.I.A. were not let down. M.I.A. performed songs from all of her albums wearing sequins pajamas and blue eyeshadow that would make the sky jealous. One of the highlights of the show: Bucky Done Gun. The video screens on the stage took the audience on a journey through a light show that made all the ecstasy-poppers go wild. Additionally, as boss SAHRASAUROUS mentioned to me as we left the show, M.I.A. wasn’t afraid to throw up images of incarceration in Guantanamo Bay, more violence in Sri Lanka or women dancing in hijabs while jumping offstage to touch as many audience members as possible.
Posted by: Tiffany
WSP Staff writes critical reviews on readings, music albums, movies, art exhibitions and more!
