I just walked the halls where the Renaissance exploded into being and walked away with 4 lessons every modern creator needs.
If you’re like me and are committed to more than just being a cog in the machine (learning), and desire to further the knowledge of humankind, be truly innovative, fund your own projects, and surround yourself with modern day greats… read til the end.
The renaissance period always fascinated me. The knowledge, athleticism, innovations, and art that all swelled up in one region and took the rest of the world with it.
Being It All
Growing up I heard of “Renaissance Men”. What we may refer to as athletic polymaths in today’s words.
Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t just an inventor and artist, he swam gracefully across rivers, fenced, and could bend horseshoes with his bare hands.
Michelangelo Buonarroti, not only chiseled 17 foot marble sculptures, but you could also find him boxing amongst the youth in town.
These historical figures are what I’ve always looked up to. What I desired to become.
Who the renaissance men were, is how I aspired to be.
Most people are interested in “having it all”.
But “being it all” is much more interesting to me.
Lesson #1: Study the ancients, build the future
Before the Renaissance, there was the Medieval period. Many times called the “Dark Ages”.
That is, there was a loss of knowledge.
The Renaissance was a resurgence.
Texts began to surface that had been lost for over 800 years.
A quote from Naval Ravicant comes to mind:
“If you want new ideas, read old books.”
These men recovered ancient knowledge from the Greeks and Romans. Then progressed beyond it.
Lesson #2: Mastery over speed
For lesson #2, Michelangelo stood out as a prominent figure.
He completed:
- 30+ sculptures (massive, meticulous, masterful)
- 4 major painting projects
- 7+ major architectural works
- 300+ poems
Even though he worked on over 30 sculptures, only 7 are famously noted in his 88 years of life.
As I stood in the presence of his sculptures and paintings, it became obvious that he spent years on a single piece. Sometimes leaving them and returning to pick them back up between other projects.
And I reflected on my own work. Sometimes rushing to complete. Using ChatGPT to finish it up for me, or generate an outline.
Am I choosing convenience over my craft? And for what?
To do more “good enough”? I’m here for more than that. The joy is in my own development, not just the product.
The phrase “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” comes to my mind to contemplate further.
The juxtaposition of referencing ChatGPT for every little thing as I cross Italy to see the sites. It’s a wonderful tool for grunt work, but can’t replace my heart, in what I create.
I’m not here to get as much done as possible. I’m here to create from my heart. To be entertained through the process.
I’m not giving up the tools, but I will definitely change how and when I use them moving forward.
Lesson #3: A New Renaissance Needs New Financiers
The Medici family fueled the renaissance by utilizing an advanced ledger system (for their time) in their banking practices.
This in turn caused wealth to be redistributed to new families as the old power systems began to fade.
The new managers of money chose to fund artists, architects, and inventors.
Old power systems desire for innovation to be governed (limited). New, emerging wealth will invest in progress.
500 years ago we experienced massive disruption through advanced ledger systems. If that sounds familiar to what’s happening right now, that means you’re paying attention.
It’s happening again. The big difference is that instead of the power moving from one large institution to another, we are moving to a more decentralized one.
Right now, there are millions of hungry investors, visionaries, and creators sharpening their skills. And when the power shifts, blockchain will fuel a new level of transformation for our planet.
What are you doing right now to catch the wave?
The artists of the past were waiting for the Medici, in the new world you are the Medici.
Lesson 4: Don’t Build Alone
As I read about each work of art there were mentions of the greats being mentored early in their careers and employing their mentees in their work later.
They cared beyond their own greatness and made sure that the wisdom was being shared and carried on.
As an artist and entrepreneur, we must mentor and be mentored in order to reach our greatest potential. Surround myself with the greats of my time. Mentor.
We’re Building the New Renaissance
I’m leaving Italy tomorrow, fired up to make sure we continue to progress beyond the renaissance greats.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
We’re launching something new. Podcast? Program? Community?
A modern day renaissance is upon us because we’re creating it.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter so you’re the first to know when we launch.
-Mike
Bledsoe. Out.
P.S. If you get the chance, hit the Uffizi gallery on 2-3 micro-doses (aka Mike’ro-Dose) and bring a journal.