Michael Gelb opens by arguing that Leonardo da Vinci's extraordinary genius reflected specific, identifiable thinking principles that, while requiring dedicated practice, are genuinely learnable rather than representing purely innate, unattainable genius.

Why this learnable-principles framing matters:

• Treating genius as purely innate and unattainable discourages readers from attempting to develop similar thinking capabilities
• Gelb's approach identifies specific, nameable principles underlying Leonardo's extraordinary output, providing a framework for readers to develop similar capabilities through dedicated practice
• This opening establishes the book's central, motivating premise for its subsequent detailed treatment of each specific principle

This opening establishes the book's foundational premise, framing Leonardo's genius as reflecting learnable principles rather than purely unattainable innate talent.