Leonardo da Vinci’s Genius and the World’s Most
On November 11, 1994, in New York, a 500-year-old handwritten book went up for auction. This was no ordinary auction; the world's wealthiest individuals gathered, unaware that this book would become one of the most expensive ever sold. A person bidding over the phone, though not physically present, was determined to acquire it at any cost. That person was Bill Gates, and he successfully acquired the book, known as the Codex Leicester, for $30.8 million, which is roughly ₹400 crore today.
Why Did Bill Gates Buy a 500-Year-Old Manuscript?
Why was there such immense interest in a thin, 72-page, centuries-old manuscript? The answer lies in the story of its author: Leonardo da Vinci, the legendary genius of the Renaissance. Unlike ordinary books, the Codex Leicester was written in mirror script – right to left, readable only with a mirror.
The Early Struggles of a Prodigy
Born in 1452 in an Italian village, Leonardo’s childhood was far from privileged. He was illegitimate, raised by his father but denied his surname due to societal norms. He never attended formal school, learning the basics from his uncle and the natural world around him. His curiosity and observation turned landscapes into his educators, and by 14, he was apprenticed to Andrea del Verrocchio, a famed Florentine artist. Here, his talent blossomed: it’s said Verrocchio stopped painting after seeing Leonardo’s work on "The Baptism of Christ".
Trials and Transformation
After leaving Verrocchio, Leonardo’s life took a dark turn. Accused of homosexuality—a crime punishable by death or exile—he was detained but acquitted. The aftermath left him mentally shaken. He vanished for two years, his activities unrecorded in any surviving notes. When he resurfaced, he was changed: now an artist, scientist, inventor, and deep thinker. He wrote with both hands, sketched with one while writing with the other, and adopted the enigmatic mirror writing.
From Art to Science: Da Vinci’s Extraordinary Mind
Leonardo’s curiosity knew no bounds. He dissected over 30 human bodies, creating anatomical sketches 500 years ago that match modern accuracy. His art, such as the Mona Lisa, is world-renowned for its mystery—the smile, the eyes, the brushwork technique—still fascinating scholars and enthusiasts.
"The Last Supper" showcased his understanding of human emotion and form. Modern researchers have found possible secret codes within his paintings, some speculating extraterrestrial contact or time travel.
Centuries Ahead: Inventor of the Future
His post-disappearance sketches were groundbreaking—flying machines, aeroplanes, helicopters, and gliders created centuries before their actual invention. In fact, a parachute designed by him was tested successfully in 2000. His maps resemble modern satellite images, and his military designs—proto-tanks, multi-fire guns, diving suits, robots, and even thoughts on solar power—stretched the boundaries of imagination.
The Legacy of Leonardo: Wonder and Mystery
In his final years, Leonardo served the French king, living in royal comfort but regretting unfinished works, including the Mona Lisa. He died in 1519, his legacy a blend of art, science, and mystery.
Leonardo believed "knowledge is power" and saw nature as a web of interconnected phenomena. For him, art was the highest science, a method of clarity and deep observation. His life, especially after his disappearance, raises unanswered questions: was he in contact with otherworldly intelligence, did he time travel, or did he tap into a cosmic source like Nikola Tesla described?
The Codex Leicester remains a symbol of da Vinci’s genius—its secrets urging future generations to seek, learn, and wonder.