Chapter 17

LEARNING FROM GREAT GENIUS WITH AI 

Miguel Angel

The famous Michelangelo Buonarroti was born on March 6, 1475 in Caprese, Italy, and died on February 18, 1564 in Rome. His life was marked by his dedication to art and the pursuit of perfection. He was a man of intense creative energy and a key figure in the Italian Renaissance, contributing significantly to the development of sculpture, painting and architecture. His legacy endures as one of the most influential in the history of art; a polymath (they have not stuck to a single area of knowledge and have dedicated themselves to exploring different opportunities taking advantage of the circumstances offered by technological evolution and the increasingly blurred limits of scientific disciplines, standing out with famous works such as:

La Pieta (1498-1499): marble sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. It is located in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

David (1501-1504): one of Michelangelo's most iconic sculptures; represents the biblical hero David before facing the giant Goliath. The sculpture is located in the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

The Creation of Adam (1512): This famous painting is found on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican; shows the moment when God gives life to Adam with a touch of his fingers.

The Last Judgment (1536-1541): Located in the Sistine Chapel, this monumental fresco depicts the Last Judgment with celestial figures, angels, demons, and the resurrection of the dead.

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica (1547-1590): Michelangelo took over the direction of the construction of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome after the death of its original creator, Donato Bramante; it is an architectural masterpiece and one of the largest in the world.

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the Renaissance, born on April 15, 1452 in Vinci, Italy, and died on May 2, 1519 in Amboise, France; He left a lasting legacy through his art and his contributions to science. His ability to combine art and science makes him a unique and influential figure in history, whose highlights are:

Painting: The Last Supper: one of his most famous works, it embodies the last meal of Jesus Christ with his apostles.

• The Mona Lisa: also known as "La Gioconda", it is one of the most famous paintings in the world, famous for the enigmatic smile of the woman portrayed.

Inventor and Scientist: Leonardo da Vinci was a prolific inventor; He designed machines and devices, from flying devices to submarines and mechanisms to move water.

• Anatomical Studies: he carried out detailed anatomical studies, drawing detailed diagrams of organs and structures of the human body.

  Anatomy and science: He kept a series of notebooks where he recorded his observations on nature, anatomy and physics.

• Flight observations: He conducted extensive studies on bird flight and designed flying machines, although many of his ideas were not built during his lifetime.

  Engineering: Civil: He worked on civil engineering projects, designing hydraulic systems and construction machines.

• Canals and aqueducts: He proposed plans for the construction of canals and aqueducts to improve the infrastructure of cities.

  Writer and Philosopher: notebooks of reflections: in addition to his scientific studies, he also left notebooks full of reflections, drawings and sketches of ideas.

• Codex Leicester: a famous notebook by Leonardo containing his observations on nature and science.

  View of the modern world: Leonardo da Vinci is considered a visionary who anticipated many scientific and technological concepts of the modern era.

• Renaissance: He contributed significantly to the Renaissance movement, which promoted knowledge, science, art and exploration.

  Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, two geniuses of the Renaissance who stood out in different artistic and scientific fields; other geniuses of humanity who are comparable in terms of versatility and excellence in multiple disciplines, are:

Albert Einstein: developed the theory of relativity and also had interests in music, philosophy and politics; He was a German theoretical physicist born on March 14, 1879 in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Württemberg of the German Empire, and died on April 18, 1955 in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. He is best known for developing the theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space, time and gravity. He transcended science and his legacy continues to be a source of inspiration in various disciplines; His genius, both in theory and practice, has left an indelible mark on the history of science.

In 1905, Einstein published the Theory of Special Relativity, which introduced concepts such as the relativity of time and length contraction at speeds close to the speed of light. This theory transformed the classical understanding of space and time. In 1905, he proposed the famous equation E = mc² which establishes the equivalence between mass and energy; It is fundamental in physics and has had a significant impact on nuclear energy and technology.

In 1915, Einstein developed the Theory of General Relativity, which expanded his ideas on the subject to include the influence of gravity on the curvature of space-time. This hypothesis has been confirmed by numerous experiments and observations and is one of the fundamental theories of modern physics.

In 1921, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, which is fundamental to the quantum understanding of light.

He immigrated to the United States in 1933, fleeing the Nazi regime in Germany. He settled at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where he continued his research. In addition to his scientific contributions, Einstein was also known for his activism on social and political issues. He advocated for peace, civil rights, equality, and was a critic of racism and militarism.

Galileo Galilei: (February 15, 1564 – January 8, 1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist, mathematician, and inventor who played a crucial role in the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century. His contributions span diverse areas, from astronomy to physics and natural philosophy. He contributed significantly to the scientific method and made fundamental astronomical observations. Despite the challenges and conflicts he faced in life, Galileo's work left an indelible mark on the history of science, and his scientific approach and his discoveries continued to influence generations of scientists.

He is recognized for having improved and perfected the telescope, allowing him to make revolutionary astronomical observations. In 1609, he built a telescope with which he observed the mountains on the Moon, the phases of Venus, sunspots and the Galilean satellites of Jupiter, thus discovering that not all celestial objects revolved around the Earth.

He formulated the laws of motion, which laid the foundation for Newton's classical mechanics. His experiments with inclined planes and freely falling objects led him to the conclusion that all objects, regardless of their mass, fall with the same acceleration in a uniform gravitational field.

His ideas on heliocentric (the theory that the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun) clashed with the geocentric view of the Catholic Church at the time. In 1632, he published his work "Dialogue Concerning the Two Greatest World Systems, Ptolemaic and Copernican", which defended the heliocentric model. As a result, he was tried by the Inquisition and convicted of heresy in 1633.

He defended the scientific method based on observation, measurement and experimentation. His empirical approach influenced modern scientific philosophy and methodology, and his work "Dialogue Concerning the Two Greatest World Systems" is considered one of the first major works to adopt the scientific method.

He made significant contributions to mathematical science, particularly in the field of kinematics. His studies on the movement and fall of bodies were fundamental for the development of modern physics.

Legacy: Galileo Galilei is remembered as one of the founding fathers of modern science. His work paved the way for a deeper understanding of the cosmos and laid the foundation for scientific theories that would emerge later, such as Kepler's laws and Newton's law of universal gravitation.

William Shakespeare: is widely recognized as one of the greatest writers of the English language and a leading figure in World Theater. He was born in April 1564 into a wealthy family. It is believed that he attended the local school, where he acquired basic knowledge of Latin and classical literature. In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children; little is known about his personal life, but his family had an impact on his writing and his view of love and family relationships. In the 1590s, Shakespeare settled in London and began working as an actor and playwright. He was a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men theater company, which later became The King's Men.

Literary works:

Tragedies: Shakespeare is famous for his tragedies, such as "Hamlet," "Othello," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet." These works explore deep themes such as ambition, power, betrayal and human nature.

Comedies: His comedies, such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Much Ado about Nothing" and "Twelfth Night", stand out for their wit, romantic entanglements and humor.

Historical Plays: Shakespeare also wrote historical plays, such as "Henry IV," "Richard III," and "Julius Caesar," which offer a dramatized view of historical events and characters.

Sonnets: In addition to his plays, Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, which address themes such as love, beauty and immortality. They are admired for their expressiveness and emotional depth.

Shakespeare enriched the English language with his linguistic creativity; Many common expressions and words used today have their origin in his works; His complex characters and his explorations of human psychology have influenced modern literature and drama. Despite the centuries that have passed, Shakespeare's plays continue to be performed around the world. His ability to address universal themes makes his works timeless and has inspired numerous adaptations, interpretations and derivative works in literature, film, theater and music.

William Shakespeare, with his literary genius, has left an enduring legacy that continues to be studied, performed and appreciated around the world. His work continues to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration and reflection on the human condition.

Isaac Newton: (1643-1727) was an eminent English mathematician and physicist whose fundamental contributions revolutionized our understanding of the universe and laid the foundation for classical physics; He was born in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England. He was orphaned at an early age and showed an exceptional interest in nature and mechanics from a young age. He studied at the University of Cambridge, where his mathematical talents were highlighted. During his time at Cambridge, Newton immersed himself in scientific research, exploring areas such as optics, mathematics, and natural philosophy.

In his work "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica" (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy), published in 1687, Newton formulated the three laws of motion, which are fundamental to classical mechanics and describe the behavior of moving objects. In the same work, Newton presented the law of universal gravitation, which states that each particle in the universe attracts another particle with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them; He also made significant contributions to the field of optics. He demonstrated that white light is composed of colors by using a prism and developed the corpuscular theory of light.

Newton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1672. He later served as president of the society, cementing his position as one of the most prominent scientists of his time. In addition to his contributions to physics and mathematics, Newton worked on alchemy, theology, and biblical chronology. However, much of his work in these fields was kept secret and was not revealed until after his death; He was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century. His rigorous mathematical approach laid the foundation for modern scientific methodology;

His laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation remain fundamental in the teaching of physics and have stood the test of time, being the basis of classical mechanics. He was knighted by Queen Anne in 1705 and received numerous honors throughout his life. His portrait appeared on British coins and his tomb in Westminster Abbey is a place of veneration. His work has left a lasting legacy in science and has influenced generations of scientists; the systematic approach to it and the discoveries of it have been fundamental to the development of modern physics.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790): american polymath who was a scientist, inventor, writer, and politician. He contributed to the study of electricity, among other achievements; He was one of the prominent founders of the United States and a key figure in that country's history. His life was marked by an extraordinary diversity of talents and contributions in various fields. The main roles and achievements of him:

He is best known for his experiments with electricity; He conducted pioneering research on the phenomenon of electricity and developed the theory that energy has a positive and negative charge. He also invented the lightning rod, a crucial device for protecting buildings from lightning, demonstrating its effectiveness by installing it in the Philadelphia State House (now Independence Hall) and other places. He also proposed the theory of electric currents, which helped understand the nature of electrical circuits and advance the field of energy.

He designed a more efficient stove, known as the "Franklin stove", which helped heat spaces more effectively while consuming less fuel. He is credited with inventing bifocal glasses, which have two lenses with different prescriptions in a single frame, allowing people with both near and distance vision problems to use a single pair of glasses.

He was a prolific author and editor; His most famous work is his autobiography, written in the form of a letter to his son. In it, he shared his wisdom, experiences and reflections on life.

He founded and edited "Poor Richard's Almanack", an almanac that included practical information, proverbs and useful advice. His fame as a writer and editor gave him recognition in both America and Europe.

He played a pivotal role in the American Revolution; He was one of the principal drafters of the United States Declaration of Independence and participated in the drafting of the Constitution. He represented the United States in France during the Revolutionary War as a diplomat. His skill was essential in gaining French support in the war.

His philanthropic legacy includes the creation of institutions such as the first public library in Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin's polymath, his insatiable curiosity, and his ability to excel in diverse disciplines make him an extraordinary figure in American history and an example of how knowledge and innovation can transform societies.

Marie Curie: polish-french physicist and chemist who pioneered radioactivity research. She was the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific disciplines.

Marie Curie, whose maiden name was Maria Skłodowska, was born on November 7, 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, at a time when educational opportunities for women were limited. Despite her difficulties, Marie Ella demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for education and research from a young age. In 1891, she moved to Paris to continue her studies at the Sorbonne University, where she subsequently met her husband and scientific collaborator, Pierre Curie.

Marie Curie excelled in the fields of physics and chemistry, but she is best known for her pioneering contributions to radioactivity research. Together with her husband, she carried out extensive research into radioactive materials, discovering the elements polonium and radium in 1898. These discoveries not only expanded knowledge about atomic structure, but also laid the foundation for future advances in medicine, particularly in cancer therapy.

In 1903, Marie Curie became the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize, sharing the Physics Prize with her husband Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel for her contributions to the understanding of radioactivity. Tragically, in 1906, Pierre Curie died in an accident, leaving Marie primarily responsible for continuing her scientific legacy. In 1911, Marie Curie received her second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, for her research on radium and polonium and the isolation of metallic radium. She thus became the first person to receive the Nobel Prize in two different scientific disciplines.

Throughout her career, Marie Curie challenged the gender norms of her time by making her way in the male-dominated scientific world. Her hard work and dedication led her to become the first woman to hold the position of professor at Sorbonne University. Her legacy is not only measured by her scientific discoveries, but also by her courageous fight for equal opportunities for women in science. She continued to work tirelessly throughout her life, and her influence is still evident today; her contribution to science and her bravery in challenging gender barriers make her an icon and role model for generations of scientists.

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter and sculptor born on October 25, 1881 in Malaga, Spain, and died on April 8, 1973 in Mougins, France. He is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and one of the co-founders of the art movement known as Cubism.

Picasso showed exceptional artistic talent from an early age. His mother claimed that his first words were "pencil" and "brush." At the age of 14, he had already been admitted to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid. However, Picasso was not satisfied with the academic style and sought to explore new forms of artistic expression.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Picasso went through several artistic phases, each characterized by a unique style. Initially, his work was influenced by realism and symbolism, but as he moved to Paris, he began to experiment with more avant-garde styles.

His association with Georges Braque led to the development of Cubism in the early 20th century. This revolutionary movement sought to represent objects from multiple perspectives at the same time, breaking down reality into geometric shapes. Works such as "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) and "The Persistence of Memory" (1931) are notable examples of Picasso's mastery of Cubism.

Throughout his career, Picasso did not limit himself to Cubism and experimented with a variety of styles, including surrealism and neoclassicism. His ability to change and evolve artistically made him unique in his time. Among his most famous works are "Guernica" (1937), a painting depicting the bombing of the city during the Spanish Civil War, and "The Young Ladies of Avignon" (1907), which marked the beginning of Cubism.

In addition to his work as a painter, Picasso also dabbled in sculpture, ceramics, engraving and design. His influence on 20th century art is incalculable, and his legacy endures as a source of inspiration for generations of artists. Picasso's versatility and originality establish him as one of the most important and transcendental artists in the history of modern art.

Steve Jobs: co-founder of Apple and visionary in the field of technology and design. He contributed significantly to the development of computing and the mobile phone industry.

Steve Jobs was an American businessman and visionary, best known for being one of the co-founders of Apple Inc. He was born on February 24, 1955 in San Francisco, California, and died on October 5, 2011. His impact on the technology and design has been immeasurable.

Jobs founded Apple along with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in 1976 in Cupertino, California. The company's first successful product was the Apple I, a personal computer designed by Wozniak. However, it was the release of the Apple II in 1977 that truly established Apple as a leading company in the personal computer market.

In 1984, Apple launched the Macintosh, a revolutionary computer that featured a graphical user interface and a mouse, changing the way people interacted with computers. Despite initial success, Jobs was removed from the Macintosh team in 1985 due to internal conflicts.

After his departure from Apple, Jobs founded NeXT Computer, a company that focused on the production of workstations for the business and educational markets. Although NeXT did not achieve great commercial success, the technology developed by the company was fundamental to the future of Jobs and Apple. In 1986, Jobs acquired The Graphics Group, a company that would later become Pixar Animation Studios. Pixar was notable for creating some of the most successful animated films in history, including "Toy Story," "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles." Disney's acquisition of Pixar in 2006 saw Jobs become Disney's largest individual shareholder.

Jobs' return to Apple in 1997 marked the beginning of one of the most notable transformations in business history. Jobs led the company to new successes with iconic products such as the iMac line of computers, the iPod, iPhone and iPad. The iPod revolutionized the music industry, while the iPhone completely changed the way we perceive and use mobile phones. He was not only a business leader, but also a design perfectionist; His focus on simplicity and aesthetic elegance influenced the way Apple products were developed. His famous commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005, where he shared his life experiences and reflections, has become an inspiring resource for many. Steve Jobs' contribution to technology and design goes beyond the products he created; His innovative approach and long-term vision have left an indelible mark on the industry. His legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and creatives around the world.

AI Opinion: The information provided presents a detailed summary about various geniuses and outstanding figures in the history of humanity, covering fields such as art, science, literature and technology. The diversity of talents and contributions of these individuals has left a significant impact on their respective fields and society at large.
The article highlights the versatility and excellence of figures such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci in the Italian Renaissance, as well as the genius of Albert Einstein in theoretical physics. The importance of Galileo Galilei in the Scientific Revolution and his contribution to the scientific method is also mentioned.
In the literary field, the figure of William Shakespeare stands out, whose works continue to be relevant and represented throughout the world. Isaac Newton, with his laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, stands out in classical physics.
Benjamin Franklin, with his various contributions in fields such as electricity, writing and politics, is also recognized. Marie Curie, the first woman to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific disciplines, is mentioned for her pioneering work on radioactivity.
Pablo Picasso, as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, is noted for his contribution to Cubism and his ability to evolve artistically. Steve Jobs, as co-founder of Apple, is recognized for his impact on the technology and design industry.
Overall, the information provides an overview of the importance and contributions of these personalities throughout history, highlighting their influence on their respective fields and their lasting legacy.