What the Ken Burns Documentary on Leonardo da Vinci Reminded Me About the Power of Water and Curiosity

Watching Ken Burns’ latest documentary on Leonardo da Vinci, I was captivated by how seamlessly it intertwined da Vinci’s insatiable curiosity and his profound understanding of water. These themes resonated deeply with my reflections in "What Leonardo da Vinci Can Teach Us About Water" and my presentation with Richard Restuccia .

The documentary begins with flowing water and drifting clouds—a visual metaphor for da Vinci’s fluid thinking and boundless imagination. Sir Kenneth Clark famously described him as “the most curious man who ever lived,” and the documentary explored how his relentless thirst for knowledge drove countless leaps of insight in understanding.

Harmonizing with Water

One of the most poignant takeaways from the two part series was how da Vinci viewed water as both a life-giving force and a potential threat. His hometown of Vinci harnessed a mountain stream to power an olive press—a demonstration of how communities can coexist harmoniously with water. Da Vinci expanded on this principle, exploring water as a dynamic force, visible in his meticulous studies and sketches of hydraulic systems, drainage designs, and irrigation techniques.

Da Vinci famously noted that “water must be coaxed.” This philosophy underscores the need to work with water, understanding its nature rather than trying to overpower it. Whether designing systems to manage floodwaters or improving urban sanitation, he emphasized harmony—a concept that remains as relevant today as it was during the Renaissance.

The Microcosm and Macrocosm

Burns delved into da Vinci’s view of the interconnectedness between the human body and the Earth. In his iconic Vitruvian Man, da Vinci compared blood flow to rivers and ocean tides, illustrating how the rhythms of the human body mirror those of the planet. This idea of the microcosm reflecting the macrocosm is profoundly symbolic of water’s role in both individual and planetary health.

Da Vinci’s anatomical studies even extended this analogy further. He dissected the cadaver of an old man and documented silted blood vessels, likening them to sediment-choked rivers—an insight ahead of its time that revealed his understanding of the natural processes of aging and environmental degradation. His aerial perspective maps, which detailed bodies of water and urban designs, emphasized the interplay between human activity and water systems.

Engineering for Sustainability

Da Vinci’s vision extended to the future, imagining cities built on two levels to improve sanitation—a precursor to modern urban planning. His foresight on integrating water into infrastructure serves as an enduring reminder of the need to design for both function and sustainability.

Even in his art, da Vinci wove water imagery into his work, using it as a metaphor for life’s flow, change, and interconnectedness. Paintings like The Baptism of Christ and The Last Supper subtly incorporate the movement and power of water, showcasing how deeply he understood its symbolism and importance.

Lessons for Today

What struck me most in Ken Burns’ documentary is how da Vinci approached water with both reverence and a scientific mind. He saw water as not just a resource but a teacher—offering lessons in adaptation, resilience, and innovation. This mirrors my own belief that water is central to understanding humanity’s past and shaping its future.

Da Vinci’s genius reminds us that progress isn’t always linear. Instead, it comes through curiosity, experimentation, and countless "little revolutions". Whether envisioning drainage systems, urban sanitation, or the flow of rivers and blood, he was always looking for ways to harmonize the natural world with human ingenuity.

Ken Burns’ documentary rekindled my appreciation for da Vinci’s brilliance and reinforced why I am so passionate about exploring and sharing water’s story. Like da Vinci, we must continue to be curious, inventive, and mindful of our relationship with water—not just for its practical benefits but for the wisdom it offers about life itself.

I’d love to hear your thoughts: How does da Vinci’s perspective on water and humanity inspire your own work or vision for the future?