[ScaleX Bite-Size] Michael J. Gelb — Why Every Genius Walks

Most people think walking is just exercise. Michael J. Gelb says it’s the engine of genius.

For centuries, the world’s greatest thinkers used walking as their main source of inspiration — and they even invented tools to measure how much of it they were doing.

In this clip, Michael reveals a surprising truth: the first pedometer wasn’t invented by Fitbit — it was invented by Leonardo da Vinci.

Why the Geniuses Walked:

As Michael researched the relationship between history’s greatest minds and walking, one pattern became impossible to ignore:
A book about geniuses who didn’t rely on walking for inspiration would be very, very short.

Da Vinci walked with such elegance that villagers came out just to watch his movement. Thomas Jefferson also invented his own pedometer — “Thomas meters” — because he believed people would walk more if they could measure their steps.

Poets like Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, and philosophers like Thomas Hobbes all used walking to spark ideas. Hobbes even built an inkwell into his walking stick so he could write mid-stride.

Why Walking Creates Ideas:

Michael explains that while much of the evidence throughout history is anecdotal, modern scientific research now backs it up:
Walking increases creativity, stimulates new connections in the brain, and unlocks solutions that sitting still often suppresses.

The Universal Pattern:

Across music, literature, philosophy, science, and leadership, walking shows up as the ultimate inspiration habit:

• Beethoven composing in the fields

• Mary Oliver stopping mid-walk to write

• Jefferson drafting the foundations of a nation

• Da Vinci inventing a pedometer centuries ahead of his time

The Real Question:

Is walking inspiring these ideas — or are inspired people naturally drawn to walking?

According to Michael, the research points strongly to the first.

Walking doesn’t just correlate with inspiration.
It causes it.

Key Takeaway:
If you want better ideas, don’t sit at your desk waiting for them. Move. Walk. Carry a notebook. Let your mind unspool in motion — just like the geniuses did.

About Michael J. Gelb:

Internationally renowned author and leadership expert, known for “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci,” with over one million copies sold worldwide. A pioneer in creativity, innovation, and executive development, he helps leaders elevate their presence, unlock their best ideas, and cultivate cultures grounded in awareness, poise, and authentic connection.

 

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