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    Rapid Response: Ken Burns on Leonardo da Vinci, AI, and the future of storytelling

    Ken Burns discusses his new project on Leonardo da Vinci and lessons for leaders in 2024, as well as the challenges of creative integrity in an AI-influenced world.

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    enOctober 22, 2024
    Masters of Scale

    518 Episodes

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    In this episode of the Rapid Response podcast, legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns sheds light on his upcoming project about Leonardo da Vinci, and discusses how his interdisciplinary approach to creativity is still relevant today. Ken’s insights provide valuable lessons for leaders as they navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

    Understanding Leonardo da Vinci

    A Modern Perspective on an Iconic Figure

    • Ken explains that Leonardo da Vinci was not just an artist but also a scientist, innovator, and thinker, blending various disciplines.
    • He highlights the importance of da Vinci’s holistic approach, stressing the need for modern technologists and artists to embrace both art and science.

    The Interconnectedness of Creative Fields

    • Ken emphasizes the need to collapse silos between disciplines, suggesting that interdisciplinary collaboration can help solve modern challenges.
    • He mentions, “We don’t have any Leonardo's today,” highlighting a common divide in today’s educational and professional landscapes.

    The Role of AI in Storytelling

    The Challenge of Maintaining Creative Integrity

    • Discussing the impact of AI on storytelling, Ken expresses concern about the shortcuts it offers. He believes that while technology can aid in filmmaking, it should not dictate creative choices.
    • He recounts a moment in his career where resisting the trend towards digital editing resulted in authentic storytelling.

    Artistic Authenticity over Technological Convenience

    • Ken insists on the importance of a deliberate creative process, comparing AI-generated content to pornography – it may be easy to obtain but lacks the depth of genuine art.
    • His philosophy reflects a traditional standpoint where the painstaking process of storytelling leads to richer narratives.

    The Importance of History and Humanities

    Learning from the Past to Address Present Issues

    • Ken connects the lessons from da Vinci's time to today's world, emphasizing humanities education's role in helping individuals navigate their purpose and history.
    • He argues that today’s leaders should embrace inquiry about their origins, their essence, and their aspirations—core questions da Vinci himself pondered.
    • This reflection serves as a reminder that human nature remains consistent, allowing for historical parallels that can inform current events.

    Optimism amidst Challenges

    Maintaining Hope in Difficult Times

    • Despite recent events that have stirred concern, such as political turmoil and misinformation, Ken maintains optimism about the future.
    • He reminds listeners that through all of history's trials, humanity has always found resilience and a way forward, a sentiment he traces back to the Civil War and beyond.

    Encouraging Young Innovators

    • Ken advises young graduates to embrace their passions and seek meaning in their endeavors, paralleling the dedication to craft that da Vinci exhibited.
    • He concludes that enthusiasm, as derived from the Greek word meaning "God in us," should be embraced by everyone engaged in creative fields.

    Conclusion: The Path Forward

    • Ken Burns' insights serve as a beacon for both creators and leaders alike. His commitment to integrity, historical perspective, and interdisciplinary collaboration reflects a roadmap for navigating today’s complex landscape.
    • By embracing the full depth of human experience as exemplified by da Vinci, future leaders can harness creativity to address modern challenges—ensuring that storytelling remains a vital tool in understanding our world.

    In this episode, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their journey in creativity, the significance of history, and the potential of interdisciplinary approaches as we move forward into the future.

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