Sculptor, artist, engineer, architect, poet, elder statesman— a role model for curiosity being the elixir for life.
At 71, Pope Paul II appointed him to redesign St. Peter’s Basilica, which had been poorly managed for the prior four decades. In fact, the entire structure had been a construction zone for more than three-quarters of Michelangelo’s adult life. At first, Michelangelo didn’t want the job. He’d wanted to relax back in Florence. But how do you turn down an anxious and depressed Pope?
For the next 17 years, Michelangelo’s vision and clarity of design, engineering skill and innovation, and wise use of emotional intelligence helped create the momentum that allowed the Basilica to be finished approximately a half-century after Michelangelo’s death.
Michelangelo lived in a time when the majority of artists did their most important work early in life (many artists didn’t live much past their mid-40’s). And while this legendary artist sculpted David before he was 30 and finished the Sistine Chapel just eight years later, what is most inspiring was his ability to do some of his greatest work at nearly double that age of most artists. All because he was such a consummate learner.
What can you start learning at this point in your life?
And, remember, if you’re 58 and you live until you’re 98 (very possible), you’re only halfway through your adult life.