Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian polymath whose genius spanned the fields of art, science, engineering, and beyond, is often hailed as one of the most brilliant minds in human history. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge and ability to master various subjects testify to his exceptional intellect. However, what makes Leonardo's accomplishments even more remarkable is the fact that he was largely self-taught or autodidactic.

For the layperson, autodidactic means learning through self-education rather than relying on formal schooling or instructors. An autodidact is a person who takes the initiative to study and acquire knowledge independently, driven by their curiosity and passion for learning.