[MR] Leonardo da Vinci's resume

[David Wendelken]

Got this in the mail from a recruiter as an example of a great resume...

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"Most Illustrious Lord, Having now sufficiently considered the specimens of
all those who proclaim themselves skilled contrivers of instruments of war,
and that the invention and operation of the said instruments are nothing
different from those in common use: I shall endeavor, without prejudice to
any one else, to explain myself to your Excellency, showing your Lordship my
secret, and then offering them to your best pleasure and approbation to work
with effect at opportune moments on all those things which, in part, shall
be briefly noted below. 
1.	I have a sort of extremely light and strong bridges, adapted to be
most easily carried, and with them you may pursue, and at any time flee from
the enemy; and others, secure and indestructible by fire and battle, easy
and convenient to lift and place. Also methods of burning and destroying
those of the enemy.
2.	I know how, when a place is besieged, to take the water out of the
trenches, and make endless variety of bridges, and covered ways and ladders,
and other machines pertaining to such expeditions.
3.	If, by reason of the height of the banks, or the strength of the
place and its position, it is impossible, when besieging a place, to avail
oneself of the plan of bombardment, I have methods for destroying every rock
or other fortress, even if it were founded on a rock, etc.
4.	Again, I have kinds of mortars; most convenient and easy to carry;
and with these I can fling small stones almost resembling a storm; and with
the smoke of these cause great terror to the enemy, to his great detriment
and confusion.
5.	And if the fight should be at sea I have kinds of many machines most
efficient for offense and defense; and vessels which will resist the attack
of the largest guns and powder and fumes.
6.	I have means by secret and tortuous mines and ways, made without
noise, to reach a designated spot, even if it were needed to pass under a
trench or a river.
7.	I will make covered chariots, safe and unattackable, which, entering
among the enemy with their artillery, there is no body of men so great but
they would break them. And behind these, infantry could follow quite unhurt
and without any hindrance.
8.	In case of need I will make big guns, mortars, and light ordnance of
fine and useful forms, out of the common type.
9.	Where the operation of bombardment might fail, I would contrive
catapults, mangonels, trabocchi, and other machines of marvelous efficacy
and not in common use. And in short, according to the variety of cases, I
can contrive various and endless means of offense and defense.
10.	In times of peace I believe I can give perfect satisfaction and to
the equal of any other in architecture and the composition of buildings
public and private; and in guiding water from one place to another.
11.	I can carry out sculpture in marble, bronze, or clay, and also I can
do in painting whatever may be done, as well as any other, be he who he may.
Again, the bronze horse may be taken in hand, which is to be to the immortal
glory and eternal honor of the prince your father of happy memory, and of
the illustrious house of Sforza. 

And if any of the above-named things seem to anyone to be impossible or not
feasible, I am most ready to make the experiment in your park, or in
whatever place may please your Excellency - to whom I comment myself with
the utmost humility, etc." 

Hope you enjoy!

Andras Salamandra