Embracing Polymathy
Polymath (derived from the Greek polumathēs, meaning "having learned much").
When you hear the word Polymath, what comes to mind?
Most of us think of celebrity scientists, intellectuals, artists and inventors, after all a synonym for the word is ‘Renaissance Man’, a term coined to describe the legends, like Leonardo Da Vinci, renowned for painting the Mona Lisa, also pioneered scientific exploration into human anatomy. Hedy Lamarr, a celebrated movie star, ingeniously contributed to the invention of technology that later inspired GPS.
These exceptional individuals challenge the prevailing notion that specialization in a single field is the only path to success. They debunk the notion that being a jack of all trades necessarily leads to mastery of none. Instead, they exemplify the possibility of mastering multiple disciplines.
So, why not strive to master many?
While the journey to becoming a polymath can be demanding, it offers an exhilarating opportunity to unearth new passions and acquire a diverse skill set suited for an ever-evolving world. A polymath cultivates profound knowledge and expertise across a wide range of subjects.
The aim isn't to become a world-renowned expert in numerous fields simultaneously, but rather to embrace a genuine love for learning and vigorously pursue it across different domains.
Is investing time in becoming a polymath a valuable alternative to deep specialization? The decision rests with you.
Becoming a polymath contrasts with the structured paths of becoming a doctor or lawyer.There's no formal certification or ceremonial recognition; it's primarily about developing the skill of critical thinking and cultivating a perspective that views the world with inquisitive eyes.
Why opt for polymathy?
I understand if the idea of amassing knowledge across various domains feels overwhelming. Most of us have been raised with the advise to focus on a single pursuit, commence learning it early, and dedicate countless hours to intensive practice to achieve mastery.
Given this perspective, you might worry that mastering even one discipline is challenging, let alone several. However, a more comprehensive approach to learning spanning diverse areas offers unparalleled benefits.
Innovative Thinking
The conventional method of specializing in a single skill overlooks the intricate interconnections that characterize our complex world. Specialists often rely on narrow frameworks, leading them to seek black-and-white answers for inherently gray issues riddled with contradictions.
Polymaths, drawing insights from multiple fields, can identify these connections and devise creative solutions to longstanding challenges. Embracing a broader scope enables you to embrace these contradictions, fostering more imaginative, holistic thinking.
Skills for the Future
A well-rounded education translates into a plethora of transferable skills, increasingly vital for addressing new challenges and enhancing employability.
Now that brings us to the next the question: how does one become a polymath?
The intention behind this term isn't to create an exclusive and unattainable label that's merely mentioned in obituaries or inscribed on tombstones. Instead, it represents an ongoing effort to broaden your knowledge and establish meaningful connections between diverse ideas. This endeavor empowers you to enhance your decision-making capabilities and consistently evolve into a more improved and refined version of yourself.
Getting started is simple: aim to acquire fresh knowledge across a broad spectrum of subjects. Start with the big picture, focusing on the main elements that make up the topic. From there, begin drilling down on each element, then moving to sub-elements and so on. Internalize what you’ve learned, each time you add a new piece of the puzzle.
Remember, being an expert today doesn't assure expertise tomorrow; the rapid evolution of technologies and methodologies demands vigilant trend-watching and ongoing knowledge updates to maintain relevance and avoid relying on outdated information.
Embrace Failure. It is inevitable when learning something new. In the words of Winston Churchill “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” or if you are a sports fan, here is what Micheal Jordan had to say about failure: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again. That is why I succeed.”
And here’s the kicker, we are all born with the he most important universal trait of a polymath: CURIOSITY. It is a shared trait amongst most successful people, yet many who start off as a curious child become conditioned to a life of monotony and stagnation. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
It is this quote from Einstein that provides us with an excellent framework for becoming a polymath, a quote that 11 year old me was introduced to, and one that I follow like a personal mantra:
“Success comes from CURIOSITY, CONCENTRATION, PERSEVERANCE and SELF CRITICISM.” -Albert Einstein
