We admire historical figures from the past because of their expertise in various fields.
- Leonardo da Vinci was a renowned artist, inventor, engineer, and scientist of the Renaissance.
- Aristotle was a philosopher who contributed foundational work in philosophy, biology, ethics, politics, and more.
- Benjamin Franklin was a statesman, inventor, writer, scientist, and influential chess player.
- Thomas Jefferson was a U.S. president, writer, architect, linguist, music lover, and pioneer in American archaeology.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German poet, novelist, playwright, scientist, and statesman.
But an argument can be made that there was less information to act on during their times, allowing their curiosity to take over.
And fields that seemed disconnected at first became connected because of their interests and commitment to learning.
Now it seems that the emergence of polymaths is all but gone, simply because there is too much information.
But I think that it only calls for a different method to arrive at a polymath.
And it’s this: become more selective of your interests and don’t feel shame.
It’s easier to be shamed for being interested in something favored only by a minority. Having felt that way only leads to individuals feeling unsure if they should continue pursuing their interests, and being forced to mold into what the outside world expects of them.
But don’t lose heart.
Be intentional about your interests, and look for ways to connect the dots. It may not be possible in the present moment, but things will always make sense when you look back on them if you allow them.
And remember: In any time period, there will always be people who make breakthroughs and change the way the world is viewed.
It happened in the 20th century:
- Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist, the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields.
- Maya Angelou was a poet, autobiographer, actor, director, polyglot, and civil rights activist.
But only because they were more intentional about their interests, and understood how to connect them.
We still have great figures today, and you’re always invited to join the party.