Modern-Day Polymath Guide
July 21st, 2008
The 14th century in Europe was graced by the Renaissance period, a cultural movement that valued the arts and crafts. People reveled in intellectual and artistic pursuits, some of whom became influential figures that shaped history (Michelangelo, da Vinci). These men are called polymaths, men with an encyclopedic knowledge. They are responsible in some of the world’s most groundbreaking accomplishments and discoveries that still retains its importance centuries after.
Imagine both men burning the midnight oil, painting, writing, playing music, inventing, crunching numbers (not in an economic sense, mind you), sculpting, and pulling heartstrings with their poetry. One would even wonder how they were able to find time for sleep.
The value given to Renaissance ideals has not been fully pursued in today’s culture. In fact, the irony of people having greater connectivity to information of infinite proportions, thanks to the Internet and its online galaxy, only to access pornography and their social network profiles has never been more pronounced. Not that it’s bad, mind you, but never has the Internet been underutilized.
Still, it’s never too late to ask penance from the way of the Renaissance men and conjure the polymath inside you. Although, nobody’s expecting you to create something new or shock the world with your discoveries. But it won’t hurt for you to try and learn about a LOT of things.
