Many successful people had extensive knowledge in various fields. Steve Jobs, Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci are just some of them. They are all polymaths.
Who are polymaths
A polymath is a person who is competent in at least three different areas and who knows how to integrate this knowledge together.
Simply put, such people take the best in various areas, which helps them become more effective in the field of their main work.
They create atypical combinations of knowledge from different fields, offer breakthrough ideas and completely new areas to explore.
For example, Charles Darwin, the creator of the famous theory of evolution, was also a polymath. Stephen Johnson, author of Where Good Ideas Come From. The Birth and Destiny of Innovation”, describes him as a man of vast knowledge in the fields of marine biology, geology and natural science. It was the interest in various sciences that allowed Darwin to make a scientific breakthrough.
Why are such people the norm of the modern world?
Polymaths have always existed. But in the past such people did not have much recognition. It was believed that the more sciences a person comprehends, the less thoughtfully he does it.
In the modern world, attitudes towards polymaths have changed. Diverse interests are an advantage, not a disadvantage. Such people are more successful financially and careerally than those who are deeply interested in only one area of knowledge.
Successful polymaths are Steve Jobs, who combined design and software. Or Elon Musk - physicist, engineer, entrepreneur, inventor and investor.
What are the advantages of polymats
They create atypical combinations of skills that lead to success.
For example, Scott Adams, creator of the popular satirical comic Dilbert, was not the funniest person in the world. He was not an outstanding cartoonist or an incredibly skilled worker when he took on a then-unknown project at the age of 20. But he combined the skills of mixing and drawing, focused on the business side of the project and became the best in his niche.
How to become a polymath
Be curious and open to learning
It's never too late to start learning something new that will be a great addition to your existing knowledge. But don't do it thoughtlessly. Determine the most convenient and effective learning model for you.
Grow in different areas
As children, we liked to explore different things. But as they grow older, interest in the world around them is replaced by a clear framework of knowledge. We know what set of skills is needed for the job, and we only upgrade them. But being a polymath means not being limited to one area.
Don't try to be perfect in everything
Polymaths are not specialists in one narrow field. They are above average in various areas. Remember this when you decide to quit training just because you are still far from the pinnacle of mastery.
For example, your hobby is tennis. But it is not necessary to take the first place in the ratings. Even if you are on the 45th or 128th line, this is already a victory. Getting into the rating itself sets you apart from the crowd. This already means that you are better than most.
Entrepreneur and author Michael Simmons noted in his blog that many successful people had extensive knowledge in various fields. Steve Jobs, Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci are just some of them. They are all polymaths.
What are the advantages of polymatsThey create atypical combinations of skills that lead to success.
For example, Scott Adams, creator of the popular satirical comic Dilbert, was not the funniest person in the world. He was not an outstanding cartoonist or an incredibly skilled worker when he took on a then-unknown project at the age of 20. But he combined the skills of mixing and drawing, focused on the business side of the project and became the best in his niche.
How to become a polymath
Be curious and open to learning.
It's never too late to start learning something new that will be a great addition to your existing knowledge. But don't do it thoughtlessly. Determine the most convenient and effective learning model for you.
