A polymath.
I cannot think of a more flattering description or title as I have always admired men and women of varied skills, talents, interests and achievements. Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin are three of the most notable polymaths in history. I think that the term “polymath” is ascribed too easily. A polymath is to the world what a Hall of Famer is to baseball. The criteria is very strict and not everyone gets to enter the portal of notoriety.
On my eighth grade graduation, I received this medal for “General Excellence.” Even at the age of 14, I was very interested in current events, literature, politics, history, philosophy, psychology and religion. One of my grade school classmates reminded recently that he remembered me reading a mammoth volume of the Warren commission report on the assassination of President Kennedy when we were in eighth grade.
I have read different criteria to qualify as a polymath. Here is mine…
- Education, reading, research and learning on various intellectual topics including politics, history, science, business, literature, religion, philosophy, psychology, sociology, technology,and sports.
2. Communication of ideas, thoughts, imagination and discoveries through writing, public speaking, painting, acting and music.
3. Extensive travels across the world with a wide variety of experiences and adventures.
4. Varied or significant roles and responsibilities in business, science, education, finance or public service.
5. The ability to speak in more than one language.
6. The ability to understand technology for productive and worthwhile goals.
7. The ability to appreciate the arts including music, the theater, cultural events, plays, movies etc
8. A mind with novel ideas, insights, and opinions driven by consilience – – the capacity to merge and synthesize one’s experiences, talents, interests and intelligence.
Esot-eric 