What is a Polymath? Could You Be One?
A polymath is someone with expertise that spans a number of different intellectual subject areas.
An example would be a person who is an expert in Psychology, Quantum Physics, and Reformer Theology.
or…
Math, Alchemy, and Historical Revisionism. Etc…
- A polymath can be compared to a "jack of all trades" when it comes to mental abilities, continually growing and expanding in a wide range of intellectual skills.
Polymaths are often known for their contributions to Academia by aligning multiple fields in a holistic congruent comprehension {ie; the arts, sciences, mathematics, philosophy, and humanities.}
Read this Article: Do You Have A ‘Polymathic Personality’? A Psychologist Explains
Polymaths— Known For Their Broad Knowledge Base
Polymaths are characterized by their extensive knowledge across a diverse range of disciplines.
Unlike specialists who focus deeply on a single area, polymaths have a broad understanding that spans various fields due to their natural passion and affinity for knowledge.
Polymath’s Drive Toward Curiosity
Obsessive Passion for Learning
A defining trait of polymaths is their intrinsic curiosity and relentless drive to learn and understand more about the world.
Holistic Minded
One of the unique abilities of polymaths is to draw connections between seemingly unrelated fields. The ability to establish cross-disciplinary connections between seemingly unrelated fields is a Polymath trait.
Polymath Contribution to Alchemy
One lesser-known aspect of polymaths is their contribution to the field of alchemy.
For instance, Isaac Newton, renowned for his laws of motion and gravity, was also deeply invested in alchemical studies, searching for the philosopher’s stone and the means to transmute base metals into gold.
According to the Newton Project:
Although Newton is best known for his theory of universal gravitation and discovery of calculus, his interests were much broader than is usually appreciated. In addition to his celebrated scientific and mathematical writings, Newton also wrote many alchemical and religious texts and he left many administrative papers in his role as Warden and then Master of the Mint.
This pursuit, often overlooked, highlights the polymaths' relentless curiosity and their desire to unravel the mysteries of the natural world, blending science with a touch of the mystical.
Polymaths such as Newton symbolize the intricate and interconnected nature of the pursuit of knowledge, revealing a profound and unified essence flowing through the intricate tapestry of life’s complexities.
Polymaths have the ability to solve problems in creative and unconventional ways, leading to the discovery of unexpected solutions.
Like skilled archaeologists, polymaths dig deep into areas where others may not see potential, uncovering valuable insights and perspectives.
By connecting dots and uncovering hidden truths, polymaths bring a fresh and unique approach to their respective fields of expertise, ultimately contributing significant value to the topic at hand.
Great Polymath — Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci, widely recognized as the greatest polymath, exhibited mastery in various disciplines such as painting, sculpting, architecture, invention, military engineering, and drawing.
Drawing by Leonardo da Vinci
His curiosity and inventive imagination led to notable contributions in both the arts and sciences.
Read:
The Secret Lives of Leonardo da Vinci | The New Yorker
The Mind of Leonardo Da Vinci - Scientific American Blog Network
Polymath — Hildegard of Bingen
A German Benedictine abbess, Hildegard of Bingen was a writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, and visionary.
She was also well-versed in medicinal and botanical knowledge.
Polymath — Benjamin Franklin
An American polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.
He made significant contributions to the understanding of electricity among other scientific endeavors.
Modern Polymaths
In the modern world, the term polymath might also apply to individuals who have achieved high levels of expertise in multiple modern disciplines, such as technology, business, and creative arts.
Examples include individuals like Elon Musk, who has innovated in fields such as electronic payments, space exploration, and renewable energy.
Musk The Polymath
My Favorite Polymath — Nikola Tesla
Born in 1856 in Smiljan, Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia), Nikola Tesla's life unfolds like an enthralling tale of genius, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of progress.
An electrical engineer, physicist, and inventor, Tesla's groundbreaking contributions to the fields of electricity and magnetism laid the foundation for the modern electrical grid and the future of wireless communication.
His pioneering work on alternating current (AC) systems revolutionized the way electrical power was generated, transmitted, and distributed across the globe.
Tesla's ambitious vision extended beyond the realm of electricity.
Tesla — Godfather of the Internet
He explored the potential of wireless communication, conducting groundbreaking experiments with electromagnetic waves and envisioning a world interconnected by invisible signals.
His ambitious concept of a global wireless communication network foreshadowed the rise of the internet and the proliferation of wireless technology.
Tesla — invented X-ray, radar & remote control
Tesla’s inventions were not limited to the realms of electricity and communication.
He also delved into X-ray technology, radar, and remote control, pushing the boundaries of human ingenuity and transforming the way we interact with our environment.
Tesla VS Edison — War of the Currents
In a world of fierce competition and commercial rivalry, Tesla found himself locked in an unfair struggle with fellow inventor Thomas Edison, a conflict that came to be known as the "War of the Currents."
(Tesla was genuine, Edison I believe is a pawn puppet)
The Role of Polymaths Today
In today’s highly specialized world, the role of polymaths is both challenging and crucial. The ability to integrate knowledge from various fields can lead to innovative solutions and advancements that might not be possible through a single-disciplinary approach.
Polymaths can drive progress in understanding complex, multifaceted problems by looking at them from perspectives. This rare combination enables polymaths to contribute uniquely and substantially to the advancement of multiple areas of human endeavor.
Specialist VS Polymath
Specialist
The specialist is dedicated to achieving a high level of proficiency in a particular subject - With a clear goal and specific focus. Enhancing knowledge through continuous refinement and direct concentration to reach mastery and excellence in specific topics or areas.
Through pinpointed focus, specialists are able to achieve pioneering breakthroughs in their specific field of study.
These experts engage deeply in intricate exploration, revealing concealed truths and challenging the limits of human understanding.
Polymath
Contrarily, the polymath’s wide-ranging expertise in various subjects allows them to integrate a variety of information to provide a comprehensive view of the world.
As a result, they are able to establish links between seemingly unrelated areas, igniting new ideas and groundbreaking advancements. The polymath weaves together diverse strands of information to offer a comprehensive and interconnected view of the world.
Complimentary Combination
The importance of both paths in intellectual endeavors cannot be overstated; they complement and enrich each other.
Whether a person identifies with the spectrum of expertise as a specialist or possesses a broad range of skills as a polymath, both exhibit unique merits that significantly contribute to the intricacies of the world we live in, elevating our collective understanding and insight.
RESOURCES:
Introducing Newton’s Alchemical Papers Read
Newton’s alchemical works are being transcribed by The Chymistry of Isaac Newton at the University of Indiana. Links to the material already available on the Chymistry site are provided below. A full listing of the source material it will make available can be found in the Alchemical Papers section of the Newton Project’s online catalogue.
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci
One of the most important and influential figures of the Renaissance was the painter, sculptor, architect and engineer, Leonardo Da Vinci – a man that epitomized the Renaissance humanist ideal. Born in 1452 in the town of Vinci, Leonardo began his early artistic training in Florence, working at the workshop of the sculptor Andrea Verrocchio. There, he received a multifaceted training in painting, sculpture and the technical-mechanical arts. Leonardo left Verrocchio’s workshop in 1476, and worked independently in Florence until 1481.
Feeling stifled and dissatisfied in Florence, Leonardo decided to seek new challenges, and in 1482, he moved to Milan, where he would spend the next 17 years. One of his early commissions was the altar painting The Virgin of the Rocks (1483-1486) for the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception. However, the parties got into a dispute over payment, and Leonardo sold the painting to someone else. After ten years of litigation, the confraternity persuaded Leonardo to paint a second version, The Virgin of the Rocks (1495-1508). During this first Milanese period (1482-1499), Leonardo completed six paintings, including the masterpiece, The Last Supper (1495), at the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. He also worked for the Sforza family (the ruling family in Milan) on a monumental sculptural project: a huge equestrian monument honoring the founder of the Sforza dynasty, Francesco Sforza. Leonardo devoted 12 years to the project, creating a clay model of the horse and preparing to cast the 5-meter high figure. However, this great undertaking was never realized: in 1499 the French army invaded Milan and the Sforza family fell from power sealing the fate of the monument (the clay model made by Leonardo was destroyed during the war).
With the political shift in Milan, Leonardo travelled around Italy before resettling in Florence. During his second period in Florence (1500-1508), he painted his most famous work, the Mona Lisa (ca. 1503-1519). By 1508, Leonardo returned to Milan, working for the French rulers of the city. In this period, he painted very little and instead focused on his scientific activity, specifically his study of anatomy. In 1513, the French were expelled from Milan, and forced to move, Leonardo went to Rome, where he spent the next three years. While in Rome, he received an invitation from French King, Francis I to enter his service in France. At 65, Leonardo accepted and bore the title of First painter, architect and engineer to the King.
In his final years in France, he did little painting and mainly worked on his scientific studies and his treatise on painting. Leonardo Da Vinci died in 1519 in Cloux in France. Leonardo, one of the most revered painters of his time, remains among the most important figures in art history. However, it is important to note that his influence goes far beyond – from the drawings, scientific diagrams, and technical studies in his notebooks it is known that his scientific writings and mechanical inventions were centuries ahead of their time.
