R is for Renaissance Man

R is for Renaissance Man

I came across the term Renaissance Man a little while ago and I really like the term.  It means a person who has expertise in many fields spanning a wide range of topics.  There are a number of scientists and artists that are considered Renaissance men people like Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Michelangelo, Newton, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Now these men had to out of necessity become proficient in multiple fields so that they could progress their work forward as no singular discipline is isolated from another.  The term was popularized during the Renaissance period where it was socially expected to be well rounded in both the arts and sciences. 

Jack of all trades is a term that is similar in meaning but slightly different.  It is a step down the Renaissance man in that he may not have an expertise in the many fields, but be skilled or competent in many trade or practical fields versus in academics.  I tend to find myself between the two worlds.  As one that likes to work on projects of various natures and disciplines I find myself gaining competency in many areas.  I also have diverse academic interests.  I think striving to become a Renaissance man is a worthwhile goal, but I do not think that you can call yourself one, it is one of those titles that is best to be bestowed upon you by others. 

I find that there is a trend for people to be specialists rather than have a broad skill set.  It does make sense for some people to become very specialized and focus their talents upon one specific skill set, but for the majority of people out there in my opinion specialize on areas that limit their abilities if that skill set becomes obsolete.  Also, I find it limits people when the find themselves in diverse social settings as they have limited range of topics in which to discuss with people.  I am sure we have all been at a social gathering talking with someone and they are all into one particular topic (ie cars) and though I may know something on that topic I do not want to talk about it the whole time I am at that event unless that is what the event is about.  But after I get to the end of knowing all that I want to know about it I desperately want to move onto someone else so that I can change topics.

Share some of your thoughts on this topic.  Maybe share some stories of how you have been trapped by someone that just wants to discuss one topic or share a topic that you would like to know more about that is totally different than you currently do.

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