A Polymath is defined as one who is specialized in at least two unrelated fields or domains while having a passive interest in other domains too. They are individualists that hold a holistic view of the world.Polymaths have an interest in many different phenomena and are curious and adventurous by nature, looking to experience and uncover new facts.

Polymaths

When polymaths become interested in something, they don't care which domain or sphere it leads them. Some qualities of a Polymath person:<ul><li>Above-average intelligence</li><li>Open-mindedness</li><li>Curiosity</li><li>Self-reliance</li><li>Individualism</li><li>A desire for personal fulfillment</li><li>Desire to find connections.</li></ul>

Qualities Of A Polymath

Polymathy leads to creativity, as one domain can inspire something new in a different domain.For example: Having knowledge of geometry can help in painting, or knowing to play the piano, one can apply more creativity in a domain like mechanical engineering, by forming connections.

Feeding Off Diverse Knowledge

The idea of "A jack of all trades, master of none" falls flat when we study the polymath.Pursuing multiple interests can fuel creativity and productivity, creating connections between domains, leading to cross-pollination.

Jack of All Trades

“The polymath not only moves between different spheres or different fields and disciplines, but seeks fundamental connections between those fields, so as to give them a unique insight into each of them.”

Genetic and environmental factors, along with curiosity and self-awareness, make polymaths complex personalities.They have historically been rebels, as society has always encouraged individuals to specialize in a particular field.

Understanding A Polymath

What we can learn from polymaths: we can be better and more productive at our jobs if we keep switching between different skills or subjects, changing our environment, the company we keep and our interests. This is also an excellent tool to solve problems.

Switching Subjects

If it weren't for an actress and a pianist, GPS and WiFi might not exist. In the late 1930s and early 40s, Hedy Lamarr was already the toast of Hollywood, famed for her portrayals of femme fatales. Few of her contemporaries knew that her other great passion was inventing.

Polymaths

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Polymaths Vs Specialists