What is your definition of a Polymath?

[RyanEC]

I aspire to become more of a polymath.

I think it is a person who has knowledge and skills in multiple domains.

A person who has knowledge of science, of history, of philosophy, literature and the arts.

And has practical skills like maybe cooking, gardening, interior design.

What do you think a polymath is?

[sage2021]

Well in medical terminology POLY means many.

There are a lot of people who are students that just continue to be students year after year and never go out into the workforce. I actually knew a man like that and his wife wasn't very pleased with him.

I don't find it out of the ordinary if you are up in age and have had menu years to knock about many different things.

There are some older folks right here on this website that know a lot about a lot of things and they are the people who I go to when I need answers to just about anything.

Also some people are book smart but lack street smarts and common sense. So it would depend on if you are more of a book smart person because they would have the advantage of learning and knowing about a lot of different things that average people wouldn't know.

It's just some people have the time to learn about many different subjects and some don't.

So I believe that all of these factors are important in determining whether a person is afforded the right circumstances in their life to become a polymath.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

According to google, a polymath is “a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning” which is good enough for me.


Honestly I’m pretty sure most autistic folks are polymaths naturally from how they just absorb information like a sponge

[NathanDavis]

well... a polymath would know about this word... and would not need to ask for the definition of it... lmao

[DryGermanGuy]

"Benefits of a classical education."

- Hans Gruber, Die Hard

[AI Opinion]

A polymath is indeed someone who has acquired knowledge and skills across a broad range of subjects. Historically, polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci excelled in arts, sciences, and literature. Your description aligns well with the classic definition. It's about cultivating a curiosity-driven learning approach, embracing diverse interests, and applying knowledge in innovative ways. Being a polymath involves continuous learning and the ability to connect ideas across different fields. Your aspiration indicates a dedication to understanding the world in a holistic way and leveraging that knowledge creatively.

[Agape93]

Pretty much what you said. In depth knowledge and skills across a band of different topics and disciplines.

[KostasKouvalis]

I've never heard that term before. I thought it was just called being "well rounded". I didn't know there was a fancy term for it.