W2P2: Correlations between the Arts and Scientific Success

Over the years, several scientific studies have identified a quantifiable correlation between artistic pursuits and scientific success. One theory as to why this is that individuals truly passionate about learning exhibit dedication in across all fields of study. These individuals can usually be classified as polymaths, or people who excel and learn in multiple disciplines. Many researchers believe that the most successful scientists have an unquenchable curiosity that contributes to their success in research, but also leads them to pursue other outlets for that curiosity.

Although it may be hard to believe, curiosity is a key element to scientific discovery. Those who dare to question and observe the world around them have a tendency to succeed in the sciences, but those attributes also often lead to those people exploring the world through artistic means. Creative individuals have the greatest potential to change the world. Creativity heightens ones ability to solve problems and is often the largest contributor to scientific breakthroughs.

A study by R. M. Milgram concluded that having intellectually stimulating hobbies like the arts indicates potential for career success better than standardized testing scores. This is because of the traits that these hobbies endow in their participants. People who engage in the arts foster creativity, attention to detail, and observational skills that become helpful in virtually any career path, especially the sciences.