W6P2: Contextualizing Polymathy

Although a polymath is merely defined as "an individual whose knowledge spans a significant number of subjects" there are many traits that contribute to the development of a polymath. They are inherently voracious learners, their desire to learn extends beyond any one subject and they are eager to explore all of the knowledge the world has to offer. Because of their desire to learn, polymaths are usually passionate readers, because reading enables them to independently study anything and everything that interests them. Curiosity is an essential aspect of polymathy.

Those who become polymaths usually fail to "fit into a box", and refuse to specialize themselves to a single area of study. Depending on their upbringing, this means that polymaths can occasionally do rather poorly in school sometimes even opting out of a college education. This is due to their rejection of today's specialization driven society. Interdisciplinary learners are reluctant to assign themselves to a single major, and can often take to designing their own. Similarly, many polymaths find careers as entrepreneurs because of the freedom such an occupation grants them to explore different interests.

Some individuals are naturally more inclined to be polymaths, but upbringing plays a significant role in developing a passion for learning, that which leads to interdisciplinary pursuits. Families that encourage children to try new things and don't steer them away from subjects they may believe are less important are more likely to raise polymaths as children.

One advantage of having a wide skill set is that it enables an individual to better connect with a broader range of people. Polymaths can better relate to more people quite simply because they are more likely to share interests with other people.

Finally, polymathy can become an investment in terms of both time and money. There are instances where polymathy emerges out of necessity, where an individual raised in a lower class acquires a wide skill set in order to survive. But more commonly, polymaths invest significant time and money into sating their curiosity.