Polymathy stems from two foundational goals. The first is to acquire as much breadth and richness of knowledge as possible, and the second to maximize their own potential to shape the world by means of solving problems. While ordinary learners may compartmentalize their pursuits into professional focuses and avocational hobbies, polymaths go out of their way to integrate all of their pursuits and knowledge. This is a result of the fact that interdisciplinary approaches are becoming more relevant to today's problems. Polymaths understand this and seek to develop a broader understanding of the world as a whole in hopes of being able to comprehend larger scale ideas, the likes of which they tend to be most curious about.
By far the most important aspect of polymathy is the idea that their learning is fueled by creativity. The desire to build new bridges between different ideas in order to create novel solutions is deeply creative and also enables polymaths to complete their second goal of building a toolkit of knowledge with which they can better solve problems.
Furthermore, there are three stages defined within the life cycle of a successful polymath that enable them to achieve success in multiple disciplines. The first stage being developing the personality traits necessary to become a polymath. In this stage, a learner develops creativity and curiosity and eagerly explores all possible disciplines, all the while drawing up grand, occasionally unachievable, plans to cure the world of all ailments. During the second stage, a learner will deepen their understanding of the world. Although a polymath never stops learning, this is the foundational stage during which they acquire the skills and knowledge they need to proceed into the third stage. During this last stage, a polymath begins to utilize the skills they have learned. All of the knowledge and skills they acquired in stages 1 and 2 come together and the polymath begins to achieve at a higher level and make valuable contributions to society.
Fabulous post. I am intrigued to know where you will take this new learning with the presentation. How can we teacher teachers this idea?
ReplyDeleteI dig way deeper into this in my later posts, but it comes down to removing the standardization of teaching and allowing for interaction between teachers and other teachers, and teachers and students. More time and resources dedicated to teachers doesn't hurt either.
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