evildrneil Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I'm a big fan of the polymath / renassance man ideal and tend to think it's something that's sadly missing from the current educational system. My personal opinion is that it would be better to produce people who are rounded individuals (Uomo Universale) rather than people highly skilled in one field and clueless about everything else! (Having spent most of my life in education and earning my crust as a researcher it never ceases to surprise me just how clueless some people can be in areas outside their particular field!) However the some of the concepts tied up with the polymath / renaissance ideal man may be a touch outdated as they come from the 14-16th century (roughly). One of the books written at the time called The Book of the Courtier by Baldassare Castiglione laid out pretty much what was required from a renaissance man, and these can be distilled as: Be able to defend himself with a variety of weapons, especially the sword. Be able to play several musical instruments. Be able to paint and output other works of art. Be forever interested in advancing knowledge and science. Be able to engage in debates regarding issues such as philosophy and ethics. Be a skilled author and poet. Do these still hold true in the 21st century or do we need a new ideal to work towards? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 It certainly needs some updating... Given how the law frowns upon people defending themselves with weapons, the first requirement is no longer relevant. I struggle to see how the second requirement makes someone a more rounded individual... Some people have a natural aptitude for making music, and others don't. Third requirement as second. Fourth requirement I like, but maybe needs rewording. Fifth as Fourth. Sixth as for second and third... Whether the 2nd, 5th and 6th should be replaced with alternatives, reworded or just removed... I'm not sure. Be physically confident and of a good level of health. Have an interest in diverse forms of art and culture Take an active interest in a chosen field, and have passing familiarity with the scientific method and other areas of knowledge. Be capable of polite debate on a broad range of issues. Stays abreast of current affairs and problems facing society. How do those sound? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snook Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 As a renaissance man myself, i agree with all the criteria sited above, yet would add being able to speak at least two languages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahame Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 It is what Seb Coe used to call "being a well rounded person" and he didn't mean fat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phanerothyme Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Why 'Man'? A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evildrneil Posted September 10, 2006 Author Share Posted September 10, 2006 Why 'Man'? Because we're originally talking 14-16th century when it (with a very few exceptions) would be a man! This is probably one of the concepts that needs updating! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahame Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Because we're originally talking 14-16th century when it (with a very few exceptions) would be a man! This is probably one of the concepts that needs updating! And in this day of equal rights every woman should be able to service the family car and every man should be able to change a nappy, cook a meal, and do the housework the same as they do anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phanerothyme Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I reckon Heinlein's definition has it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahame Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I reckon Heinlein's definition has it. Do you mean when he said, ""specialization is for insects." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubydazzler Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 you forgot the bit about being able to put up shelves, mow the lawn without moaning about it, and be a fantastic lover .... not all on the same day, of course ... we can't expect miracles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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