The human development side of Polymathism

[Leif]

We have all commented often about the opportunity for polymaths to positively influence society and industry through innovation, synthesis of different areas of human knowledge, etc. But we haven't talked as much about the opportunity for polymathism to positively impact the quality of life of the polymath.

Perhaps individual personality has a lot to do with this, but it seems to me humans function best when we experience a holistic life. In other words when the different aspects of our lives experience synergy, we are happier, healthier, and more productive. I think this synergy can be found in what we labor at (our jobs, hobbies, chores), what we do for fun (play, hobbies, fantasies), where we live, the communities of people we participate in, the food we eat, the lifestyle we maintain, etc. When our lives are in harmony, we are, in a sense, living polymathy.

For me, the main rifts in my life that cause me stress, unhappiness, and sloth seem to be between my work, my play, and my relationships. I'm sure there are many smaller divisions one could make also, but these are my biggest walls.

I feel to be a successful polymath, or even a mature and whole person, I need to find a way to break down those walls, and allow the synthesis of polymathism to happen in my own life, as well as my intellectual pursuits.

[Mike]

I've found music (but more generally, self-expression) to help with this tremendously. Even when I feel as if I'm being prevented from moving forward (probably the #1 source of stress and frustration I experience), I can always flip open a composition and start writing down some notes, knowing that it needs no further purpose than that of self-representation. It's also a chance to exercise the feeling, emotional side that we all have, but which tends to be squashed under the weight of all of the logical reasoning that other activities demand. I don't know if I'd go so far as to call it a polymathic synthesis, though I do employ principles I've learned from music in other places (and vice versa), but it does help me develop a more balanced, well-rounded personality.