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  1. You must read the article before you can comment on it.
    • Jim4 years ago

      My first 10 rating..... not because of exceptional writing or clever quips but the content is so interesting. I was watching Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel last night, a segment was how kids are 10x more prone to have surgery now than 12 years ago..... the reason is they are pushed to excel in ONE sport, soccer, tennis , football whatever..... This must be the parents pushing these kids, they could not possibly know that they don't want to swim or play baseball, anyway the repetitive nature of training on these young bodies has created a generation of injured young children..... if they would be exposed to all sports and activities for sheer fun the injuries would be drastically reduced...... I see a direct correlation to this article, spread out the mind, the experiences, see what sticks on these kids.........ok, back to the article, imagine polymaths in this article being pigeon holed into one path, what a crime..... I had the ability to do what ever I wanted as a kid and young adult, never really excelled in any single field but loved the paths I took..... sports, art, business, writing, music.... I value all these experiences and am so grateful that I never focused too much on only one talent (or lack of talent) anyway.... by far the best article. thanks for posting!

    • TripleG
      Top reader this weekTop reader of all timeReading streakScoutScribe
      4 years ago

      Amazing story about the genius of Hedy Lamar. Love the idea of studying various unrelated “many learnings”

    • Pegeen
      Top reader this weekReading streakScoutScribe
      4 years ago

      Love this! Being interested in various disciplines also activates both sides of the brain for a more balanced energy. I’m really impressed with the polymaths in this article - so inspiring. I will enjoy investigating these people more, as my interest has been sparked.

    • Jessica4 years ago

      I was giggling at the various definitions of ‘polymath’.. our inclination to specify meanings to words as humans can be so bizarre.

      • bill
        Top reader of all time
        4 years ago

        So true! It makes it easier to discuss things when we apply labels (words) to things, but the downside is that every time you put a label on something you alter (and simplify?) it.

        Damn, this was really amazing. I definitely consider myself to be a polymath. I can’t help it. It makes life challenging, but also joyful and meaningful.

        But, to me, it’s a mindset, not an accomplishment. That’s why I think it misses the point to suggest that polymaths must make significant contributions in at least three fields.