The Art of Being a Universal Man (or Woman) in the 21st Century

Nurturing a Life of Curiosity, Polymathy, and Impact

7 min readApr 6, 2024

Image created by my amazing team over at Diego Lujan Studio.

The world often pushes us to pick just one thing to be good at, but there’s something incredibly appealing about the idea of the Renaissance person — someone who doesn’t just stick to one path but explores many.

This isn’t some new, trendy concept; it goes all the way back to Leonardo da Vinci, who wasn’t only famous for his paintings but was also a genius inventor, scientist, and the very definition of a polymath. This whole idea is really about being curious and not boxing yourself into one single category.

Even though today’s world seems to favor going deep rather than broad, there’s a real value in mixing and matching different kinds of knowledge, skills, and passions. This blog entry is about venturing into that space, figuring out how we can juggle a variety of interests without getting lost.

Historical Context of the Universal Man

The Renaissance unfolded in Italy from the 14th to the 17th century, marking a pivotal era that transformed Europe’s cultural and intellectual fabric. It was during this time that the ideal of the Universal Man or uomo universale took root, personified by giants like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. These individuals weren’t limited to just one area of expertise; their talents ranged from the stunning art of Florence to groundbreaking engineering in Milan.

This period also witnessed the rise of Renaissance humanism, a philosophical movement that began in the early 14th century. It highlighted the capacity of humans to excel across a wide spectrum of disciplines, driven by reason and creativity. This was a significant departure from the medieval focus on theological discussions, celebrating instead the broad potential for human learning and achievement.

The Universal Man epitomized this humanist ideal, serving as a symbol of the belief in human versatility and boundless potential. The enduring influence of these Renaissance polymaths, with their significant contributions across various fields, continues to encourage a multidisciplinary approach to learning and self-development today.

Renaissance Ideals in the Modern Era

Fast forward to today, and the Renaissance ideals of polymathy, human-centered exploration, and blending different fields of knowledge are more relevant than ever. In a world where everything’s connected and changing fast, being good at just one thing doesn’t cut it anymore. People who embody the Renaissance spirit, those curious souls who dive into multiple disciplines, are making waves across all sorts of areas — from technology and science to art and entrepreneurship.

Take someone like Elon Musk, for example. He’s not just the CEO of a car company; he’s also pushing the boundaries of space travel and solar energy. Or consider someone like Maya Angelou, who was not only a phenomenal poet but also a powerful voice in civil rights, an accomplished author, and an inspiring educator.

Other notable polymaths include:

Yo-Yo Ma: Acclaimed cellist, cultural ambassador, and advocate for the arts in education and global understanding.
Neri Oxman: Designer and MIT professor, blending art, science, and engineering in her pioneering work on material ecology.
Jane Goodall: Primatologist and anthropologist who redefined our understanding of primates and our place in the natural world, also a fervent conservationist and humanitarian.
Brian May: Lead guitarist of Queen with a Ph.D. in astrophysics, contributing to the field of astronomy while also being a legendary musician.
Jill Bolte Taylor: A neuroanatomist with personal insights into brain function from her own stroke experience, an advocate for mental health and brain recovery, and a bestselling author.
Benjamin Zander: Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and a motivational speaker who connects music with leadership and personal development.

These modern-day polymaths show that the Renaissance ideal of mastering diverse fields isn’t just ancient history — it’s alive and thriving, shaping the way we innovate and tackle the complex challenges of our time. And one of the common factors amongst them? They knew the profound importance of curiosity and lifelong learning.

The Importance of Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

Curiosity isn’t just a trait; it’s the engine that powers the journey through multiple disciplines.

It’s about asking questions, big and small, and genuinely wanting to find the answers. This drive to know more, to understand deeply, is what keeps the fire of learning alive. And in a world that’s always moving, where new technologies and ideas emerge every day, the ability to keep learning, to stay adaptable, is more than just useful — it’s essential.

It’s this blend of curiosity and continuous learning that prepares us for the twists and turns of our careers and lives, ensuring we’re always ready to tackle new challenges and seize new opportunities.

Cultivating a Renaissance Mindset

And now, developing this Renaissance mindset starts with recognizing the value in connecting different areas of knowledge. It’s about seeing how art can inform science, how technology can enhance music, and how history can shape future innovations. This approach encourages us not only to expand our horizons but also to seek depth in our understanding, finding a balance that enriches our perspective and approach to problem-solving.

Embracing this mindset opens the door to creativity and innovation. It allows us to think outside the box, to see solutions where others see obstacles. This way of thinking, which merges analytical and creative thinking, is crucial in today’s complex world. It enhances our ability to come up with novel solutions to problems, making us not just thinkers but doers who can turn ideas into reality.

Strategies for Embracing Polymathy

Let Curiosity Lead (Cultivate Curiosity): Dive into your interests with the enthusiasm of a detective piecing together a mystery. Each new skill or piece of knowledge is like finding a clue that brings you closer to seeing the big picture of how things fit together in life and in your own story.
Connect the Dots (Seek Interdisciplinary Connections): Keep an eye out for where your hobbies and skills overlap. Maybe the rhythm in your poetry gives a new beat to your music, or the way you solve problems in coding helps you untangle plot twists in your stories.
Dive Deep When It Matters (Balance Breadth and Depth): It’s great to have a wide range of interests, but when something really grabs you, don’t be afraid to go deep. That’s where you might make your biggest mark or find the most satisfaction.
Never Stop Learning (Embrace Lifelong Learning): Think of learning as a lifelong adventure, not just something you do in school. The goal of the Renaissance mindset is to keep growing and discovering, no matter your age.
Give Back With What You Learn (Contribute Holistically): As you gather all these skills and insights, think about how they can do more than just advance your own goals. The true spirit of the Renaissance is about enriching not just yourself but the world around you, sharing your talents in ways that make a difference.

Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions

Overcoming challenges and misconceptions is an integral part of the journey for anyone pursuing a non-traditional path.

When it comes to overcoming obstacles, it’s all about seeing them not as dead ends but as chances to grow and learn something new. This idea, inspired by psychologist Carol Dweck’s concept of a growth mindset, helps you stay resilient and open to trying new things, even if they don’t work out at first. And when a big challenge stares you down, break it into smaller pieces you can manage one at a time, making things less overwhelming and giving you a clear sense of progress.

But it’s not just about how you handle challenges internally; it’s also about how you explain your journey to others. Clear and engaging communication can help others see the value in your diverse pursuits. Sharing stories and real-life examples can make your path more relatable and understandable, bridging gaps in understanding and challenging misconceptions.

Lastly, while staying open to feedback is crucial, sticking to your authentic path matters most. Not everyone will get your approach right away, and that’s fine. The key is to keep your journey genuine and rewarding to you. Remember, the most groundbreaking ideas often come from those who dare to think differently and defy the norm. Your unique journey not only fosters your growth but could also inspire and influence others in unexpected ways.

Overcoming Challenges: Embrace a Growth Mindset, Break Down Challenges, Seek Multiple Perspectives, Prioritize Self-Care, Leverage Your Network.

Addressing Misconceptions: Clear Communication, Demonstrate Value, Educate with Empathy, Build a Cohesive Brand, Stay True to Your Path.

The Role of the Universal Man in Society

In wrapping up our journey, it’s evident that those infused with the Renaissance spirit are invaluable to society. They don’t just confront challenges; they approach them with a unique perspective, leveraging their wide-ranging knowledge and adaptability. This approach enriches not just personal growth but the fabric of society itself, fostering innovative solutions to complex problems.

This Renaissance mindset is reshaping education, encouraging a more integrated learning experience that mirrors the real world’s intricacies. Those embodying this spirit are at the forefront of social innovation, their diverse expertise catalyzing meaningful changes across various domains.

By embracing this holistic approach, we not only enhance our own lives but contribute to a more enlightened, engaged, and capable global community.