The importance of being a "Renaissance Man"

[Pixel_Outlaw]

I can appreciate the fact that it is highly unlikely that a man can excel at most everything. With that said, I think it is important to realize that our world is not confined the compartmentalized areas of study that many think of. The world we live in is composed of many thoughts and concepts that intersection in many surprising ways. I purpose that we break the false walls that separate areas of study. There are fields of employment such as a doctor or a musician but a man should not be content to never look beyond his current interests to find new ones. The world if filled with possibilities that few will discover simply because they choose to confine their interests into what society would dictate they learn. The Renaissance was a time of great discovery in our past because suddenly artists were mathematicians, astronomers became scientists and scientists became doctors. The structure of the modern school has dictated what is to be learned for far too long. If a concept is being taught why not present a related concept for the students who cannot fully relate to the initial concept? By modern standard a man is doomed from birth to be "right brained" or "left brained". In this regard, a man cannot ever own a fully functional brain. Where is the drive in society? Where is the urge to never stop asking "why" as a child does? I must encourage all of my fellow man to never stop asking "why ?" and explore all fields of study. All true knowledge is valid and there is something to be gained from the capacity of the human mind. Children must be taught from a young age that everything they learn is connected and even concepts that are difficult must not be rejected.


Just my thoughts. I try with everything I have to learn from every study. I sometimes study concepts with no real application in hopes that they will help me later.

Just the ramblings of a sleep deprived P_O I guess. Post your thoughts.

[Xone]

The world if filled with possibilities that few will discover simply because they choose to confine their interests into what society would dictate they learn.

You won't go far wrong if you keep thinking this way P_O.
But sometimes 'a need to know' cannot be taught. It is down to the individual to make this decision, and the longer your mind keeps enquiring, the wider your understanding will become.
On a flip side, be careful. Too much knowledge can also do more harm than good. A clear mind is as important as full one.

If a concept is being taught why not present a related concept for the students who cannot fully relate to the initial concept?

'Alternate thinking', a philosophers best friend.
This is good, as you've recognised that we humans are very individual in the way that we 'understand' concepts.
If I were you, I would forget about the left/right brain thing P_O, because there is always the possibility we can break the mold.
Concentrate on what you just posted    I'm giving you karma for this.

Schooling teaches you what's known (the fundamentals). It doesn't teach you everything and never will.
Higher education encourages us to advance in topics of interest, again, based on accessable resources.
Outside of this, it is up to you to make up your own mind.
Both are equally important.
As a Philosopher or Renaissance Man, you shouldn't disregard any possibilities.

I hope we may be in an age where things are going back to this scattering of knowledge P_O.
And things like Google may play a part in this. As understanding has never been easier to gain
than at the moment via the internet.

I was once told that it is a gift if you can put a complex concept across to another person so they
can understand it. These people make good teachers.

I sometimes study concepts with no real application in hopes that they will help me later.

Yes, they will.

[Pixel_Outlaw]

Thanks for your thoughts. I don't want to come across with a direct gripe against the school system. I simply think students need to follow their interests and explore everything. I encourage teachers to never stop learning the moment a person thinking of yourself as a master is simply a way to say that you don't need to learn more.