Polymathism :

1. Polymathism: Making yourself into a Renaissance Man (or Woman) Presented by Thomas Woldering

2. Expect what you read in the Nerd Nite promotion • What is a polymath • Why one might want to be a polymath • How to get started • Practical and fun uses of polymathicskillsets

3. Without further delay, Polymathism • The practice of being a polymath • Polymaths seek a universal education • Polymaths develop their capacities as fully as possible • Polymaths strive to be competent in any situation

4. To draw from Heinlein “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.” - Robert Heinlein, Time Enough For Love

5. Opinions vary on qualifying as a polymath • Dilettante versus polymath • Polymathism in today’s world • Can’t just add water • Draw your own conclusions

6. Let’s start with Leonardo • Yes, Da Vinci of course. I had too much Bing for breakfast. • Considered a polymath for painting, science, engineering, and more • Many of his inventions were not formalized

7. On this side of the ocean, we had Franklin • Printing first • Inventions in several fields • Social innovations

8. The definition of a Renaissance woman has shifted • Expectation versus this presentation • Isabella d’Este • Catherine de’Medici • Hildegard of Bingen

9. Today, we have several interesting combinations • Franklin Story Musgrave • Sir Jonathan Miller • Viggo Mortensen • Brian May • Jerry Lawler • Norman Collins And… • Steve Jobs On the other side: • Hedy Lamar • ZahaHadid • Lisa Kudrow • Queen Margrethe II

10. Why? Because… fun! • Synergy and innovation • Improved social life • Being useful • Being prepared

11. Music education benefits other endeavors • Music and math • Music and reading • Music and medicine • Music and life

12. It is a disadvantage to overspecialize • Tunnel vision • Fragmentation of overall knowledge • Lack of useful synthesis and innovation

13. Improve your social life as a polymath • Expanded social possibilities • Greater contribution to social relationships • Respect and confidence

14. Polymathic activities reduce stress • Think hobbies • Polymathic because it is outside one’s normal routine or specialization And remember that an axe is only marginally useful when renovating a bathroom door

15. Studies show that we are losing useful skills • Skilled worker shortages (not talking wrench-turners) • Who takes Career / Technical Education classes anymore? • Decline in knowledge of how things work

16. Building skills to do-it-yourself can save money and do more for you • Cooking versus fast-food • DIY repairs and fabrications

17. Having multiple skills can mean survival • In a world… • Think back to the Heinlein quote • Long term scenario

18. Name’s Ash… Housewares

19. How does one walk down two (or more) roads?

20. Be a sponge for a while • Online • Books • TV • Formal education

21. Talk to Old People • Greater general knowledge and breadth of experience • Passing knowledge in person has benefits beyond other types of learning.

22. Get out there and experiment • Practice with cheap materials • Reverse engineer and understand the underlying principles • One shouldn’t expect perfection at first

23. I said it was fun earlier, now to prove it. • Ingenious solutions to problems • Getting exactly what one wants

24. Problem: Out of storage space for DVDs • Build a DVD shelf that’s bigger on the inside • Combines woodwork, painting, and electric work. • Design by RFP forum member msmuse101

25. Problem: Very hostile workplace • Make a vest out of soda tabs • Combines metalwork and tailoring. • Design from “Pink Smoot” on the site Wardrobe Re-Fashion

26. Problem: Overweight feline • Build a cat-sized treadmill or… a running wheel • Combines basic mechanics, woodwork, and painting

27. Problem: Normal controllers don’t cut it for racing games • Embrace your inner NASCAR • Combines electrical and computer skills, woodwork, and possibly metalwork (including welding)

28. Problem: Arms too long for most suits • Make your own suit • Just uses sewing and tailoring

29. Problem: Extreme Knight Rider fanaticism • Turn your car into KITT • Combines electricity, automotive knowledge, computer skills, sculpting (fiberglass), upholstery…

30. Problem: Engine not working well • Rebuild it! • Like KITT, it gives one great customization opportunities • Uses various mechanical skills, possibly painting, metalwork, and engineering understanding of how a given machine works

31. Problem: New furniture needed after moving • Just re-use your moving boxes • Draws from design, fabrication, and painting

32. What does all this mean in the end? • It’s not unprecedented and can have an impact on society • There are plenty of reasons to do it • There’s plenty of information to get started on • One can leave a lasting signature on the world with it

33. Do you have any questions?