Paolo, you often mention your admiration for "polymaths." Could you explain what a polymath is and why you value them so highly?

Ah, yes—polymaths! They’re one of my favorite topics. A polymath is essentially a person who has a deep and broad knowledge across multiple fields or disciplines. Think of figures like Leonardo da Vinci or Benjamin Franklin, people who could master art, science, engineering, philosophy, and more. Polymaths are driven by an insatiable curiosity and the desire to connect dots between seemingly unrelated fields, making them capable of generating insights and innovations that specialists often miss.

Why do I love the concept of the polymath so much? Because I think we’re living in a world that’s become hyper-specialized, where everyone is encouraged to pick one path, master one thing, and stay in their lane. It’s like we’re all being squeezed into boxes, and if you try to be more than one thing, you’re seen as unfocused or distracted. But the truth is, some of the greatest breakthroughs come from people who cross those boundaries, who think in a more integrated and holistic way.

Polymaths don’t just dabble; they dive deeply into multiple fields, and what makes them extraordinary is their ability to bring together diverse perspectives. It’s like they’re weaving a tapestry of knowledge, seeing connections that others can’t because their minds aren’t confined to a single discipline. For me, the polymath embodies the idea that learning is never limited, that our potential expands when we’re curious about many things, not just experts in one.

In today’s world, this kind of thinking is more valuable than ever. Problems are increasingly complex and interconnected, and solving them requires minds that can think across domains. Climate change, for example, isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s social, economic, technological, and political. The most innovative solutions often come from people who can think systemically, who understand science but also sociology, who can merge art with technology, or bring philosophical thinking into business strategy.

So, when I talk about my love for polymaths, I’m pushing back against a world that wants us to narrow our focus. I’m advocating for a return to renaissance thinking, where people are encouraged to cultivate their multiple passions, to learn for the sake of learning, and to use that rich diversity of knowledge to create, innovate, and challenge the status quo. Because here’s the thing: polymathy isn’t about being scattered; it’s about being intellectually fearless and embracing the full spectrum of what the human mind can do.

Imagine a world where more people embraced being polymaths. We’d have a society filled with thinkers who are capable of bridging gaps—between art and science, business and ethics, technology and human well-being. It’s about understanding that the future needs bridge-builders, not siloed experts. And that’s why I champion polymaths: they are the ultimate disruptors, the ones who remind us that the human mind is capable of so much more than narrow expertise.