Give us our own Aristotle, a sage capable of seeing the world from perspectives hidden from the rest of us by our valley views. Give us that person, of any gender or age, who sees the world from some high plateau and who can prepare us to explore and conquer newfound truths.
But don’t give us an oracle. Instead, give us a guide who offers not The Truth, but who rather shows us the kinds of paths, including those that lead into cul-de-sacs, blind alleys, and dead-end streets, that we might travel enthusiastically. Give us someone who doesn’t point to the treasure chest, but who encourages us to make a U-turn when we find ourselves facing barriers imposed by our own or others’ ignorance.
The great polymath of ancient Greece, Aristotle, became Alexander the Great’s teacher, and it was apparently a U-turn that took him to Macedon. As the tale is told, Philip II of Macedon destroyed Stagira, but then, reversing his decision to leave the city in ruins and its people enslaved, Philip rebuilt the city in exchange for Aristotle’s teaching services. The conqueror saw the value in having a polymath guide his son. With such great preparation comes the possibility for great conquests, not just of places and people, but also of knowledge.
Did you have a polymath prepare you for today? Will you be a polymath to inspire others?
But don’t give us an oracle. Instead, give us a guide who offers not The Truth, but who rather shows us the kinds of paths, including those that lead into cul-de-sacs, blind alleys, and dead-end streets, that we might travel enthusiastically. Give us someone who doesn’t point to the treasure chest, but who encourages us to make a U-turn when we find ourselves facing barriers imposed by our own or others’ ignorance.
The great polymath of ancient Greece, Aristotle, became Alexander the Great’s teacher, and it was apparently a U-turn that took him to Macedon. As the tale is told, Philip II of Macedon destroyed Stagira, but then, reversing his decision to leave the city in ruins and its people enslaved, Philip rebuilt the city in exchange for Aristotle’s teaching services. The conqueror saw the value in having a polymath guide his son. With such great preparation comes the possibility for great conquests, not just of places and people, but also of knowledge.
Did you have a polymath prepare you for today? Will you be a polymath to inspire others?
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