Homo Universalis or Universal Person
Ranked #3,007 in Culture & Society, #66,672 overall
Universal person aka universal genius
Alternative terms include polymath or Renaissance man. All these concepts stem from an ideal of Renaissance Humanism which is to acquire universal learning in order to develop your full potential. This concept remains important to education today in the form of a humanities education (often described as liberal arts) which covers both arts and sciences without restricting learning to one academic arena.
This knowledge is more than superficial and a homo universalis traditionally not only knows a great deal but also has proficiency or accomplishments in more than one field. This is why Leonardo da Vinci is such a good example to use. Known as an artist, he was insatiably curious which led to his achievements in science, math, engineering, and geology. Benjamin Franklin is another good example as an inventor, scientist, diplomat, and writer. Thomas Jefferson is another well-known homo universalis with achievements in philosophy, law, botany, and government.
You can enjoy this self-portrait of Leonardo DaVinci from AllPosters.com
- Education
- Online learning
Are we losing the Homo Universalis?
I'm worried about the way our age of specialization seems to work against the development of a Homo Universalis. Are you worried, too? Why or why not?
Are we losing the Homo Universalis?
No, there are still some around
dilettante says:
With today's information, a lot of people could be considerd Homo Universalis. Also, alot of people could be considerd "jack of all trades, master of none". Like me. I'm interrested in alot of things, I know alot an am skillfull in alot. But I'm a master of none. You won't find my name in the history books.
Serenia says:
NO we are not losing the Universal minds. YES the specialization age does work against Renaissance Minds and Scanners. They are still around.
I consider myself to be a know-it-all. I have a scanner personality, I am interested in a lot of areas. I cannot decide which ONE area I want to specialise in. There are lots of areas I want to learn about. I dont have a degree or a career. Right now I am unemployed.
RenaissanceWoman2010 says:
They still exist, but many of them get crushed or pushed out by institutions that do not reward or recognize the value of Homo Universalis.
darciefrench says:
It seems we're moving towards a 'Homo Spiritus' (Dr David R Hawkins) consciousness, which includes universal knowledge, and actually is its Source. Homo universalis won't be lost but integrated with source and therefore closer to truth- absorbed by the nonlinear yet accessible by it as well.
Yes, they are almost extinct
LeeOrr says:
I think it's still possible, but I don't know anyone who fits the bill. Then again, that's the direction I'm trying to move in, so I hope I'll fit it, and find others who fit it as well.
Examples of Homo Universalis
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo's Universe
Leonardo's Universe: The Renaissance World of Leonardo DaVinci
Amazon Price: $12.35 (as of 06/01/2012)
Benjamin Franklin
The First American
The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Amazon Price: $11.35 (as of 06/01/2012)
Who is your favorite Homo Universalis?
Can you name a homo universalis?
I'm looking for more to feature here!
If you have a lens dedicated to a homo universalis be sure to let me know!
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phoenix-arizona-friends
Jul 7, 2011 @ 8:42 pm | delete
- Great lens.
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Margo_Arrowsmith
Apr 12, 2011 @ 5:29 am | delete
- For some reason, and I don't know why John Kennedy Jr comes to mind. I think he was taught to do a lot of things and did most well. Can't think of anyone else.
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Nightowl_John
Dec 24, 2010 @ 1:50 am | delete
- How about Wilson from the TV show, "Home Improvement"? You might not be able to feature him here, but he sure seems to be a homo universalis.
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SofiaMann
Dec 23, 2010 @ 7:38 pm | delete
- How about Shen Kuo? He was a geologist, astronomer, an agronomist, ambassador, military general, mathematician, cartographer, hydraulic engineer, meteorologist, botanist, zoologist, pharmacist, author and government bureaucrat in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in China.
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What do you think?
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Visitor
May 17, 2012 @ 5:52 am | delete
- That's a cool take on it but I my opinion is that the two are similar but quite distinct. Scanner is a personality type for many interests, and Homo Universalis is actually proven skill in multi talents. It can be that a few reach a level of skill and can call themselves such.
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Nightowl_John
Dec 24, 2010 @ 1:53 am | delete
- Author, Barbara Sher, in her book "Refuse to Choose" calls these types of people "Scanners." It's an excellent book for people, like me, who have a hard time staying interested in one particular job or career for any length of time. (BTW, Squidoo is a wonderful outlet for Homo Universalis, or Scanner, types!) Squid Angel blessed.
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Heather426
Jun 4, 2009 @ 1:05 pm | delete
- interesting lens...
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tdove
Jun 19, 2008 @ 3:57 pm | delete
- Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
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