In the present mankind has technological sophistication that is increasing rapidly. Definitely there is infinite opportunity to innovate today, perhaps most notably with the bonus of witnessing your idea rapidly become reality, or shared by millions. On the other hand, as a great polymath in the present many innovations are already achieved by other geniuses.

In the past, the world had fewer of the answers we take for granted, and for me it seems more room to drastically change the human condition in almost every subject. Just one Leonardo might be able to rack up stacks of revolutionary breakthroughs. On the other hand, one would be surrounded by extreme challenges, and possibly insurmountable odds for survival. None of the modern creature comforts would exist unless you were able to conceive of them yourself.

Maybe for a true polymath the challenges of their time define them more than their own gift.

Topics: education, life, science, history, biology, philosophy, anthropology, power, design, test, university, ideas, mind, credit, genius, challenge, mathematics, invention