In a world that often rewards specialization, there’s a quiet but powerful movement growing — one that celebrates the generalist, the polymath, the “Jack (or Jill) of all trades”. These are people who thrive not by narrowing their focus to a single skill, but by expanding it across many. They draw connections across fields, innovate through curiosity, and adapt to a rapidly changing world.
So how do we raise children to think broadly, explore deeply, and become the kind of flexible, inventive thinkers the future will demand?
The answer lies not in forcing them to choose early, but in encouraging a love of learning across many domains. This blog post explores how to raise young generalists — and why doing so might be the greatest gift you can offer your child.
What Is a Generalist or Polymath?
A generalist is someone who has knowledge and skills in many different areas. A polymath is a step further: a person who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply skilled in multiple domains, often combining science, art, language, and philosophy.
The term “Jack of all trades” was once used as a slight — but the full original saying is worth remembering:
“Jack of all trades, master of none — but oftentimes better than master of one.”
In our fast-evolving world, being adaptable, creative, and cross-skilled may be more important than mastering one niche. Generalists are problem-solvers who can zoom out to see the bigger picture and zoom in to act on it.
Why Teaching Generalism Matters for Kids
Here’s why nurturing generalists from a young age is so important:
It fuels creativity: When kids are exposed to different fields — music, science, storytelling, gardening, mechanics — their brains make surprising and original connections.
It improves adaptability: The job market is changing fast. Many roles that exist today may vanish tomorrow. Generalists can pivot more easily and learn on the go.
It develops lifelong curiosity: Encouraging kids to try new things builds confidence in learning and fosters a mindset of growth.
It prevents burnout: Specializing too early can lead to pressure and mental fatigue. Broad learning is more joyful and often more sustainable.
Lessons from History’s Greatest Generalists
Leonardo da Vinci: The Artist Who Dissected Cadavers
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) is the poster child of the Renaissance polymath. He painted the Mona Lisa, designed flying machines centuries ahead of his time, studied anatomy in secret, and wrote notebooks filled with mirrored handwriting and observations about everything from light to laughter.
Da Vinci never saw art and science as separate. His scientific knowledge made his paintings more lifelike. His artistic eye helped him see nature’s patterns more clearly.
What can kids learn from Leonardo?
Don’t choose between science and art — do both.
Curiosity is your greatest teacher.
It’s okay to follow many passions, even if they don’t seem to “fit” together.
Keep a notebook! Document thoughts, doodles, questions, and ideas.
You can help your child follow in da Vinci’s footsteps by:
Encouraging them to ask “Why?” and “How?” often.
Giving them access to books, materials, and experiments across different subjects.
Allowing unstructured time to explore, sketch, build, or imagine.
Benjamin Franklin: The Inventor of Self-Improvement
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was a printer, writer, inventor, diplomat, scientist, and one of America’s Founding Fathers. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and even musical instruments. He also founded a library, a university, and a fire department.
But one of Franklin’s most impressive qualities was his commitment to self-education. He was largely self-taught and constantly set goals to improve himself in areas from morality to productivity.
What can kids learn from Franklin?
Reading widely builds knowledge and vocabulary.
Setting goals and reviewing progress can help form good habits.
You can learn something from every part of life — chores, games, books, and conversations.
To raise a mini-Franklin:
Start a weekly goal or habit tracker with your child.
Encourage them to create and stick to a “learning project” of their choice.
Introduce them to journaling or reflecting on their day and what they learned.
How to Encourage Polymathy in the 21st Century
Being a generalist isn’t about being average at everything — it’s about developing a breadth of interests and then diving into them with passion. Here’s how to build that environment for your child:
1. Embrace Curiosity Over Expertise
When your child asks a question you don’t know the answer to, celebrate it! Look it up together. Let them see that adults are still learning too.
Example: “Hmm, I’m not sure how submarines work. Let’s watch a video and find out!”
2. Offer a Variety of Tools and Toys
Give kids access to building blocks, books, art supplies, puzzles, musical instruments, cooking tools, sports gear — and let them try things out with no pressure to be great.
Tip: Rotate toys and tools every few weeks to refresh their excitement and attention.
3. Mix Physical, Mental, and Creative Activities
Polymaths engage their whole body and mind. Encourage activities that develop:
Physical skills: sports, dance, climbing, gardening.
Mental skills: reading, coding, chess, math games.
Creative skills: painting, storytelling, acting, music.
4. Model Being a Lifelong Learner
Let your child see you trying new hobbies or reading about unfamiliar topics. Talk openly about what you’re learning and where you’re struggling.
You might say: “I’ve never tried baking bread before — want to help me figure it out?”
5. Celebrate Failure as a Step in Learning
Generalists don’t fear failure — they expect it. When your child makes a mistake, show them how it helps them learn.
Encouraging phrase: “That didn’t work the way you hoped, but now you know something new. What might you try next?”
Real-Life Polymaths Kids Can Look Up To
Besides da Vinci and Franklin, there are modern role models who exemplify generalism:
Dolph Lundgren: actor, karate champion, chemical engineer, polyglot (speaks several languages).
Elon Musk: entrepreneur in rockets, cars, AI, and energy.
Natalie Portman: actress with a degree in neuroscience.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: bodybuilding champion, businessman, actor, politician.
Introduce these figures to your children and discuss how their diverse skills help them succeed and make a difference.
Shouldn’t Kids Still Specialize?
Yes — eventually. But early childhood and adolescence are the perfect time to explore. Specialization can come later, and it will be stronger and more authentic when it’s based on broad exposure and informed choice.
In fact, research shows that:
Early specialization (especially in sports or academics) can lead to higher dropout rates and injuries.
Late specializers often outperform their early-specialized peers in the long run because they bring cross-discipline insights and greater creativity.
Let your child sample widely — and then choose deeply when they’re ready.
Final Thoughts: Building a Future of Thinkers, Not Just Workers
In the 21st century, knowledge multiplies fast. Entire industries are disrupted by technology, and the most valuable skill of all is learning how to learn.
By raising a child who’s curious, adaptable, and confident exploring new things, you’re not just preparing them for a job. You’re preparing them for life — one where they can solve problems, invent, lead, create, and grow.
So next time your child bounces from building Legos to sketching comics to experimenting in the kitchen — smile. You might just be raising the next great polymath.
Call to Action:
Encourage your child this week to try something new — whether it’s a musical instrument, a science experiment, or writing their own comic book. Ask them what they’d like to explore and give them the space to follow their curiosity. The journey to becoming a generalist starts with just one question:
“What do you want to learn today?”