Every man should aim to reach his full potential. The world we live in believes that emphasizing one skill is the way to succeed in life. A university degree narrows a graduate to a specific field. Then the graduate is expected to work in that field for some time period of time. Young boys are expected to choose a single sport or interest in which to excel. This notion is destroying the once-popular achievement of a well-rounded man.
A true gentleman doesn't have a grasp one or two skills, but all dynamics of his being. If he is blessed with the gift of intelligence, his academic pursuits should not be chased to the expense of his physical health. The creative personality should not lead a man to isolate himself and ignore the social part of his existence. Achieving excellence in one of these areas does not take away from the other. This serves to give a man a better understanding of his own existence, as well the condition of the world.
The origins of the renaissance man were in Italy and based on the idea that a man’s personal development has no limits. Competence in a broad range of abilities and areas of knowledge should be every man’s goal—and is within every man’s grasp.
The following is a breakdown of what is needed for a man to master his own element and become a renaissance man:
Knowledge
Man’s development stems from knowledge. A look at notable renaissance men throughout history makes it clear that this aspect is the most common and most extensive of all of their dreams. A man should always have a diverse knowledge of academic disciplines. The renaissance man didn’t understand the general sense of a field but nearly understood the full extent of what the field had to offer. Philosophy, Science, English, History and Politics are all fields a man should understand.
Read news sources that are the opposite of what you believe. Do not read something that further confirms what you already believes to be true. For example the conservative man should not listen to or read "Fox News" but should read or listen to "MSNBC" or "NPR." And, vice-versa for the liberal man. Watch documentaries regularly because they will widen the scope of knowledge. Look at a map of the world and study it. The world we live in is a place every man should know like the back of his hand. Read the classic works of Plato, Socrates and Nietzsche as their insights on the world will expose a man to the culture and the literary knowledge of humanity.
Subject yourself to material that is unknown to you, or that opposes your current ideas. Listen to audiobooks, non-partisan politics, scientific developments, religious practices and informative podcasts and listen to them on your daily commute. This is essential to expanding one's personal viewpoints, and it increases both a man’s competence and confidence.
Physical Development
Not every man is a gifted athlete, but that doesn’t mean he should not do his best to improve the physical self. Exercising the body is every bit as important as that of the mind, and research shows that the two are complimentary. Leonardo da Vinci is considered to be the poster boy for renaissance men. He was an inventor, scientist, artist and musician. All of this and he never neglected his physical health.
Most men don’t make a living off of physical fitness, so this is something that is purely personal discipline. Develop a somewhat healthy diet with a moderate consumption of unhealthy food and drink. Find dietary and exercises that make one want to do these things. A renaissance man should not be living a life that feels like drudgery.
Social Accomplishments
A well-adjusted social life is perhaps the most important factor for a man to maintain his personal sanity and mental health. Also, stronger interpersonal skills are to be gained through social interactions. It is a man’s duty as a citizen to be civic-minded and reach out to his community; this can be done through volunteerism or donation.
A man’s social being starts with his own unique personality. A man must recognize what he has to offer to contribute to a conversation. Take an interest in others lives, and they’ll take in interest in an individual's as well. A man must be a strong listener and speaker. Also he must be interested in what is being said, and he must be interesting himself. A man is not a man at all until he realizes the intrinsic value of others. A man will surely find that this social development is not only a personal skill, but a way to find success on any and every endeavor life has to offer.
The Arts
A modern man must recognize his creative self as a part of the whole. Knowledge of the arts shows his own form of expression, and is proven to be important in personal development. Many men overlook their personal talents in this area because they are seen as less valuable or profitable than other strengths. Find an area of the arts that you enjoy and give it a go. Every man needs to find their niche in the world of creation.
Many of history’s greatest minds wrote poetry to express their visions that could not be found in the real worlds of scientific findings or political theory. Pick up a pen and put it to paper, you may be surprised with what is produced. If one takes particular interest in music or painting then use this as a means of expression: a man must express himself. It will expand a man’s mind and teach a man more about himself. Exercising the creative side will likely prove an inspiration not only to oneself, but to others as well.
Jack of All Trades, Master of None or True Renaissance Man?
A renaissance man cannot master every single field humanity has created: it’s simply not possible. Also not every renaissance man will complete every task above in the same way, or to the same aptitude—or at all. That does not make him any less of a man than the one next to him. A man’s life is only about personal development in the best way he can, and the renaissance man recognizes this notion.
