4 ms·
I think the author/post neglects the most important reason for valuing generalists and learning from them. (Hyper)specialists have a hard time understanding con
by ssivark 6y ago
I think the author/post neglects the most important reason for valuing generalists and learning from them. (Hyper)specialists have a hard time understanding context outside their narrow domains, and filtering the relevance of their own specialization to a situation. Having access to a highly sophisticated hammer, everything looks like a nail through their lens. Consequently, there have a hard time communicating with those not well-versed in their field. Eg, while being taught in grad school by a world renowned expert, I realized that he’d been teaching the subject longer than any of the students had been alive!
Generalists are typically far better at motivating the relevance of a problem/situation and filtering out the important details from the unimportant. That clarity serves as a great platform on which to then incorporate the inputs of specialists from different fields relevant to the situation.
Of course, none of this is meant to defend or elevate people participation in random internet discussions, or generating “content marketing”, to “generalists”.
- rmrfstar 6y ago> Generalists are typically far better at motivating the relevance of a problem/situation and filtering out the important details from the unimportant. Couldn't agree more. John von Neumann is a perfect example. His colleagues would often lament his unwillingness to adopt a narrow specialty, but I think it was his wide range that allowed him to maintain the passion that made him so effective. [1] [1] http://paulgraham.com/genius.html http://paulgraham.com/genius.html
- croissants 6y agoWell yeah, given the choice between specializing in one area and acquiring specialist-level expertise in a bunch of areas before you're 40 (which is what von Neumann did -- look at all of the sections in his Wikipedia page [1]!), it's better to do the second one. But most people are choosing between specializing in one or maybe two areas and having very-sub-specialist-level expertise in more. von Neumann's not an example of that kind of generalist. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_von_Neumann https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_von_Neumann
- hackerfromthefu 6y agoI think this illuminates the difference that makes the difference here. A polymath is actually good at many things, not just has an opinion about them. This takes an unusual level of ability. In other words a generalist is not a polymath, because the polymath is better at the generalised abilities. That's what felt wrong about the article, it was conflating unusually talented polymaths with the ubiquitous averagely talented internet pundits :p
- s17n 6y agoThe specialists that I've met have never been any less capable of understanding context outside their domains, or motivating problems, filtering out details than similarly intelligent people who don't have any specialist domain knowledge. I think we're talking about several separate characteristics: 1. General intelligence and articulateness 2. Deep knowledge of and skill in a specific domain 3. Willingness to bullshit A "specialist" is somebody who has 2, a "generalist" is somebody who has 3
- deleted 6y ago[deleted]
- justinclift 6y agoWhat about generalists who aren't willing to bullshit? ;)
- codpiece 6y agoI would suggest that 'bullshitting' in this case would be a willingness to openly converse and express spontaneous opinions with a third party in order to learn more about a subject. Caveat: The more eager you are, the likely more you'll be taken as a bullshitter.
- watwut 6y ago> openly converse and express spontaneous opinions with a third party in order to learn more about a subject No, it means confidently express spontaneous opinions and made up facts with a third party with in order to look more knowledgeable then you are and push for whatever you want to push for. Bullshiting typically involves people who are not willing to learn about a subject.
- justinclift 6y ago> Bullshiting typically involves people who are not willing to learn about a subject. ... or have decided on recommending a result (eg to decision makers) without any understanding or due diligence having taken place (yet).