In today’s world, people generally fall into two categories: specialists and generalists. However, I find myself outside of both classifications.

As children, we’re often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Many of us change our minds frequently during our youth, but as we mature, specializing becomes the expected path. Some discover their talents and pursue them, while others find their passions align with profitable careers. Yet, there are those who continue to seek their true calling, feeling lost in the process.

My challenge, however, is different. I am deeply enthusiastic about virtually every subject that captures my attention. It’s not that I get bored easily; rather, the myriad of interests in my life often leads me to shift my focus to something new. From a young age, my ambition was to become a scientist. I dedicated years to studying astronomy, mathematics, physics, and evolutionary biology, deeply immersing myself in each discipline until another piqued my curiosity. In my early teenage years, I discovered art and design, dedicating a decade to creating sculptures, paintings, graphic design, animations, typography, desktop publishing, film, and photography. By the time I entered university, I chose to pursue electrical engineering, which redirected my interests yet again. This cycle of exploration has continued. I have delved into electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, neuroscience, art, graphic design, product design, business, ancient history, and languages, among other subjects. I remain passionately invested in all of these fields, yet there is never enough time or energy to explore them all fully. Embracing my tendency to specialize in various areas has led me to several realizations:

1. Deep Knowledge Across Disciplines is Valuable

   As I’ve sought to understand my purpose, I’ve become increasingly interested in assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. Multi-faceted challenges, like designing such technologies, require collaboration from experts in diverse fields to integrate their extensive knowledge effectively. Possessing various backgrounds enables quicker connections and innovative solutions that often remain hidden when one limits themselves to a single area of expertise.

2. Understanding Others Through Diverse Perspectives

   My varied specialization helps me empathize with others, fostering closer relationships. I appreciate disagreements, viewing them as opportunities to broaden my perspective and enhance my understanding.

3. Society’s Lack of Appreciation for Polymaths

   One major frustration I face is the rigid specialization prevalent in society. There are few career paths that accommodate individuals who blend creativity with extensive knowledge across multiple domains. In a leadership course at Harvard Business School (HBS), we discussed the concept of a “sweet spot”—the intersection of our strengths, passions, and external motivations (like financial rewards).

   I often find myself envious of my HBS peers who confidently claim to have discovered their sweet spot. My passions and strengths intertwine, creating an ever-expanding circle of interests, while external motivations exert little influence on my decisions. I feel compelled to explore every profession imaginable, often finding that most jobs utilize only a small fraction of my abilities. My years as an electrical engineer left me feeling stifled, as my other skills went unrecognized. To combat this, I pursued various startups, engaged in construction projects, volunteered in education, and took numerous courses on languages and business, all while participating in various sports. This led to a sense of burnout, and now, while studying at MIT—a place that encourages interdisciplinary specialization—I remain uncertain about my future career path. It seems that entrepreneurship may be the closest fit.

4. The Natural Instinct to Self-Teach

   With limited opportunities for multiple degrees and recognizing that learning can occur outside traditional education, I embraced self-directed learning. The rise of digital media has made information more accessible, simplifying the learning process. I once struggled with languages despite years of formal study. However, once I had the time to focus on language acquisition, I found that it’s possible to progress from a beginner to an intermediate level in just a few months. I began with Koine Greek, followed by ancient Hebrew and Aramaic, and eventually read through the entire Bible in its original texts. My record stands at mastering seven languages in a year. Some may question the feasibility of such rapid progress; however, I believe the conventional education system often falls short in effective teaching methods for every learner. By self-educating, I discovered strategies that resonate with my learning style, allowing me to pick up new languages more efficiently.

5. Joy in Learning, Driven by Curiosity

   Much of my enthusiasm for learning stems from my mother’s influence. I don’t consider myself particularly intelligent, but her teaching methods during my formative years played a pivotal role in my achievements.

   1. Early Instruction

   My mother began educating me before I was born. By the age of two, I was capable of performing basic arithmetic. By three, I could read children’s books in Chinese, and by five, I was tackling novels and science texts in the same language. When I started school at five-and-a-half, she allowed me the freedom to explore and learn independently, a departure from typical expectations for Asian parents.

   2. Making Learning Enjoyable

   This approach cultivated a positive attitude toward education. My mother made learning enjoyable, sparking my curiosity about the world and encouraging exploration across various subjects. She employed a reward system rather than punitive measures, fostering a love for learning that has persisted.

   3. Freedom from Coercion

   Whenever I lost interest or grew tired during lessons, she would allow me to take breaks. My family’s financial constraints meant I didn’t participate in the extracurricular activities that many peers enjoyed, which I sometimes envied. Yet, my friends later expressed appreciation for my situation, recognizing that I remained curious and passionate about various subjects without feeling forced into activities that might have led to resentment. My lack of resources may have contributed to my self-directed learning and exploration, possibly compensating for the opportunities I missed in my youth.

6. Maintaining Humility and Hunger for Knowledge

   Each new piece of knowledge reinforces my awareness of how much remains to learn across various domains, from interpersonal skills to political nuances. My continual exploration means I am often a novice in unfamiliar areas, reminding me that everyone possesses unique skills and experiences from which I can learn.

What Has Shifted?

As children, many of us juggled multiple subjects and extracurricular activities seamlessly. However, as adults, why do so many individuals confine themselves to a single specialization? Is it merely societal pressure? If so, why can’t I conform like others?

My future remains uncertain, yet I am resolute in my commitment to lifelong learning and delving deeply into numerous fields and subfields.

See also: When You Don’t Have One True Calling (Part II) — Defining a Polymath and The Case for Multiple Personalities.