A little-known yet timeless archetype exists: the Philomath. But who is a Philomath, and why should we aspire to embody this spirit of perpetual learning? A Philomath is not merely a seeker of knowledge but a lover of wisdom in all its forms. The word “philomath” comes from the Greek “philos” (loving) and “mathēma” (learning); they fully embody the love of learning. A Philomath pursues knowledge across disciplines with a voracious appetite, savoring every bit. (Not to be confused with a polymath, this is someone who loves the possession of knowledge) A Philomath greatly enjoys the process of learning. Traditional boundaries do not confine them; instead, they explore the interconnectedness of ideas and disciplines, seeing learning as a lifelong adventure rather than a task with a final goal.

Why Embrace the Philomath’s Approach?

First, there is the thrill of curiosity. A Philomath’s curiosity transcends the confines of formal education. They embrace new ideas, challenge conventions, and revel in the joy of discovery. This alone should make the Philomath’s approach our number one priority, but there is more! In today’s fast-paced world, adaptability is key. A Philomath’s diverse knowledge base allows them to pivot, innovate, and thrive in various environments. Their learning across multiple disciplines enables them to connect disparate ideas and solve complex problems creatively. They see patterns where others see chaos, and they can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

But beyond professional advantages, embracing the Philomath’s approach enriches personal growth and fulfillment. It fosters empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the world and oneself. To put it simply, it ends up making us better humans.

Nurturing Philomathy in Education and Life

How can we foster that spirit in education and life for ourselves and our children? In education, we should encourage interdisciplinary studies, promote critical thinking, and cultivate an interest in knowledge that goes beyond textbooks and rote memorization. Again, we aren’t in it for the grades. We must value creativity and curiosity as much as technical skills and academic milestones. The goal is to prepare individuals not just for careers, but for meaningful lives enriched by joyful, constant learning.

Unfortunately, much of the joy of learning is systematically drained from traditional education. Learning often becomes a hurdle to jump or a new source of stress. Instead, the Philomath takes the idea that knowledge is power and understands that learning empowers and emboldens them.

Learning from Some Pretty Impressive Philomaths

Leonardo da Vinci, a quintessential Renaissance man, is a prime example of a Philomath. He excelled in art, science, engineering, anatomy, music, and many other fields. He had an insatiable curiosity and prolific output! His work demonstrates how diverse knowledge can be interconnected. While da Vinci is often praised as a genius, we aren’t taught to emulate his practices. Da Vinci had no formal education, so the knowledge he acquired came exclusively from his observation and curiosity. For him, every subject was equally important and informative as another. Again, he had no formal education or degree in any field, yet he is credited with being an expert artist, musician, engineer, inventor, architect, scientist, and visionary. Leonardo Da Vinci didn’t need permission to learn, and neither do we.

Before we get too stressed and compare ourselves with Leonardo, here’s a little reminder: We don’t have to match someone’s achievements to embrace their philosophies.

We could start to practice even in small ways and strengthen our curiosities, rekindle our wonder as adults, and keep it alive and well in our children. All children are born Philomaths; they are boundlessly curious and interested in everything they see because every new experience is a wonder to them! We need to protect that.  

Another exemplary Philomath is Carl Sagan, an American astronomer, astrophysicist, and science communicator known for his research in planetary science, his role in popularizing science, and his wide-ranging interests in the cosmos and the human condition. Sagan observed that children often lose their sense of scientific wonder between first and twelfth grade. He partly blames the trend on indifferent adults who reproach children for their boundless curiosity and states that: “Bright, curious children are a national and world resource. They need to be cared for, cherished, and encouraged.” Sagan also said about children: “They’re curious, intellectually vigorous. Provocative and insightful questions bubble out of them.” And yet he noticed that kids in the school system: “Memorize ‘facts.’ By and large, though, the joy of discovery, the life behind those facts, has gone out of them. They’ve lost much of the wonder and gained very little skepticism. They’re worried about asking ‘dumb’ questions; they’re willing to accept inadequate answers…”

He also puts a lot of weight and responsibility on the adults in the children’s lives: “Too many teachers and parents answer with irritation or ridicule, or quickly move on to something else… Children soon recognize that somehow, this kind of question annoys the grown-ups. After a few more experiences like it, another child has been lost…” I don’t disagree, but these adults were once children driven away from their natural Philomathic nature by a system. This has us caught in a vicious cycle.

Here are a few points to support the idea that all kids are born Philomaths:

1. Natural Curiosity: Children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. They ask so many questions; they want to understand how things work and are fascinated by new experiences and knowledge.
2. Learning Through Play: Play is the most fundamental way children learn. Through play, they experiment with different roles, ideas, and problem-solving strategies, which helps them understand various concepts and develop new skills.
3. Adaptability and Openness: Children are generally open to new experiences and adaptable to change. This flexibility allows them to absorb a wide range of information and learn from various situations.
4. Diverse Interests: Children’s interests are often broad and varied. They might show enthusiasm for subjects ranging from nature and science to art and music. They have an inherent tendency to explore multiple fields.
5. Intrinsic Motivation: Unlike adults, who, in many cases, have been taught to look for and need external motivation to learn, children often have an inherent drive to learn and discover. 

So there you go, all the fundamental traits of Philomaths. But it’s essential to nurture and support these natural inclinations. The education system, parenting, and societal influences play significant roles in fostering or diminishing a child’s love for learning. Creating environments that encourage exploration, curiosity, and a passion for knowledge can help maintain and develop the nature children are born with. What would be a better way to handle kids’ frequent bursts of inquisitiveness? The obvious response, Sagan said, is simply to try to answer their queries: “Even an incomplete attempt constitutes a reassurance and encouragement.”

If you genuinely have no idea where to begin when a child forces you to think about an answer to why the grass is green or how the Earth was formed, you can look it up on your phone and translate the facts as best you can. Better yet, you could go on a quest to the local library or, if possible, run an experiment that addresses their question. And if their question doesn’t have an answer yet? Sagan also suggested a reply for this scenario: “Maybe when you grow up, you’ll be the first to find out.”

Empower our children and, in doing so, empower the children we once were.

To adopt a Philomath’s approach is to embrace a life of continuous exploration and intellectual curiosity.  It's about seeking not just answers but understanding, not just knowledge but wisdom. As we navigate the complexities of our world, let’s strive to embody the spirit of the Philomath. Because in learning, we find not just information but the essence of leading a fulfilling life.