While I was reading Al-Farabi's The Attainment of Happiness, which is my first ever philosophical book, I stared at his introduction in awe. The man, all by himself, wrote in politics, philosophy, metaphysics, religion, music, and psychology.
I searched and searched, till I came across the term polymathy, which was, in fact, the cool gentlemen's "thing" back then. We're talking Leonardo Da Vinci and Ibn Sina level of diversity here.
All of that made me think to myself: since when did specialization become cool or THE trend? When did it replace polymathy? Is it perhaps a man-made system?
So again, I did what I do best; I searched and searched.
Turns out it is. Ever since the 17th century and the industrial revolution, knowledge has become a little too much to grasp. Factories definitely didn't need a polymath that excels in maths and writes poetry every evening, they needed an individual that'd do only one task till the day of retirement. Only ONE task.
One cannot deny the importance of the industrial revolution, for everything we hold today was once a dream or a mere science fiction story. Including this phone I'm using to magically write these words!
However, with the rise of AI, an important question must be asked: are we slowly going back to the Renaissance Man era?
Think about it: now that AI is taking over all the lame parts of our jobs that don't require much intellectuality, does this perhaps mean that working hours moving forward could be reduced? Does this mean we will have more time to be curious about diverse topics and we'd seek more knowledge?
According to Al-Farabi, to attain happiness, man must pursue four different types of virtues. Firstly, we must learn the foundational theoretical sciences like maths, natural sciences, and metaphysics. Secondly, it is the practical arts, the tangible skills or crafts, like medicine, farming, or building! Thirdly, we have moral virtues, which is related to a person's character, habits and will. And these moral virtues are flexible, they change over time. Lastly, there is intellectual virtues, like problem solving or strategic thinking! Although he states using these must be in pursuit of a moral goal. Otherwise, one can never call it a virtue.
If Al-Farabi was alive in the 21st century, what would be his four steps to attain happiness? Would they stay exactly the same?
I consider it insane that his philosophy is so flexible, a one size fit all. We already do the very first step; although not with Al-Farabi's exact system. We have schools and we learn logical sciences there.
The 21st century's practical art could be coding or machine learning for example. Moral virtues must be established through strict legal systems and cultures. And lastly, intellectual virtues, which is not something to be taught. You just have to consistently put yourself in a situation where you have to actively solve a problem.
Those polymaths back in the day didn't have more than 24 hours a day, perhaps they just had more curiosity compared to us. And if I get to wish for one thing for myself, it'd be to be filled with so much curiosity then knowledge that'd make my head spark. I wish that for you too, dearest reader.
We're polymaths in nature, so good luck polishing yours.
Comments
Post a Comment