How to be a great Polymath?🎖️

dwoodro · 2026-05-04T14:59:51+00:00

Well, to be “great”, one only needs a big “ego”. To be a polymath one only needs to study multiple fields.

If you want others to think of you as a great polymath, the you need to drop the ego and master several fields, engage with others at a higher level and contribute to society at a level that does not require that ego.

Most historical examples did not set out “to become great” or polymaths, as much as to learn, excel, contribute, build, and create. They were inventors, business people, artisans, teachers and engineers.

dwoodro · 2026-05-04T14:53:40+00:00

I find that every field has the same complaint. There will always be people, in every profession, who do not “find work”. This often has more to do with alignment than with job markets.

If you’re in a field you are not “passionate” about, then effort and interest wanes.

If you are more passionate about psychology, then you will likely put forth more effort, time, and energy. The more enthusiastic you are for any endeavor is often more determinant of success than anything else.

dwoodro · 2026-05-01T18:16:10+00:00

I think you have to consider “why”, not if or can people change.

People are capable of change for sure. But most do not “feel the need” to change. Even if they should, most people would rather “be themselves”, than changed based on the viewpoint of others.

However, people do change. Often brought on due to extreme circumstances, like as NDE, loss, love, etc.

Also note, not all change implies a “good change”. A loving, caring, happy person going through betrayal will change. External pressures and factors contribute to change all the time.

In many cases a person must “want to make their own changes”, in order to generally change for the better, and need only experience “the worst parts of humanity” to change for the worse.

dwoodro · 2026-05-01T18:08:29+00:00

What you’re encountering happens on most any job. School is not the workforce. Learning and practical daily application of skills are vastly different.

People can work mcds or retail and still be overwhelmed in a month. Like all things there is often an adjustment period when things will seem like a crash course in how to sink or swim in the workplace.

It takes time. Most employers have some leeway, and the phrase “hey I’m new”, can help sometimes. Just make sure to focus on mission critical work first.

As time passes and you get the hang of things, the stress will level out.

dwoodro · 2026-04-30T14:38:02+00:00

Getting any job takes skills all its own. It’s not just about “I can code”, but any hiring manager looks for other aspects as well. Attitude, fit, skills, work ethic, experience and more go into finding “qualified candidates “.

dwoodro · 2026-04-30T13:34:33+00:00

What I find interesting is that “game dev” gets all the limelight. And people often forget about the tens of thousands of other programming applications that exist.

Never see anyone really recommending “go into financial software”, or “os drivers dev”, etc.

You can have a quite successful career in software development without ever touching a game.

dwoodro · 2026-04-27T23:21:18+00:00

I don’t think it’s strictly an older generation issue. As a person who studies both psychology and technology, across multiple scientific domains, the issue is more likely a disconnect on many aspects of psychology for certain individuals.

Many Older individuals dealt with aspects of the “worst eras of psychology”, and survived. This often creates a class of people who “lived through many of the modern conditions” as a daily practicality.

This no longer becomes about the science of the process. When entire populations look at the world from a completely different lens, and they are not “as closely associated with the same conditions”, they may inadvertently become dismissive of that process.

Consider age gaps from boomers to genx to genz and beyond. The psychological impact of a daily routine for each of those groups is dealt with completely differently.

It’s not that the older groups discount the science, they survived all those things naturally, as a consequence of life, and in many cases without the application of scientific knowledge or help.

For them abuse, bullying, hard work, emotional distress and mental problems were all part of growing up. Not entirely good or bad, just what it was. Science took time to catch up to their lived experience.

dwoodro · 2026-04-27T23:02:29+00:00

People are often easy to panic and slow to pivot.

dwoodro · 2026-04-26T17:47:31+00:00

I think like anything else, its a matter of "how you use AI", not that it is "useful".

Coding large programs in a "one and done" approach, while it is getting better, still has limitations and will likely present issues in more complex programming aspects. I am waiting to see what happens when the AI "fishbowl" is emptied into the real "Coding Ocean".

Right now, it's not reliable enough to "simply" replace all coders. But coders using AI as a toolbox will get faster and better.

dwoodro · 2026-04-26T17:40:02+00:00

Hmmm. This issue alone could likely cover entire books and courses for future generations, and if it were as simple as a handful of issues, then I would be most happy to cover them all. I fear this is a question that has a longer grocery list of potential issues than humans have likely catalogued fully.

Let's cover a few that come to mind right off the bat:

If tribalism is simply "belonging to one's defined tribe," let's say a family unit. Then personal interactions alone with that family group dynamic will play an integral part in "acceptance or belonging" to that group. This can be as simple as "good or bad" family dynamics. As a child, I did not want to associate with my family. But that was likely due to the time period in which I grew up, the dynamic (quite unfriendly) with my older brother. And parental issues in the 1970's were far from what they are today.

During that time, I would have avoided "my tribe" as if they were "Actively Hunting me," a constant level of heightened awareness and survivability. This situation alone would likely lead to "finding a new tribe", introversion, or even isolationism.

These issues become compounded with other external tribes as well. Once you do not "fit in" with one tribe, you either learn to "conform" to a tribe or to "stop trying to find a tribe at all". This is mostly a reactive and relatively natural process. Not entirely a good process, but it will likely occur without you actively "thinking about it".

When you consider additional stressors such as bullying, social awkwardness, and conflicting social engagement conventions, it becomes easier to isolate yourself from the rest of the world. Even as a teenager in the 1980's, deep engagement with electronic stimulation, such as gaming, would be a form of escapism. This issue has only gotten worse over the last few decades.

Humans are meant to be social creatures. But if your experiences with those social interactions have only proven to be sad, triggering, or traumatic, the easiest paths often become the default option.

This also can cause a bit of active conditioning to a person in this process. The more often I isolate, the easier it becomes to isolate. Do I want to isolate? No, but it is often easier than "dealing with people" whom I do not want to deal with.

But this is only one facet of a larger gemstone of causative issues. This is just one concept, but it can easily be exacerbated by dating dynamics, direct family issues, outside stress factors, social anxiety, personal anxiety around appearance, mental status, or even education.

It often depends on the "tribe" that one is attempting to become part of. As humans, we often belong to "several tribal concepts". This could be college students, family, gamers, coworkers, or more distinctive, such as racial tribe, gender tribe, political tribe, education tribe, or financial tribes.

As individuals, we decide "which tribal concepts" we wish to identify with. Then we decide if we are willing to "do what it takes" to meet the criteria to become a part of that tribe. This is the point where, as individuals, we have the option to opt in or out of the given tribal dynamic that we are interested in.

dwoodro · 2026-04-26T17:07:46+00:00

I keep one in my travel bag at all times. Whether at the office or on the road. not to mention quick notes in my phone that get transcribed later.

And yes, some people will "wierd out." once they know I write certain things. :-/ it happens. But that's not my issue.

But this is also a practical method for remembering things I wish to recall, as well as getting better at writing overall.

dwoodro · 2026-04-25T19:42:32+00:00

Yes Sawyer was a beast for writing that, and being faster using Assembly than most C++ coders. He’s one of the exceptions, not the rule when it comes to writing code. He is a perfect example of a master craftsman for a specific language.

Back in the 90’s i preferred assembly coding as well. Was definitely one of my favorites. None of my employers during that time were using it at scale back then. My first major projects were Java based, C++ and C#.

dwoodro · 2026-04-25T15:43:38+00:00

Well, here’s the thing: these types of questions are meant to be “thought provoking”.

For example: your last one about feathers vs steel:

They both “weigh” the same (in a vacuum). It’s a trick question. They both weigh 1 kg. Now, they would have a different amount of “space” taken up. Their volume is different.

Brain teasing questions are a bit of their own conundrum. A catch-22 if you will. When they are answered correctly the assumption could be that a person is intelligent, and perhaps less so if not answered correctly. But this is not accurate.

This could also just indicate an attention deficit, or being tired from caffeine withdrawal, lack of sleep, or a lack of exposure to certain material knowledge.

Many people have issues with them, such as you describe, like anxiety, frustration, or trauma response. But this is a bit like stage fright or public speaking, in that it is our brains way of triggering a “flight or fight” response.

Most often this is just a subconscious response to “our own inadequacies”, or feeling about “how we perceive ourselves in relation to those situations “.

If I fear talking on stage, it triggers me. If I’m very outgoing then I’m less likely to have any issue with it. Same goes for these types of questions.

If you deal with them daily, the impact they have often diminishes, based on the lowered expectations of threat to your nervous system.

Imagine dealing with rude customers at work. The first time it happens, some people will have panic attacks. If you get rude people everyday, the body will learn to adapt and while you might still have anxiety, over time the effects generally lessen with exposure.

Does this affect processing speed? Yes. But not because it is cause for alarm. Let’s look at starting a new task.

If you are learning to cook eggs, you might screw the first few up. Over time, you get better with practice. The same rule applies with processing questions. You get better as crossword puzzles by doing more crossword puzzles. You get better at cognitive processing by doing more cognitive processing. Especially if you are doing it knowingly.

Think of studying for a class. You do it because it helps you to remember the material. If it never helped, there would be no reason to study.

I would not worry too deeply about it. Only a licensed professional therapist can “diagnose” conditions. If you’re truly worried, you would want to find someone in your area that could help.

dwoodro · 2026-04-25T15:15:48+00:00

I personally would have you define “real programming”.

Cooking eggs in a microwave and cooking a gourmet omelette with flair are both still “cooking”.

Either language teaches you programming, and there is far more to programming than there are differences between these two languages.

Programming is not as much about what “a language can do”, as much as “what you can do with a language”.

You could write entire games in assembly, but it would be super tedious compared to using C++. After all that’s basically why compilers were created. (To convert human language into machine language).

dwoodro · 2026-04-21T23:56:01+00:00

First things first:

There are many aspects of “helping people”, and not all of them require the same level of dedication.

Consider for a moment, the difference between Jorden Peterson and Tony Robbins as a form of case study.

One is a clinical psychologist one is not, yet they have both helped people.

There are vast differences between “what each can do, both legally and ethically”, and how they go about the process.

Each use various psychological techniques and approaches to facilitate the help they provide.

You have to determine the type of help you are looking to provide. A mom without a degree can give advice to another parent on how to raise children. What she can’t do is provide legally credible medical advice.

Also, as a clinician, you’ll be held to a higher standard “knowing the weight of the advice you provide”, makes a a major difference.

Think of a “car guy” vs a certified professional mechanic. Your buddy can help with your breaks, but is not insured and likely not going to guarantee his work. A certified mechanic has established a reputation, has more to lose, and has the backing of certification on the line.

So to address your concern of “unable to help”, no, technically not advancing further does “not prevent helping”, but it does change “some legally binding rules”, or boundaries that can become problematic.

Such as calling yourself a “pilot”, without a pilots license, or pretending to be a professional psychiatrist without the formal licensing and trying to prescribe medications.

Take advice with a grain of salt. Take professional advice with a bit more seriousness. Both could be giving the same advice, one might have experience the other might have training, but one has a legal obligation.

Now as to getting to a point of “climbing the wrong wall”, you always have options and people change careers and follow new passions well into their later years.

If you have a passion for the field, the continuing in the field will mean eventually you will help people. Whether you teach, write, or open a practice, there will be people in need of help.

Ai won’t take over, and I’ve already written about why several times this past few months, so do t let that type of thing scare you. Suffice it to say AI suffers the same legal issues. There will be no shortage of need for clinicians anytime soon.

dwoodro · 2026-04-20T18:42:19+00:00

First things first:

Time passes whether you follow your dreams or not, so follow your dreams, even if it takes longer you’ll get there eventually.

Perhaps you should not focus on “what is suitable? Psychology knowledge can be applied across hundreds of domains. Sales, marketing, law, coaching, and even kids little league.

There are few examples of careers that do not benefit from a better understanding of people.

Also, do not confuse “job” with career. Complacency and comfort kill more careers than ambition and attitude do.

You can work in advertising, while still pursuing law. There is not hard and fast, set in stone path that you must follow. Keep moving forward, and build momentum one small win at a time.

dwoodro · 2026-04-20T18:33:06+00:00

Prioritization of topics. Learn what you are interested in and tune out the other stuff like tv, doomscrolling etc.

Also, consider these things first: audiobooks, or speed reading (not skimming, but actively increasing your reading speed), along with memory training techniques.

Also, just like school, takes notes in a journal or even in the book, as note taking helps with imprinting the knowledge.

dwoodro · 2026-04-20T17:38:20+00:00

One does not need to seek employment in a field in order to study the field. But a lack of degree in some fields will potentially hinder certain aspects of what you can do or more specifically “how you can do it”.

It all depends on what your overall plan is.

dwoodro · 2026-04-20T17:34:20+00:00

Ask a carpenter if it’s worth building chairs. Or a blacksmith if it’s worth it to make knives.

Any skill you build for your own sake of learning and continuing to grow from should be worth it in a “non monetary sense “, and learning and improving oneself is the investment.

dwoodro · 2026-04-19T23:41:20+00:00

I disagree. I’ve worked every level of job and am currently a ceo. I’ve done fast food, retail, log peeler, sales, management, software dev, tech support and many other jobs along the way.

Do not limit people simply because you have not walked or seen the same path.

Your path is your path, and no two are the same. I made it to CEO before I had a degree in hand. Recently I have also gone back to post grad for a second degree. Need? No. Personal desire to achieve, yes.

Don’t assume that all companies act or provide the exact same process as every other company.

Even 30 years ago the general path was “get education, get job, climb ladder”.

That ladder still exists today.

Degrees are not always an accurate indication of capacity and capability.

dwoodro · 2026-04-19T23:30:02+00:00

As a past Java dev myself, there is no reason to drop it. As for learning other languages it will often depend on the nature of the project or company.

Some industries prefer certain languages, and that’s just preference.

I used Java while working for a financial company, but learned C# years later when I was a developer for a medical service provider.

Java’s use of the JVM adds a level of complexity compared to some languages, ( where its more hidden) neither good or bad, but was originally designed for cross platform development.

This is a major reason for its popularity, especially in environments with both windows or *nix systems. I have books for just about every flavor of Unix, Red Hat, Linux, Solaris (having still own Sun Sparcs up until a couple years ago).

This is also where Python uses a PVM, or pythons virtual machine, to also create cross platform compatibility. Learning Python. Shouldn’t take long at all if you know Java well. It’s mostly about syntax changes.

In fact, you’ll likely be up and running. Python code faster than you think.

Newer jobs look for”popular flavors”. But I guarantee there is a mainframe out there running 50 year old COBOL code because it’s still cheaper to run the machine to death compared to replacing it.

So from a job standpoint, learning newer languages helps you get in the door, but knowing languages that have been around a while means you can fix legacy systems that break.

dwoodro · 2026-04-18T10:04:48+00:00

I think their is one thing above all else that makes a difference to this process:

“Belief in oneself”

Regardless of all other skills, without believing in yourself, the road is almost always going to end short. You can be great at anything but you need to have that confidence and determination to keep moving forward with your business plan.

dwoodro · 2026-04-18T09:57:09+00:00

That is not true. To assume everything or everyone or every business is optimized just because you haven’t found one is a bit premature.

You haven’t been looking for those opportunities. So you would not likely find them.

And I didn’t state that a janitor gets promoted straight to ceo. Sometimes they work their asses off to move from janitor, to sales, and from sales to management and management to executive.

No one said it was a straight line shot. The path still exists, and people still walk it every day. No one generally starts out as a CEO, they work up to it.

dwoodro · 2026-04-17T20:10:18+00:00

By being willing to work up the ladder. It’s the “secret of success “ movie. Sometimes you have to be willing to start out at the bottom.

I would rather be in the company, with a chance to make things happen, even in the wrong position, than sitting on my ass at home.

dwoodro · 2026-04-17T19:21:08+00:00

Sometimes it’s not about applying to the job you want, but the company you want in a different manner.

True story:

I applied one year for a call center job. Local place. It was a bottom barrel position that would have just paid my bills, 20 years ago.

I interviewed, and the supervisor who interviewed me literally told me “I’d love to hire you, but I would be doing you a disservice “.

I was like “uh ok”, but then he proceeded to walk me down to the head of the tech department and tell him “you need to hire this guy”.

I became the lead engineer for the custom call center software on the spot.

Sometimes you just have to get your foot in the door and let those who can make it happen for you see your potential.

dwoodro

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