Renaissance Humans
Renaissance Humans #1
“A human being should be able to:
Change a diaper
Plan an invasion
Butcher a hog
Conn a ship
Design a building
Write a sonnet
Balance accounts
Build a wall
Set a bone
Comfort the dying
Take orders
Give orders
Cooperate
Act alone
Solve equations
Analyze a new problem
Pitch manure
Program a computer
Cook a tasty meal
Fight efficiently
Die gallantly
Specialization is for insects.”
—Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough For Love
Writing has many benefits. One of them is that it is a type of thinking— it aids in “dialing in your shot group,” to use a rifle marksmanship expression. Over the last few years, I can trace the movement of my own personal shot group through my writing. With that in mind, today I am going to rename the newsletter to better reflect where I want to go. Renaissance Humans encapsulates that destination.
The Renaissance (“rebirth,” in French) spanned from the 14th to the 17th century and marked a period of cultural, artistic, and intellectual renewal in Europe. It describes an era of advancements in art, science, literature, philosophy, and exploration, fueled by a revived interest in the classical knowledge of Ancient Greece and Rome.
Just as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were not just artists but also engineers, scientists, and inventors, a Renaissance Human pursues knowledge across a wide range of fields. They believe in the importance of being well-rounded, embracing both the arts and sciences— to become craftsmen and women of a good life. They foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and character in a journey of never-ending learning. As I’m defining the term, Renaissance Humans cultivate Mind, Body, and Spirit, in service of Community, and oriented to the Transcendentals.
As with most things involving humans, there was a shadow side to the Renaissance. Parts of the economy were financed by the slave trade, and women were not empowered to reach for such well-rounded humanness as the men. I think we can be both mindful of where the period fell short while cultivating the best of what it summoned forth.
In terms of content, nothing is changing. We’re still thinking about how to make sense of reality (And also when not making sense is the best play), the power of story (including my own journey as a storyteller), and searching for ways to coax the famously shy sagacity out of her hiding spots. The new name simply puts the focus on an aspiration— to be insightful and resilient humans of virtue.
What does that mean? It’s going to be different for different people, but Heinlein’s quote above captures the vibe. Not a specialist, not a generalist, but something in between. You have a couple things you’re pretty good at, and you develop a passable familiarity with many other things. Neither a Fox, nor a Hedgehog, but you lean Foxy. Maybe you’re what Admiral McRaven described as a “PhD that could win in a bar fight.” Although perhaps the sentiment is captured better in ironic sincerity by the Dos Equis Most Interesting Man in the World: “He’s a lover, not a fighter. But he’s also a fighter, so don’t get any ideas.”
Like most of history, this decade is going to have challenges. We’ll get through them the way we usually do—grit, gumption, and grace. We’ll discover how to be the humans this time calls for. Together. How to connect with and help one other. How to develop a sense of proportion regarding our relationship to technologies like smart phones and (anti) social media. And how to rediscover/remix the deep wisdom embedded within ancient myths, faith traditions, and stories.
Love the refocus and the mission. Looking forward to reading more.