During the Renaissance the term Renaissance man meant someone who was skilled in multiple areas. People began to value those who were educated, artistic and could interact well in society. People who were well rounded began to be valued.
Leonardo da Vinci was considered the Ultimate Renaissance Man because he was a gifted artist, author and scientist.
Today we also place a high value on people who are gifted in more than one area. Click the link below of the Times 100 most influential people of 2010. (In order to not move away from the blog right click the link and open a new window)
Times Top 100 of 2010
I chose this link because almost everyone on the list is skilled in more than one area. Even if they are famous for one partiular area they all had to use other skills to land on this list. This demonstrates that in today's society we still value the idea of a Renaissance Man (or woman).
For your comment please pick a person from the Top 100 and read their bio. Once you have read their bio please comment on how the individual you chose can be considered a modern day renaissance man(or woman)!
I read the short article on Amy Smith, she is an engineer, activist, and teacher. She is a modern version of a Renaissance woman because she has mastered many skills and has used them to improve the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteSerena Williams has excelled as a tennis player, but is a leader because she has done work for children and education here in the US and in Kenya. Her skills go beyond sports (physical) and display how she has cultivated her intellectual and leadership abilities.
ReplyDeleteNeil Patrick Harris (formerly most popular for Doogie Howser, currently popular for How I Met Your Mother and the Harold and Kumar movies) - He is an exceptional actor (playing a womanizer on HIMYM while in reality a gay man), has a very talented singing voice, and is constantly doing charity work for multiple causes.
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