In a two-part series two weeks ago (The Disappearing
Academic Fox? Parts
I and II),
I discussed Edward Carr’s article in the Autumn edition of Intelligent Life,
The Last Days Of The Polymath,
drawing lessons and questions about its implications for the legal academy. On October 12, Carr
appeared on the BBC to discuss the article. (starts around 12:20)
The Intelligent Life
blog also put together a list
of twenty living polymaths. A
few aspects of the list that probably will not surprise: it is “overwhelmingly
male, mostly Anglophone and all over the age of 45.” One thing that will surprise readers, I think: George Foreman made the
list! Yes, he of boxing, grills,
and five sons, all also named George Foreman.
(HT: Paul
Kedrosky)