Last year, in a post titled "Game changers in science and technology: The next 10 years, 2053 and the limits of knowledge, what we will never know" I highlighted a paper co-authored by Ulrich A.K. Betz alongside leading researchers from top universities, exploring transformative topics such as AI, biotechnology, and future resources. The paper envisions a new golden age for polymaths, fueled by universal access to knowledge and cutting-edge technologies.
In an intriguing continuation of this line of thought, a recent paper published in the journal Patterns by two American researchers puts forward the argument for nurturing AI-enabled polymaths as a strategic priority. These polymaths, empowered by the capabilities of AI, could help bridge the existing divide between the rapidly evolving theoretical advancements in fields like artificial intelligence and the practical applications necessary for societal transformation. The paper suggests that by fostering this kind of polymathic talent, we could accelerate our journey toward achieving artificial general intelligence https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266638992400271X
The authors seem to have missed a crucial point: polymathy could play a vital role in harmonizing competitiveness, economic growth, and sustainability. In this context, I previously emphasized the critical insights of Professor Robert Costanza. A scholar of remarkable distinction, Professor Costanza from University College London (UCL) has authored over a dozen publications with more than 1,000 Scopus citations each, including a landmark study cited over 15,000 times. This influential work quantified the economic value of environmental services, revealing that their worth exceeded the global GDP at the time.
PS - Each year, The Economist publishes its annual predictions, and the The World Ahead 2025 edition features a compelling article on 10 (ten) hypothetical scenarios. While unlikely, these scenarios highlight the need to prepare for unexpected possibilities. Polymaths, with their ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines, are particularly well-equipped to navigate such uncertainties, offering valuable insights for a rapidly evolving and unpredictable future.
