- #1
Loren Booda
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Who do you think is the world's greatest polymath (a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas)?
The most knowledgeable person on Earth
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on identifying the world's greatest polymath, with notable mentions including Murray Gell-Mann and Kim Peek. Participants highlight Gell-Mann's extensive knowledge across physics and linguistics, particularly referencing his challenging book "The Quark and the Jaguar." Additionally, Richard Feynman's teaching prowess and inspirational impact are acknowledged. The debate also touches on the distinction between the quantity of knowledge and true understanding, particularly in relation to Kim Peek's remarkable memory of over 12,000 books.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of polymathy and its significance in various fields.
- Familiarity with the works of Murray Gell-Mann, particularly "The Quark and the Jaguar."
- Knowledge of Richard Feynman's contributions to physics and education.
- Awareness of Kim Peek's cognitive abilities and memory capabilities.
- Research the contributions of Murray Gell-Mann to quantum physics and linguistics.
- Explore Richard Feynman's teaching methods and their impact on science education.
- Investigate Kim Peek's life and the implications of his memory on understanding knowledge retention.
- Examine the concept of polymathy and its relevance in modern interdisciplinary studies.
This discussion is beneficial for educators, students of science, and anyone interested in the intersections of knowledge across disciplines, particularly in the context of polymathy and cognitive abilities.
- #2
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World's greatest, I don't know. But in the top, Murray Gell-Mann.
- #3
jobyts
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- #4
Ivan92
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Sheldon Cooper. You never said he had to be a real character x)
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Functor97
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Saul Kripke http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Kripke"
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- #6
rhody
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PAllen said:
I am inclined to think this too. I had trouble reading: "The Quark and the Jaguar", on top of all of his knowledge is that he is a linguist, his writing I found difficult. I put the book away a couple of times before finishing it, but I did finish. His deep knowledge of so many areas of physics, history, etc, etc... borders on the unbelieveable. He is one of the few authors I have read that actually made my head hurt.
Rhody...
P.S. Feynman has been mentioned yet, but personally I find his work amazing and his ability as a teacher to inspire others unsurpassed, even to this day. I wish he were still here with us.
- #7
Jimmy Snyder
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He's the guy who discovered that water is H2O.Functor97 said:
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- #8
arildno
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Me!
- #9
BishopUser
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I guess it depends on quality or quantity of knowledge, but it is worth mentioning Kim Peek (I guess he died two years ago though). I saw a documentary on the science channel some time ago that credited him as probably the most knowledgeable person.
"According to an article in the Times newspaper, he could recall the content of at least 12,000 books from memory" I wonder if he had a true understanding of what he read or whether it was just pure memory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Peek
"According to an article in the Times newspaper, he could recall the content of at least 12,000 books from memory" I wonder if he had a true understanding of what he read or whether it was just pure memory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Peek