By Waqās Ahmed
Published by Wiley, January 2019
£18.99/ US$27.50
Hardcover and e-book
ISBN: 9781119508489
"Essential reading for the coming decade"
Daniel Levitin, neuroscientist, musician and bestselling author, The Organized Mind
Published to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci – the most celebrated polymath in history – with an exclusive introductory Prologue from Professor Martin Kemp, the world’s leading authority on Leonardo da Vinci.
Every human is born with multifarious potential; and the most influential, highest performing people in world history realised this. Why, then, do parents, schools and employers today insist that we restrict our many talents and interests; that we 'specialise' in just one?
Over the years, we've been sold a myth, that to 'specialise' is the only way to pursue truth, identity, or even a livelihood. Yet specialisation is nothing but an outdated system that fosters ignorance, exploitation and disillusionment and thwarts creativity, opportunity and progress.
In The Polymath, author Waqās Ahmed weaves together a narrative of history and a vision for the future that seeks to disrupt the prevailing system of unwarranted ‘hyper-specialisation’, showing us that there is another way of thinking and being.
A Polymath is an exceptionally versatile human who excels in multiple, seemingly unrelated fields and rejects ‘specialisation’. Whether the reader’s interests lie in history, psychology, philosophy or business self-help, this book will enable them to:
Journey through history to explore the lives of some of the most adventurous and multifaceted people ever to have lived
Discover that many of the most influential people over time were in fact Polymaths
Explore the common traits of history's most self-actualised people such as Imhotep, Aristotle, Ibn Sina, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Maya Angelou
See how versatility has always been – and will continue to be – the most prized competency for change-makers and exceptional performers
Understand that the true specialist is actually always a Polymath
Find a blueprint for how to unlock your own many-sided potential, and in doing so, disrupt 'specialisation' as a system
Learn lessons from some of the greatest living polymaths on how to design a fulfilling, well-rounded life in the 21st century
Through an approach that is both philosophical and practical, Ahmed sets out a cognitive journey towards rediscovering and unlocking your innate polymathic state. Going further, he proposes nothing less than a cultural revolution in our education and professional structures, whereby everyone is encouraged to express themselves in multiple ways and fulfil their many-sided potential.
Not only does this enhance individual fulfilment, but in doing so, facilitates a conscious and creative society that is both highly motivated and well equipped to address the complexity of 21st century challenges.
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The Polymath will be available wherever books and ebooks are sold.
Praise for The Polymath:
"Truly inspirational…refreshingly educational" - Edward de Bono – originator of 'lateral thinking' and bestselling author of Six Thinking Hats
"I am too stunned to comment on this book…I am transformed and transcended; I will never be the same again" - F. Story Musgrave – NASA astronaut and polymath
"Wonderful" - AJ Jacobs, Editor-at-large, Esquire and 4-times NYT bestselling author
About the Author:
Waqās has been called 'an emerging young Leonardo da Vinci' for his work in various fields. He is currently Artistic Director at The Khalili Collections – one of the world's great art collections – and is simultaneously completing his postgraduate studies in Neuroscience at Kings College, London.
Previously, Waqās was Global Correspondent at FIRST Magazine, where his exclusive interviews included world leaders in government, business and academia. He was also the editor of Holy Makkah, the first-of-its-kind exploration of the sacred city, which received praise from UNESCO, the Commonwealth and the Vatican.
Born and raised in Britain, Waqās has since lived in several countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. He has degrees in Economics (BSc, SOAS) and International Relations (MSc, LSE), but his real education came from the five years he spent travelling the world researching and writing The Polymath, his first book. www.the-polymath.com
Katy Smith
Publicity Manager
katysmith@wiley.com
+44 (0) 1243 770215