The Importance of Wide-Ranging Interests

The Importance of Wide-Ranging Interests

I recently ran a short course on Reading Comprehension and Communicating Ideas in Writing for the Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET). During the break, I overheard students talking about how much they hated reading and writing, and how much they preferred maths and science instead. This worried me because these students were discounting two of the four components required to do well in the ASET. And it also concerned me for reasons beyond the test.

History shows, for instance, that many significant individuals have demonstrated curiosity in BOTH the arts and sciences. Obvious examples include Aristotle and Leonardo Da Vinci, who made significant contributions to the two fields. But besides them, it is also worth noting Arts titans like Mark Twain who had an interest in electricity, so much so that he struck up a relationship with Nicolas Tesla and was a regular visitor to his lab. Prominent scientists too have shown an interest in the arts. Robert Oppenheimer was well known for quoting poetry while working on a project to split the atom.

So, to conclude, I would encourage all students and parents not to discount one area of study for another. Many significant individuals have demonstrated curiosity in BOTH the arts and sciences. Wide-ranging interests demonstrate a curious mind and those individuals who will make the next significant contribution to society.