Frequently Asked Questions
We learn by asking questions
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions, helping users find the information they need quickly and easily.
Can there be a Renaissance Woman?
Of course there can! In fact, one of the very first “Renaissance Men” was a woman.
Why Renaissance Man and not Renaissance Person or an Individual Upholding the Renaissance Ideal?
The term “Renaissance Man” has a specific, broadly understood meaning and communicates that meaning with a minimum of words. No other option exists in the English language that achieves these two goals. But the term has its limitations, so as we flesh out the Renaissance Man framework, we will be using the term “Driven Innovator”,
Must I have a PHD in nuclear physics and an Olympic gold medal to be a Renaissance Man?
You can have both and still not be a Renaissance Man. High recognition and accomplishment are not required, but broad learning, a drive for excellence, and a passion for integrating varied skills and knowledge to drive change is.
What are the official requirements to be a Renaissance Man?
There is no official set of requirements. The classical Renaissance Man had a specific list including athletics, philosophy, art, science, and music. The list of modern disciplines is organized differently to help us understand the balance of philosophical and physical, inner and outer, and help drive us to be more balanced and more broadly skilled.
But the real hallmark of a Renaissance Man isn’t excellence in multiple fields. Instead, it’s personal core attributes of curiosity, orchestration of diverse fields, resilience, and a passion for excellence. It is these core drives that makes him what only he can be – an innovator.
What are the requirements to join the Savant Institute?
The drive to be a Renaissance Man is all that is required to join us. With that desire, you’re likely to have already achieved a broad set of experiences, skills, and achievements. Without it, you probably wouldn’t have been reading this or asking that question.
What is a Savant?
Savants are people of great skill in their field of endeavor. Typically, we discuss an unusually gifted child or an absolute master of a field as a Savant. The Renaissance Man tends to excel in more than one field of endeavor.
Through our community, we learn from them in our journey to master multiple fields, manage our unique challenges, and develop our transformative talents.
Where is the Savant Institute?
The Savant Institute is presently an online community, but as we grow and mature, we might add official offices and perhaps a more physical presence where there are concentrations of members.
Who runs the Savant Institute?
At this early stage, the Savant Institue is run by our Executive Director Paul Pence. He is fully accessible to the membership and happy to assist with any questions. After the community is firmly established, leadership will transfer to a member-elected board.
Is the Savant Institute a non-profit organization?
Non-profit status is planned, but it is not presently registered as a non-profit.
How much does it cost?
It costs nothing to investigate and learn vicariously from our members and our resources. Joining the community, creating your own portfolio for peer review, commenting in the discussions, and participating fully in our joint journey does require a token $15 per year membership to share the expenses of running the community.
How can I join?
Follow this link to the community site www.savantinstitute.org, verify your email, and explore.
More questions? We’re happy to help!