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“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci

If I wanted a tool that would represent a well-lived life I’d reach for a Swiss Army Knife. It’s the perfect tool to get most jobs done. It travels well, and no matter the direction one of its implements is pulled can always find its way home – to its core.

Karl Elsener, a Swiss inventor, created this handy all-purpose tool in 1891 giving the world access to different solutions for a broad assortment of problems, all within the proud owner’s pocket.

\"\"Elsener’s knives are the polymaths of the tool world. They’re like little Renaissance Men and Women. Their capabilities span many disciplines. Polymaths, when they are people (not knives), have mastered separate, unrelated, and unusual skills – each helping them be more creative in their work and relationships with others.

Monomaths, on the other hand, are those who learn one thing well, like a corkscrew that is excellent at opening wine, yet not suitable for cutting twine. They are the experts, the authorities, on one thing.

Maybe monomaths make more money (at first), but what if that single skill becomes obsolete. I’m sure buggy whip makers thought there would always be the need for a device controlling the buggy – never seeing a world without horse-drawn carriages. 

As graduation approaches for many students, I wonder whether they will focus on being experts in one thing, or look to develop multiple skills? I hope more will become polymaths, learning many things.

By taking a little from here and some from there and rolling it together in their own unique way, they’ll become masters of integration. A monomath of polymathy, if you will.

They’d be in good company. Aristotle, da Vinci, Russell, Darwin, Einstein, Buffet, Obama, and so many other great thinkers are all polymaths.

Some will choose to be monomaths, a Johnny One-Note, focusing on only one area, expecting everyone to see their wisdom. But beware, they may end up like the hammer who thinks every problem is a nail.

Karl Elsener was a polymath; integrating unrelated implements into a solution for a world full of everyday chores.

“Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses — especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else,” said Leonardo da Vinci.

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Here’s my minimal version. It also serves as my money clip and card case. It’s got two blades, one larger than the other. (My dad taught me to use the larger for most jobs, keeping the small edge sharp – like a sharpness insurance policy.)

There’s a file on the back of the short blade, and even a pair of scissors tucked away.

Add a few bucks and some business cards and I’m ready for my next life adventure.

WARNING: Close all blades before returning knife to pocket or purse. Don\’t ask me how I know this.

What do you think is best, a generalist or a specialist?

What are you? Was yours the right choice? Why (or why not)?

As always, the conversation starts here.

“In the ordinary choices of every day we begin to change the direction of our lives.” – Eknath Easwaran

Epilogue

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If you’re ready for the daddy of ’em all, try the Wenger Swiss Army Knife Giant. This baby is 9 inches wide, weighs 32 ounces, and does 141 jobs with its 87 implements. Want one? Be prepared. It could max out your Visa.