Does anyone feel that time is too short to learn some things?

[AntimonyLegault]

I just got a copy of books 10-13 of Euclid's elements (good reading for architects or engineers I think) and it's some really heavy material, I mean it has got to weigh like a ton. Being recently 20, I'm starting to think learning complicated things that we never really use is a waste of life, that we should focus on what we do best and the sharpening of our specific talents. I don't know if this is an age thing, or if it has to do with disdain for 'jack of all trades' mindset (intj's being professional types, from what I gather).

[xhaan]

I just got a copy of books 10-13 of Euclid's elements (good reading for architects or engineers I think) and it's some really heavy material, I mean it has got to weigh like a ton. Being recently 20, I'm starting to think learning complicated things that we never really use is a waste of life, that we should focus on what we do best and the sharpening of our specific talents. I don't know if this is an age thing, or if it has to do with disdain for 'jack of all trades' mindset (intj's being professional types, from what I gather).

I tend to agree, jack of all trades, master of none.
There is nothing wrong with having your own field, but I also don't think it has to be to the absolute exclusion of all others. Perhaps you will have a broad understanding of other fields while advancing in your own, knowledge helps, you never know when something from say, architecture, would be useful to an astronomer. The astronomer does not have to also be an architect, but having even a basic grasp on it could possibly help her one day, for whatever reason that may be.

[clam]

I believe that being somewhat cognizant of other areas of knowledge will enable you to be better at what you do. Especially at the age of 20, I think there is plenty of room to explore.

[ScottH]

As I aged, I found that the broader my knowledge, the more effective I was at everything.

Facts are topical, but concepts are not; one of INTJ's most powerful abilities is to see "possibilities" in everything, and that sort of thinking gives us great problem solving ability. The more you know--about even seemingly unrelated things--the more you will sharpen this ability.

Personally, I've found absolutely everything I learned in Math to be useful. More than any other topic, it gave me a toolbox of concepts that I can readily apply to countless other things, helped me strengthen my ability to build mental models, and much more.

Yet, I can empathize... there seems to be a virtually infinite array of things that "can" be learned, and sometimes it seems best to prioritize due to time and energy limitations.

But, I'll summarize by saying this: learn best what you love (those are things you will truly excel at), but if your education, job, or even your broken sink causes you to learn something else, enjoy it, because every bit will somehow contribute to making you a broader thinker.

[Danisty]

I've always had this problem. I can't nail down what I want to do. I've actually been envious of people like my sister-in-law who knew what she wanted to do since she was 10 years old. It's harder when you have about 2 dozen different subjects that greatly interest you. I'm 29 years old and I still don't have a career because I can't decide what to do. I'm thinking about going back to school for linguistics, but I'm not even sure about that...six months ago it was history. If I actually wanted to learn all the subjects that interest me, I'd spend my whole life in college. I'd like that, but it wouldn't get me anywhere. :(

[terencec]

Personally, I've found absolutely everything I learned in Math to be useful. More than any other topic, it gave me a toolbox of concepts that I can readily apply to countless other things, helped me strengthen my ability to build mental models, and much more.


I will add physics and philosophy.

[iamnotspock]

This is a constant problem for me, trying to focus on one thing. Take programming. There are so many languages, so many tools, so many domains of expertise, you have to focus on a couple and just dabble in the rest. Drives me crazy sometimes. But it is good for Amazon. I am always buying new books!

[INTJoe]

It's harder when you have about 2 dozen different subjects that greatly interest you. I'm 29 years old and I still don't have a career because I can't decide what to do.

I wouldn't worry about this too much. Be patient, keep learning, and I'm sure it'll come to you. Don't rush out and pick something just to pick it. Let it come to you. As long as you are making ends meet in the meantime, I don't see much problem with doing this. But if you are racking up credit card debt because you are taking vacations and working at Starbucks or something then that is a serious problem.

Maybe you'd enjoy teaching at an upper level? Philosophy/Sociology/Psychology...etc? I think in these areas you can call upon your vast area of knowledge, and it might keep you plenty mentally stimulated (a constant necessity for INTJs).

[ScottH]

I will add physics and philosophy.

I have to agree on the physics.

Could you elaborate on philosophy? I'm embarrassingly unread in that topic, and perhaps you'll motivate me to correct that one :-)

[Danisty]

I wouldn't worry about this too much. Be patient, keep learning, and I'm sure it'll come to you. Don't rush out and pick something just to pick it. Let it come to you. As long as you are making ends meet in the meantime, I don't see much problem with doing this. But if you are racking up credit card debt because you are taking vacations and working at Starbucks or something then that is a serious problem.

Maybe you'd enjoy teaching at an upper level? Philosophy/Sociology/Psychology...etc? I think in these areas you can call upon your vast area of knowledge, and it might keep you plenty mentally stimulated (a constant necessity for INTJs).Teaching is only possible at the upper level. There's no way I could teach children and I think I would get very irritated with people who weren't genuinely interested in learning.