day no. 16,812: specializing in generality

"We are not trying to shape culture by producing an array of specialists but rather generalists who understand the importance of all specialties in a way that specialists frequently do not. A good life is what generalists are called to specialize in." — New Saints Andrews College, Thirty Theses on Culture Building

Specialties are good and necessary, but the temptation for specialists is to elevate their specialty above all others or to discredit other specialties simply for not being the same as their own. Generalities are good and necessary, but the temptation for generalists is to denigrate any specialty as being unnecessary. A good generalist appreciates all specialties. A good specialist appreciates the goodness of other specialties in general without surrendering their special commitment to a specific one.

A good life is the specialty of a good generalist.

Proverbs 22:29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business?

He shall stand before kings;

he shall not stand before mean men.

Diligence in one's business will catch the attention of business experts. Whatever your craft or competency, a good king will recognize your specialty, because he recognizes excellence in general. Game recognizes game.