I am writing an article for the next edition of The Complete Lawyer on the Renaissance Soul in the legal profession. I have been surprised at the number of lawyers and ex-lawyers identifying themselves as RSers after taking a quick, unscientific quiz. A few told me they dropped everything after taking the quiz and rushed to the bookstore to buy the book The Renaissance Soul. (I first heard a person with a Renaissance Soul called a "RSer" in an e-mail from Margaret Lobenstine, author of that book.) Are any of you out there in the blog conurbation a RSer?
After reading the quiz, you might guess that RSers would leave the law eventually, and many do. Many stay, too. I received an e-mail today from a wonderful man, a federal judge, who identifies himself as a strong Renaissance Soul. He described several well-known partners in large firms around town who also are classic Renaissance Souls. I hope to write about some of them one of these days in my blog future. How to be a happy polymath in the practice of law.
Take a look at this list of polymaths. As you will see, several of them were lawyers. Copernicus was a lawyer and thought of astronomy as a hobby. A good lesson in the potential of an avocation. Wonder what would happen if he was at a networking event today? That would be some elevator speech: "I'm a mathematician, astronomer, jurist, physician, classical scholar, governor, administrator, diplomat, economist and soldier. Oh, yeah, and I dabble in astronomy."
I am going to stop now and figure out the mechanics of this process called blogging (see, Kevin O'Keefe, I did not say "blawgging.") I figured since my blog was announced last month by Mark Beese, and I was urged, called out, and invited to blog last week by Gerry Riskin, I better jump in and learn while I go. I will be putting up the blogroll and those many other blog components -- after I learn how to make a link live. You are reading the first post of a true neo-blog-ophyte. Welcome to my adventure!
(This IS quite a week of taking techno-plunges. I am creating my first podcast on Friday.)
Note (added November 1, 2006, 6 PM Mountain): Here's an article in which being a Renaissance Soul is described as having sustained interest deficiency.
Note (added November 29, 2006, 12:40 PM Mountain): For those Renaissance Souls with a diverse and varied online presence, this free online identity management service might be helpful.
Thank you, Stephanie, for having the guts to share your knowledge, experience and opinions.
Posted by: wannabee | March 30, 2006 at 07:41 PM
Hello Stephanie
You have created a wonderful and interesting blog. You never cease to amaze me!
Congratulations and best wishes on your blog.
Warmest regards, John Pollabauer
Posted by: jpbauer | March 31, 2006 at 03:24 AM