Florida Institute of Technology Civilizations I – Professor Lusty December 15, 2012 Think about the qualities of a Renaissance Man. Choose a man/woman/profession from the late 20th (or early 21st) century –even someone still alive today– that you think encompasses the spirit of the Renaissance ideal, and give 2 specific areas/ aspects that connect to this ideal. Be as specific as you can. What are the qualities of a renaissance man?
According to the dictionary, a incessant man is “a cultured man of the Renaissance who was knowledgeable, educated, or proficient in a wide range of fields or a present-day man who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in more than one field” (Dictionary. Com, 2012). Using this definition, there is one who comes to mind as a renaissance man; Patrick Byrne. Patrick Byrne, Overstock. Coma’s Chief Executive Office and Chairman, “has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese studies from Dartmouth College, a Master’s
Degree from Cambridge University as a Marshall Scholar, and a Ph. D. In philosophy from Stanford University’ (Forbes, 2012). His quest to improve the academic quality for America’s children has resulted in his appointment to Co-chairman of the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice. He has founded numerous schools internationally – 19 to be exact – and implemented programs to help fund education by directing funding directly to the teachers and in the classrooms.
To date, states such as Georgia, Texas, Kansas has implemented the 65% rule, agreeing that 65% of every dollar will be used for classroom instruction. Other states such as Dakota and South Carolina are considering implementing the same program for the schools in the states. As a former professor, Byrne, accompanied several Dartmouth students to Beijing, teaching a course on the economic conditions of the country while there. Byrne has also taught several classes at Dartmouth.
Barnes achievements, which also include having a black belt in Tee Swan Do, increasing awareness for cancer research, being a writer and Journalist, and an investor, definitely correspond with the definition of a modern day renaissance man. References Dictionary. Com. (2012, December 14). Retrieved from Dictionary. Com: http:// dictionary. Reference. Com/browse/renaissance+man Forbes. (2012, December 14). Retrieved from Forbes. Com: http://www. Forbes. Com/profile/Patrick-Byrne-2/
