Specialist Or Generalist?

In life, should we be a specialist or a generalist?

Should we pick one thing and stick with it until we master it, or should we be generally good at many things?

Now, I am sure you have heard the saying Jack of all trades, master of none, though is it really true?

Or is it this one?

”A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

— Robert Heinlein, (Time Enough for Love)

I have heard both, and at a time, subscribed to each one.

Though these days, especially with a young son, I am leaning more towards the latter one being more relevant.

And, speaking from experience, you do have a far more interesting life when you can do more than one thing.