Life is not linear for everyone. You start as something, and you become something else. Sometimes, whatever you studied in high school is of no use, and you still use unitary methods to solve everyday problems. Traditional education makes you literate, but do most of us really educate ourselves?

In 2020, I was full of career confusion and self-doubt until I discovered a book, Fluid: The Approach Applied by Geniuses Over Centuries, by Ashish Jaiswal. I opened the first few pages, and everything felt like something was talking directly to me. Never had I ever thought that a normal-looking book would shift my thinking so deeply, but it did. It is not a motivational book or something that will change your life in 30 days. Still, if you apply some of its principles, you might have a better future in an ever-evolving world.

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What does being "Fluid" mean?

If you have studied sciences at a junior level, you might have heard what fluidity is: the ability of a substance to flow easily. But humans are not merely substances; we have minds, bodies, and souls. Here, the fluid approach refers to staying adaptable in a fast-paced world. It means you are not attaching your identity to one role, degree, job title, or belief.

Whether it is Leonardo Da Vinci, Steve Jobs, or Oprah Winfrey, each of them has one thing in common: the ability to adapt and reinvent themselves. They had blended diverse skills, remained curious, and evolved beyond a single fixed identity or profession. This is what the "Fluid" approach is all about.

Five lessons I learned from "Fluid."

When we are growing up, we are taught to be specialists in something, whether studying law, medicine, engineering, or management, without even realizing what we truly want for ourselves. Our decisions are influenced by our peers and surroundings. This book shatters the myth of narrow specialization and argues that the best minds in history were those who refused to restrict themselves to a single discipline or a "fixed box". Moreover, after reading over 240 pages, here are the five best lessons I learned from the "Fluid: The Approach Applied by Geniuses Over Centuries.":

Break your imaginary boxes.

The idea of "breaking boxes" was not explicitly mentioned in the book. Still, philosophically, Ashish discussed the "anti-fluid" nature of modern education, which compartmentalizes knowledge and encourages individuals to choose one path early in life. He believed that accomplished individuals owe their greatness to the "overlap" among the sciences, the arts, and other fields.

True Growth Happens with Mindset Shift.

While it is the most obvious statement used by dozens of motivational speakers on social channels, here it means something different. We often believe that growth is equivalent to promotions, bigger salaries, and fancier titles. A chapter in the book about a 22-year-old investment banker showed me that nothing is more crucial than having emotional strength and mental clarity. When you learn new skills and get emotionally resilient, you succeed in the long run.

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Your environment defines you.

The environment is the most underrated factor that influences your life. Your friends, family, daily conversations, and workspaces limit you as well as free you. People who live in negative surroundings breed fear and doubt. In contrast, the ambitious circles revolve around drive, zeal, and bigger ideas. It helped me realize my own world, and how it was lifting me up or holding me back. Growth does not come in a comfort zone; it demands effort, and changing your environment is the first step.

Prestige is not the purpose.

Most of us grew up with a belief that getting a six-figure salary or an Ivy League college would define us. While prestige can be a dream of many, it does not guarantee fulfillment. People chase brands and titles without asking if they truly add meaning to their lives. As a result, stress, confusion, and even burnout become common. The book reminded me that clarity about our interests and values should be a priority. Prestige alone can't give success meaning; purpose does.

Comparison kills curiosity and clarity.

Joy is not the only thing comparison kills. It kills your ability to be unique and think clearly. The book highlights how constant comparison leads you to chase numbers rather than real growth. If you keep looking at what others have, you end up ignoring what you truly have or want. Consciously or subconsciously, you are forced to look certain and "successful", even when you are confused. But being Fluid means choosing curiosity over competition. So ask better questions about your skills, interests, and direction. When you do that, you build confidence, clarity, and long-term relevance.

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Why does the world need "Polymaths" more than ever?

Before we discuss the Polymathism approach, let's define the term. When a person knows science, history, mathematics, or a wide range of subjects, and uses their ability to learn, connect, and apply knowledge across different domains, that's polymathism for you. They are rare but not extinct.

The world is changing rapidly; industries are becoming more intelligent, the climate is changing, and we are more globally connected than ever. Problems are no longer limited to one field. For example, Product Managers are often called modern-day Polymaths as building a successful tech product needs knowledge of coding, design, psychology, marketing, and data. Thus, people who understand and connect multiple disciplines are always needed everywhere.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Aristotle, Al-Biruni, and Benjamin Franklin might be some names that come to your mind, but polymathism is not restricted to history. The modern-day polymath can be anyone who's a T-shaped professional. When you follow different subjects dedicatedly and use them to solve everyday problems, you have some polymathism in you. Modern businesses require highly fluid people.

Climate solutions companies need economists, scientists, and policymakers to thrive. AI development organizations rely on ethics, engineering, and business strategy to grow. In an ever-evolving world, there is a space for people with broad skills and strong adaptability. Thus, Polymathism is not optional, but a survival edge.