In the annals of history, the wisdom of the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi has been immortalised through his advocacy for a life of diverse mastery. He exhorted that "a samurai should master all arts," a principle that resonates with our core ethos of versatility. This ancient wisdom beckons us to transcend singular expertise and to weave a rich tapestry of varied disciplines and experiences.
In stark contrast to Musashi's holistic vision, the modern era often heralds the specialist, the master of a singular domain. The world applauds the expert, the niche professional, and the industry leader. Yet, this adulation of deep, narrow expertise comes at a potential cost: the loss of a broader understanding and the risk of siloed thinking.
Consider the tale of two bakers: one, a master of the croissant, her skills honed to perfection in the art of flaky pastry; the other, a jack-of-all-trades, whose ovens have seen an array of breads from sourdough to rye. When faced with a customer's request for sourdough, the croissant master finds herself at a loss, while her versatile counterpart adapts with ease. This parable embodies Musashi's counsel, illustrating how a diverse skill set can navigate life's varied demands more adeptly.
The discovery of the interstitium, as eloquently described by Jennifer Brandel in her essay "Invisible Landscapes," provides a poignant biological metaphor for the necessity of versatility. This newfound organ(?), a fluid-filled network within our bodies, was invisible to generations of medical professionals not because of its elusiveness, but due to the constraints of their specialized training. The interstitium represents the interconnectedness that is only revealed through a multidisciplinary lens—a lens that acknowledges the fluidity and interdependence of systems, whether they be biological, ecological, or societal.
Brandel's notion of "interstitionaries"—those who operate in the spaces between, connecting dots across a spectrum of domains—parallels the role that versatility plays in professional and personal realms. Just as the interstitium connects tissues and organs, enabling communication and vitality throughout the body, a versatile individual connects concepts and disciplines, enriching their understanding and capacity for innovation.
Thus, we advocate for a paradigm shift, one that embraces the fluid dynamics of knowledge and expertise. We are invited to become like the interstitium itself: versatile, adaptable, and integrative, moving beyond compartmentalised expertise to a broader, interconnected vista of understanding.
In a world rife with complex and nuanced challenges, we must ask ourselves whether our current models of education, employment, and recognition truly serve the greater good. Are we fostering the development of versatile minds prepared to tackle the multifaceted problems of our time, or are we limiting potential with our focus on specialisation?
As we journey forward, let us embrace the virtue of versatility. Let us be like Musashi's samurai, adept across multiple arts, and like the interstitium, essential in the unseen ways that maintain the health and vitality of the whole. Let us recognise and reward the interstitionaries among us, for they are the ones who will weave the fabric of a more resilient, innovative, and interconnected society.
