When I was very young, I wanted to be like the James Mason character in "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The goal of my life was to be the guy who had a broad knowledge and experience in many, wide ranging areas. This is what is required to be a true renaissance man. This is what it takes, and this is what I've done. As I get closer to the end of my life, I find contentment in what has been accomplished. It's good to look back and know that the work and effort and determination paid off.
Art
To be a renaissance man, one do art and paint. And I do. I was always an artist but 'retirement' has given me more time to pursue art. I love watercolors and I am slowly acquiring skill in that media.
Education
To be a renaissance man, one must study. Everything. Fiction, science, history, literature, psychology, philosophy. There is no end of learning – Ecclesiastes. “Much learning doth make thee mad” – Agrippa to Paul. Learning fills my soul daily.
Vocabulary - Part of being a renaissance man was learning words. I was impressed by people who knew big words. Just thought it was cool. When I was in grade school, I studied the Readers’ Digest every week to build my vocabulary. I would go to the library, and find the Reader’s Digest, then look for the vocabulary section. I would make an effort to read and learn the words. Over time it built my vocabulary as a seventh grader and continued on. Simple things done repeatedly create good outcomes.
Writing
To be a renaissance man, one must write. I’ve written a lot of stuff that will never be in print. Some of it is grievance over past ills. Some of it are books in defense of my faith. Some of it is my conjectures on human nature. Most of it will never be published, but it gave me skill in expressing myself with letters.
My first book is “The Fringe and The Fury” – a science fiction book describing a world of genetic engineering and oligarchy.
I wrote five self-published business books: “Architects of change”, “The nuts and bolts of leadership”, “Getting I.T. Right”, “If your water cooler could talk,” and “People Development.”
I have another novel in the works: "The life and times of Ambel Mann."
Theater
To be a renaissance man, one must learn to act. I did. I performed Curly McClain in Oklahoma twice – once in 1971 – Grafton High School. Had a fever of 101 and still performed. Then in 1972 as a request from the Port players. I was a father in “The Fantasticks” – 1995. Will I ever get to do Tevia, Jean Valjean. Phantom or Don Quixote? Not likely, but that would have been good and I would have done them proud.
Music To be a renaissance man, one must play a musical instrument,. I am self-taught on several instruments, beginning with piano, then guitar, (both acoustic and electric in multiple genres) five string bluegrass banjo, and Irish bodhran.
I have performed solo with a guitar (flying without a net. Can't hide your mistakes when its only you!) I have been in a major blues band with old friends. I have played polkas for money. Played country. Played in an Americana band for three years - it was both stressful and fun - glorious harmonies!
I have written many songs, recorded six CDs and influenced many musicians toward success.
Business
I became a director at a Fortune 100 - a most unlikely accomplishment for the son of a blue-collar man who signed his name with an "X". But it was his blue collar work ethic that drove me forward in the white collar world.
Teaching
I have taught MBA students at Marquette University, The LUBAR School of Business - UWM Milwaukee, and Concordia University - Mequon as a teacher and doctoral coach.
Researcher
I developed the first Organizational Efficacy Scale in the world. It has been translated into multiple languages and cited by other researchers.
Theology and faith learning
Much of the past fifty years have been spent learning the Creeds, Old and New Testament, the Puritans and Reformers, along with Augustine (I read "The city of God" and "Confessions" among others) and other earlier saints. I've studied Hebrew since 2009 and learned Greek to read the New Testament.
Other renaissance learning -
I've memorized portions of Shakespeare, Milton and the Bible.
For all this, I am grateful to the LORD God Almighty for his strength, constant care and inspiration along the way.
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