According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a renaissance woman is one “who is interested in and knows a lot about many things.” My first reaction when I read that was: define A LOT. Then upon further consideration (and since I’ve often jokingly professed to be one), this ambiguity leaves room for me and countless others to claim the distinction. Admittedly, I don’t rule a vast kingdom like Catherine de Medici of Italy, who was one of the very first renaissance women of the 16th century. Obviously, given the present-day definition, royal lineage is not a requirement either. Good. This is one of the loopholes I was hoping for.
There are also no stipulations regarding whether your image must be carved into stone or bronze and placed in in a museum. No magnificent oil painting must hang in the Louvre of you riding bareback on a horse. These are all good things since the only decent picture of me is from the 1980’s with big hair and makeup slathered on with a trowel.
I like to think my natural curiosity and vast experience support the claim that I, too, could be a renaissance woman. Arguably, these qualities may or may not carry a distinct advantage over my predecessors but I’m willing to risk it. With all the previously mentioned (and missing) caveats removed, it certainly leaves wiggle room for the likes of me.
We have plenty of examples today of bright and capable women whose contributions to art, industry and society could certainly rival (and likely exceed) the accomplishments of someone in the renaissance period. Is it fair to take advantage of this lack of specificity just to claim a rather ambiguous title? Sure, why not?
To keep out the riff-raff, however, I believe the modern-day renaissance woman should:
Love variety. She may have difficulty settling for a single career, for example. This is because so many things interest her that she tends to view settling for just one too stifling. Don’t mistake this for a lack of ambition. In fact, it is her ambition that drives her to find a truly fulfilling job which may mean she must try different things until she finds one (or more) that meets her needs. She may also indulge in a wide range of artistic endeavors.
Love to learn. Whether the information she seeks is related to work or a favorite hobby, you will find her committed to evaluating the best way to do something. It is her insatiable thirst for knowledge that compels the renaissance woman to learn a new skill and quickly master it. Don’t be surprised if she is a whiz at using the internet and social media to gain the knowledge or experience she seeks. Because she understands the value of information, she enthusiastically shares it with her peers, thereby making her not only an interesting conversationalist but a great resource.
Be Optimistic. Rather than answering the question of whether the glass is half empty or half full, the renaissance woman will gulp down whatever is in the glass, slam it on the table and demand: “Please, sir, I want some more!” It is that unflappable belief that MORE is always an option that makes renaissance women reluctant to take NO for answer and pursue every option until all of them are exhausted.
Be a Multi-tasker. Often the renaissance woman will have so much going on in her life simultaneously that you will wonder where the energy comes from. Rather than feeling overworked, she is energized by the challenge and would not have it any other way. From demanding career to carpool, she masters her domain with grace and patience. Somehow she may even carve out a few minutes for herself, help with homework and cheer enthusiastically at soccer practice. Then she may go home to prepare a romantic gourmet meal for her mate. (Or call Uber Eats. I mean really. Do you expect her to do everything?)
Be Resilient. She doesn’t see failure – just a lack of success. This compels her to evaluate what happened, learn from it and move on to the next thing that piques her interest. It is her sheer pluck that gets her through the rough spots and she bears them with dignity and humor.
Don’t get me wrong, even renaissance women have a bad day once in awhile. The difference is, if she sees gray clouds that will prevent a walk in the park, she will choose to go to the gym. To her, there is always a workaround. She likes downtime but will find a way to use it wisely. She knows hard work and determination pay off and is willing to put in the effort even when the odds might not be favorable. Sometimes it is just a matter of being open to inspiration that makes the impossible possible. She’s not Wonder Woman, but she’s a reasonable facsimile.
With these qualities in mind, I propose we update the dictionary to the following definition:
Renaissance Woman: She who unapologetically pursues knowledge in multiple fields of interest simultaneously, confident in the knowledge she will succeed, but not arrogant enough to believe she can be good at everything. She exceeds her own expectations and will leave you breathlessly in awe of her tenacity.
Just remember not all renaissance women are depicted in great works by di Vinci, Raphael or Michelangelo. Today you’ll see her on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. She balances career and family without breaking a sweat and cannot imagine a world in which she would sit for a portrait. There are places to go and people to see. Things to do and stuff to learn. And besides that, she needs to take care of herself. She is doing it all and doing it better than those who preceded her. So, Mr. Merriam and Mr. Webster, please update your definition to something relevant to the 21st century.
Move over, Catherine de Medici. I am a Renaissance Woman! Are you?
