Renaissance and Ideals

It is interesting to think that although we as humans can learn practically anything, we all subjugate ourselves to narrow specialization in one realm of human knowledge. This was not always the case, however. During the Renaissance, there was an explosion of polymath's which on wikipedia are defined as:

A polymath or polyhistor is an individual whose knowledge spans many different subjects, known to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems. Polymaths often prefer a specific context in which to explain their knowledge, but some are gifted at explaining abstractly and creatively.

Embodying a basic tenet of Renaissance humanism that humans are limitless in their capacity for development, the concept led to the notion that people should embrace all knowledge and develop their capacities as fully as possible. This is expressed in the term Renaissance man, often applied to the gifted people of that age who sought to develop their abilities in all areas of accomplishment: intellectually, artistically, socially, physically, and spiritually.

Even in a world of relative abundance compared to the 14th century, we don't have many polymathic thinkers. Why have we lost these ideals? It is such an inspiring belief that humans are limitless in capability, and as such, we should devote our time to mastering all aspects of our understanding of the universe.

Perhaps this broad exploration of knowledge isn't conducive to making a living in our societies.