Profile: Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George

I do not think that genius can be acquired, nor even learned through theory. It is acquired through feeling, through suffering, through experience, through pain, through the daily contact with those who are great, and those who are mean.
— Chevalier De Saint-George

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-George was an 18th-century Afro-French composer, violinist, conductor, and soldier.

Born in the French colony of Guadeloupe in 1745, Saint-George was the son of a wealthy French plantation owner and a slave of African descent. At the age of seven, he was brought to France and raised as a nobleman, receiving a classical education and training in fencing, horse riding, and music.

He became an accomplished composer, conductor, and violinist, earning the nickname "Black Mozart" for his musical talent and versatility. Even though Mozart was 11 years younger than Saint-George and some of Mozart’s work reflected “Boulogne’s solo string writing — a difficult sequence climbing to the highest register of the instrument, immediately followed by a dramatic dip — but had never appeared in Mozart’s work until this Presto.”

What makes them a Polymath?

Saint-George was a true polymath, excelling in multiple fields of endeavor.

In addition to his musical achievements, he was a skilled athlete and swordsman, serving as captain of the French Royal Guard's elite cavalry unit. He was also a respected military leader, leading a successful all-black regiment in the French Revolutionary Wars.

Furthermore, he was a patron of the arts, socialized with the leading cultural figures of his day, and was a noted philanthropist, using his wealth and influence to support charitable causes.

Skills they have:

Saint-George's skills include:

• Musical composition and performance

• Swordsmanship and horsemanship

• Military leadership and strategy

• Patronage and philanthropy

How he combined his skills:

Saint-George's musical talent and training in horsemanship and swordsmanship helped him become a skilled conductor of orchestral performances, often conducting from the saddle.

His military leadership experience and philanthropic spirit led him to raise and lead an all-black regiment during the French Revolutionary Wars, proving his strategic ability on the battlefield. As a patron of the arts, he supported the careers of other talented musicians, writers, and artists, fostering a creative community in France.

5 Actionable tips to become a Polymath:

1. Pursue a diverse range of interests and skills, as this will expand your horizons and make you a more well-rounded individual.

2. Don't be afraid to take risks and challenge yourself in new areas, as this will help you discover your true potential.

3. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and push you to be better, as their influence can have a powerful impact on your own growth.

4. Use your talents and resources to support others and give back to your community, as this will create a positive impact that goes beyond your individual accomplishments.

5. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and use setbacks as a chance to grow and improve, as this will help you develop resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.