Depth vs Breadth

What’s better – depth or breadth?

Having options, trying things out and having a breadth of experiences is often sought after. But are we missing depth in all this? It is easier to start something new and forget about that important project. Furthermore, we flutter between ideas and interests and are always on the lookout for new pursuits. In turn, we never get depth in the things we do and never reach that level of fulfilment we thought or wanted.

Yet in theory, in life we move towards depth. You start life with unlimited options and as time goes by, breadth naturally narrows and you gain greater depth in whatever you choose to do. In a career, in sport, in a chosen subject. Therefore why do we want to avoid the naturally occurring depth. Why can’t we continue playing tennis instead of starting running, golfing and playing archery. Why do we need to learn the guitar, piano, clarinet and sing a little. It is as if we are being encouraged to be the ‘jack of all trades’ and yet the master of none.  

Sure, breadth has its case in areas of our life. If you could only play the guitar in life or only being able to play one type of sport and nothing else, than that could be an issue. Having some kind of breadth of experiences helps gain perspective, and learn and do things that could become a lifelong project. Yet, being aware that we are potentially always cutting ourselves short of depth in many aspects of life may open up a whole new world in whatever you love doing.