Maybe not generalists, but cross-specialists to work against the silo effect. For example, someone who knew both number theory and quantum physics deeply might make some important discoveries.
Then, these cross-specialists could themselves caucus to create a kind of synthetic “generalist” viewpoint, like a Council of Experts.
“[...] naturally specializing further as more knowledge is discovered and we become able to conceptualize more complex areas of study [...]”
So, how does this spiral of specialization square with living by one’s own strength?
Could there be a niche for generalists?
Maybe not generalists, but cross-specialists to work against the silo effect. For example, someone who knew both number theory and quantum physics deeply might make some important discoveries.
Then, these cross-specialists could themselves caucus to create a kind of synthetic “generalist” viewpoint, like a Council of Experts.