I have one of two intellectual “hobbies” I would like to dive into more fully this year (both of which, oddly enough, involve languages).
The first option is to dive deeper into Python programming. I did take a Python Stack course two years ago, reaching a point where I could program a simple video game, but then I moved on.
The second option is trying to learn basic Ancient Greek. I’ve taken a couple of whacks at this in the past, but have never gotten beyond some simple vocabulary and pronunciation.
Neither one has much practical value for me, but they both exert a strong pull, likely stemming from my belief—learned the hard way in Paris with my fumbling French—that to better understand a culture you need to have a grasp of its language.
In other words, a better understanding of Python will give me a better understanding of Artificial Intelligence; a better understanding of Ancient Greek will give me a better feel for Greek Philosophy.
I haven’t quite decided which one to pursue in 2021. I don’t have the time to pursue both, and getting to at least an apprenticeship level in either one requires a consistent commitment of 4-5 hours a week, which means when I choose one, it likely will preclude the other.