Something that applies to ANYONE with passtimes, is the fact that specialization and a focus (and thereby, eventually EXCELLENCE) in ONE thing, will be more gratifying and impressive than adequate or 'good' abilities in a slew of activities.

There's something (an activity of some sort) out there for everyone that will make you completely passionate and absorbed -- simply eneamormed with a drive to succed. If you haven't found it yet... GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND LOOK HARDER!

I see so many young people who live 'normal' unimpressive lives. They don't really LOOOVE to do any one thing in particular. They aren't capable of doing anything much better than the average person. They are not passionate people. I think the reason that so many people are like this is because they have never experienced a passion for an activity, job, or passtime, and don't understand that these feelings can be had in the first place.

If you're not waking up in the morning, excited to further your pursuit and advancement towards the success of your passion, there's something missing from your life.

When you direct all of your energies towards ONE focus, the results are ten times as significant and rare in society, than they are for the person who has many pursuits.

When you are dead FOCUSSED on your endeavors, success is not far.

Good Luck!

- Maurizio

Responding to your post sir-

I must disagree with you.
I was in class the other day, and the prof. asked, "What is a virtuoso?" He defined a virtuoso as someone who has mastered a certain instrument, and he added that that is ALL they do.

Now ask yourself- is someone who only knows about one thing an interesting person to talk to? Would you want someone for a friend who knows everything about physics, and nothing about anything else? If you're not interested in physics, then he is no good to you. Even if you are interested in physics, who wants to talk about physics all the time?

I say the more you know, the more interesting you will be.

Or as someone once said, "Specialization is for insects."

One does not necessarilly have to be exclusive of the other. I know many brilliant mathematicians and physicists who also excel at many other things. (Of course I also know others who do nothing else.)
I believe there is a time and a place for everything. There is a time to have a focus, yet also a time to learn other things. The great Physicist(and don juan) Richard Feynman would do physics for 24 hours straight, exhibiting his focus. Then he would take 3 days off, doing other things, like learning how to pick up chicks or juggle.
Therefore yes, if you want to be great at something you have to be focused at times, but if you do want to be interesting,(and sane) you should also take some time away from your passions.