This is the natural result of a broad interest, studying many people as well as many things. Know the person as well as you know the abstraction. The polymath takes command of his or her own intellectual development from an early age, usually no later than high school, and continues to learn throughout life. Not only is this enjoyable as a lifestyle, it has practical survival value in the information age. Any set of skills we have, or what we think we know, can become obsolete overnight.
Polymaths often try teaching.
Many become good teachers. There is no better way to learn than to teach others. Polymathic people are often found hanging out in universities. Of course, teaching in an institution for a living can distort one's basic intellectual purpose because credentialism creates obvious conflicts. It is probably better not to spurn social accolades however, but to look at them as a symbolic reward, something that makes your mom happy.