I would like to read about what has been considered the pinnacle of competence and expertise in different times and cultures throughout history. What skills this included and the training and study required to perfect them and the reasoning and philosophy behind these ideals. The people who were trusted with important things because they were the best of the best (not just people with authority or power (the two are not always correlated)).
The subject of expertise is of no importance. It can include diplomats, warriors, scientists, leaders, etc. An example from the modern day is astronauts; they have to be in good physical and mental form and excellent at communication, problem solving, working together, and remaining calm, even when faced with mortal danger.
I would like something that is not just a biography of one such person, but more about why this person is so esteemed within their society and how this notion of the expert differs throughout different ages and societies.
by accorndion