A century ago, it was feasible for a physicist to have an extensive grasp of the entire field of physics. However, the landscape has transformed significantly. Modern physicists are not any less skilled; rather, the vast accumulation of knowledge regarding the universe’s complexities makes it nearly impossible for any individual to master every aspect of the discipline. This has led to a pronounced trend toward specialization within the field.
For instance, my early training focused on the intricacies of general relativity and its quantum extensions as they pertain to cosmology, establishing a solid foundation in my specialized area of physics.