The Renaissance Man Project

Over the past 3 years I have periodically embarked on a journey that has taken me to four distinct locations around the world. They include:

• Dorf Tyrol, Italy. The Castle of Ezra Pound
• Phuket, Thailand. Tiger Muay Thai Training Camp.
• Paris, France.
• New Orleans, Louisiana

In each country I have studied the skills expected of an Italian Renaissance Man (poetry, combat, visual art, and music so far), but in a modern, more global sense. In other words, rather than learn how to fight with a lance and ride a horse I went to Thailand to learn Thai Kickboxing, also known as Muay Thai--"the art of eight limbs."

Ultimately, the goal is not to become a "Renaissance Man" in such a short period of time, but rather, to investigate the intrinsic values that lie at the heart of the Renaissance philosophy and see how they can apply to, and hopefully improve, my own life. I am also concerned with the benefits of becoming well-rounded, and of with the knowledge that can be gained by casting myself in uncomfortable, difficult, and sometimes painful (ie: Muay Thai) situations.

This project began three years ago and I only have two months left. The first month will take place in The Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands where salsa is part of everyday life for many.

WHAT I NEED

This campaign is to support my trip to spend one month learning salsa and Latin Dance in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. All support will go to pay for travel:

• Travel $900
• Housing $400
• Dance Lessons $600
• TOTAL $2000

I will not be spending this money on food, drink, etc. I consider all spending money to be my own responsibility.

I have paid for 2/3's of this trip with my own money and am fully committed to completing this project. But by supporting me on this campaign I can reach my goal a whole lot quicker! Plus you'll get cool rewards and help manifest a book with me!

The Impact

What began as a 6-month project when I was 25 years old has become a way of life, and I willingly walk the road as it continues to open, expand, and unveil delightful twists and surprises along the way. For example, I now write songs and perform with a local band in New Orleans, whereas this time a year ago I hadn’t looked at an instrument twice.

I am confident this book will appeal to a broad demographic, for first and foremost The Renaissance Man Project is a travel tale—a story of discovery, education, adventure and birth. But is not just one man’s story. In order to progress and improve, I believe all of humanity must explore new interests, rediscover lost passions, and overcome their fears in the face of the uncomfortable, the difficult, and the unknown. We all, then, are invested in the study of the art of living, as well as the pursuit of health and happiness—notions that have been at the core of my project from the start.

Secondly, The Renaissance Man Project is of timely and national concern. As American colleges and Universities have become all but unaffordable for the lower and middle class, my project brings attention to the diverse forms of “education” available to us as global citizens—beautiful challenging life-changing opportunities which I have had the good fortune of personally benefitting from.

But despite the potential for a broad audience, The Renaissance Man Project is not intended to guide readers in securing a job, a career, love, or happiness. It is not an easy fix or a self-help book. Instead, it is a story about taking risks. About chasing a dream, an idea, a goal—and discovering another world and life along the way. It is a story about becoming.

 PLEASE READ MY WRITING AT http://burlesquepressllc.com/2013/09/06/watching-havana-in-habana-series-by-nate-kostar/.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please share my campaign with friends! THANK YOU! :)