Claude’s description:

There are several terms that capture this pattern of self-directed learning across multiple brief interests:

Polymath – Someone who has learned about many different subjects, though this typically implies deeper knowledge than what you’re describing.

Autodidactic polymath – Combines both concepts explicitly.

Serial learner – A more modern, descriptive term for someone who cycles through learning different subjects.

Intellectual butterfly – Someone who flits from topic to topic, gathering knowledge along the way.

Dabbler – Though this can have slightly negative connotations of superficiality, it accurately describes someone who engages with many subjects briefly.

Renaissance person – Similar to polymath, suggests broad interests and self-cultivation across multiple fields.

Curious generalist – Emphasizes the driving curiosity and breadth rather than depth.

Lifelong learner – Broader term that could encompass this pattern.

The closest single word that captures both the self-teaching aspect and the serial nature of the interests might be “autodidactic” combined with “eclectic” – so an “eclectic autodidact.” But if you want something more specific to the brief, serial nature, “serial learner” or “intellectual butterfly” might be most precise, even though they’re not single words.

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I think I like eclectic autodidactic…sounds interesting…