Buzz
Eccentricity and genius are frequently intertwined. Discover some peculiar routines followed by renowned artists, writers, and innovators throughout history.
1. PYTHAGORAS AVOIDED BEANS AT ALL COSTS.
Known as the pioneer of vegetarianism, the Greek mathematician Pythagoras championed a diet free of meat. However, despite his plant-based lifestyle, he harbored a strong dislike for beans. Pythagoras banned his disciples from consuming or even touching legumes. While the exact reason—whether health-related or spiritual—remains unclear, this peculiar habit might have contributed to his demise. Legend has it that when attackers pursued him, he chose not to flee through a bean field, leading to his capture.
2. BEETHOVEN ALWAYS HAD A WATER TUB NEARBY.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s creative routine was as intense as his symphonies. He often composed between trips to his washstand, pacing back and forth before dousing himself—and his floor—with water.
3. DEMOSTHENES PRACTICED IN SECLUSION.
The ancient Greek orator Demosthenes elevated the idea of practice to an extreme. As recorded by Plutarch, he would retreat to an underground chamber for long stretches, rehearsing speeches with stones in his mouth. To avoid premature public appearances, he even shaved half his head.
4. BALZAC CONSUMED 50 CUPS OF COFFEE DAILY.
Balzac’s remarkable output was fueled by his massive caffeine intake, but it came at a cost. He suffered from stomach pains, headaches, and elevated blood pressure due to his excessive coffee consumption.
5. ANTHONY TROLLOPE KEPT A STRICT WRITING SCHEDULE.
Despite writing for just three hours daily, Anthony Trollope was remarkably prolific. He maintained a pace of 250 words every 15 minutes, completing 3000 words by the end of each session. If he finished a book before his time was up, he would immediately start a new one without hesitation.
6. STRAVINSKY PRACTICED HEADSTANDS DAILY.
Igor Stravinsky, the Russian-American composer, began each morning with a 15-minute headstand to refresh his mind and boost creativity.
7. EDGAR ALLAN POE USED SCROLLS FOR WRITING.
Edgar Allan Poe preferred writing on narrow strips of paper, which he glued together and rolled into scrolls for convenient storage. He believed this method enhanced the narrative flow of his work compared to traditional manuscripts—and likely added a touch of eerie charm.
8. DA VINCI AND TESLA REJECTED TRADITIONAL SLEEP PATTERNS.
Leonardo da Vinci and Nikola Tesla followed unconventional sleep routines. Leonardo reportedly practiced polyphasic sleep, taking several brief naps throughout the day, while Tesla limited his rest to just two hours daily.
9. TESLA PERFORMED TOE EXERCISES.
Tesla had another peculiar routine: Each night, he curled his toes 100 times per foot, convinced that this exercise stimulated his brain cells.
10. BEN FRANKLIN PRACTICED “AIR BATHS.”
Benjamin Franklin started his mornings with up to an hour of naked “air baths” by his open window, a ritual he believed prepared him for the day ahead.
11. KIERKEGAARD, NIETZSCHE, AND WOOLF PREFERRED STANDING DESKS.
Søren Kierkegaard, Lewis Carroll, and Virginia Woolf all chose to write while standing. Woolf, who viewed writing as akin to painting with words, often worked at a lectern beside her sister Vanessa’s easel. Friedrich Nietzsche would have agreed with this approach; he once criticized Gustave Flaubert in a letter for sitting too much, declaring, “The sedentary life is the very sin against the Holy Spirit. Only thoughts reached by walking have value.”
