When we think about famous scientists, we usually imagine them busy in their labs, working with test tubes, equations, and big discoveries. But these brilliant people had quirky habits, unexpected hobbies, and interesting experiences that don’t always make the history books.
Learning about these lesser-known parts of their lives helps us see them as real people, not just icons. Here are 12 surprising facts about some of history’s most famous scientists.
Albert Einstein’s Love for the Violin
Albert Einstein, known for his theory of relativity, had a deep passion for music. He started playing the violin at the age of 5, and it became a lifelong companion. Einstein often said that if he hadn’t been a physicist, he would have become a musician. He even used to play music to help him think through complex problems, claiming that music brought him the greatest joy.
Isaac Newton’s Struggles With Alchemy
Isaac Newton is celebrated for his laws of motion and gravity, but few know that he spent a considerable part of his life studying alchemy. He wrote over a million words on the subject, attempting to turn base metals into gold. While his alchemical experiments were ultimately unsuccessful, they provided Newton with a framework for thinking about the transformation and conservation of matter, concepts that would later influence his work in physics.
Marie Curie Carried Radium in Her Pocket
Marie Curie, the pioneering scientist who discovered radium and polonium, was so fascinated by her findings that she carried a vial of radium in her pocket to show people its glow. She was unaware of the dangers of radioactivity, which ultimately led to her death from aplastic anemia, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to radiation. Despite the risks, her dedication to science paved the way for future research in radioactivity.
Nikola Tesla’s Fear of Pearls
Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor behind alternating current (AC) and the Tesla coil, had an unusual aversion to pearls. He reportedly refused to speak to women wearing pearl jewelry and would even leave a room if someone wearing pearls entered. Tesla’s peculiar behavior extended to other aspects of his life as well, including an obsession with the number three and a strict daily routine that involved walking exactly 8 miles each day.
Charles Darwin Almost Became a Doctor
Before Charles Darwin became the father of evolution, he enrolled in medical school at the University of Edinburgh. However, Darwin found the sight of blood unbearable and quickly realized that medicine was not his calling. He dropped out and eventually pursued his passion for natural history, leading to his groundbreaking work on the theory of natural selection.
Galileo Galilei’s Trouble With the Church
Galileo Galilei is renowned for his contributions to astronomy, but his scientific ideas landed him in serious trouble with the Catholic Church. His support for the heliocentric model, which placed the Sun at the center of the universe, directly contradicted the Church’s teachings at the time. Galileo was tried by the Inquisition, found guilty of heresy, and spent the last years of his life under house arrest.
Richard Feynman’s Artistic Side
Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his work in quantum mechanics, had a surprising talent for art. Feynman took up drawing as a hobby and became quite skilled, even selling his artwork under the pseudonym “Ofey.” He believed that creativity and curiosity were essential in both science and art, and he used drawing as a way to relax and explore different ways of seeing the world.
Ada Lovelace’s Fascination With Gambling
Ada Lovelace, often recognized as the first computer programmer, had a lesser-known passion for gambling. She was particularly interested in devising mathematical strategies for betting on horse races. Unfortunately, her gambling habits led her into financial trouble, but her work with Charles Babbage on the Analytical Engine remains a cornerstone in the history of computing.
Michael Faraday’s Humble Beginnings
Michael Faraday, who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetism, came from very modest beginnings. Born into a poor family, Faraday received little formal education and started his career as an apprentice to a bookbinder. His love for reading and relentless curiosity led him to attend lectures by renowned scientists, eventually securing him a job at the Royal Institution, where he made his groundbreaking discoveries.
Niels Bohr’s Escape From the Nazis
Niels Bohr, the physicist who made foundational contributions to our understanding of atomic structure, had a dramatic escape from Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II. As a key figure in the scientific community, Bohr was at risk of being captured by the Nazis. With the help of the British, he fled to Sweden, eventually making his way to the United States, where he contributed to the Manhattan Project.
Rosalind Franklin’s Love of Travel
Rosalind Franklin, whose work was crucial in discovering the structure of DNA, had a passion for travel and adventure. Before her groundbreaking work in molecular biology, she spent time exploring France and Italy, studying the structure of coal and graphite. Franklin’s love for exploring both the physical and intellectual world fueled her scientific curiosity and drive.
Stephen Hawking’s Voice Was American by Accident
Stephen Hawking, the famous theoretical physicist known for his work on black holes, used a computerized voice synthesizer to communicate due to his ALS. Interestingly, the voice that became synonymous with Hawking was American-accented, despite him being British. The voice synthesizer he used happened to be American-made, and though newer models with different accents became available, Hawking preferred to stick with the original voice that the world had come to recognize.
21 Things Pilots Are Forbidden to Do During Flights
Have you ever wondered what rules pilots must follow while they’re in the cockpit? Being a pilot is a job that comes with a lot of responsibility and a strict set of rules to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
These rules ensure that pilots maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism while flying. By adhering to these guidelines, they help ensure that every flight reaches its destination safely.
Read More: 21 Things Pilots Are Forbidden to Do During Flights
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
