History is filled with fascinating personalities, and some of the most notable figures had peculiar habits that set them apart. These historical figures, with their unique and often bizarre habits, demonstrate that eccentricity and brilliance often go hand in hand. Their peculiar behaviors add an intriguing dimension to their already fascinating lives.
Nikola Tesla Slept Very Little
Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor, and electrical engineer, claimed to sleep only two hours a night. He believed that short naps throughout the day were sufficient and that prolonged sleep was a waste of time. Tesla’s unusual sleep pattern allowed him to spend more time on his groundbreaking experiments.
Albert Einstein’s Fuzzy Slippers
Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist, had a peculiar attachment to his fuzzy slippers. He was often seen wearing them around his home and even in public. Einstein believed that comfort was essential for creative thinking and problem-solving.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Water Dousing
Ludwig van Beethoven, the legendary composer, had a strange habit of pouring water over his head before composing music. He believed that the cold water helped stimulate his creativity and focus. This habit often caused damage to his apartment floors and annoyed his neighbors.
Winston Churchill’s Bathtime Meetings
Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during World War II, was known for holding important meetings while taking long baths. He would invite aides and officials into the bathroom to discuss critical matters, believing that the relaxation of a bath enhanced his strategic thinking.
Honore de Balzac’s Coffee Addiction
French writer Honoré de Balzac was addicted to coffee, consuming up to 50 cups a day. He believed that the caffeine fueled his writing and creativity. This extreme habit eventually took a toll on his health, contributing to his early death at age 51.
Lord Byron’s Pet Bear
The famous poet Lord Byron kept a pet bear while attending Cambridge University. When informed that dogs were not allowed on campus, Byron acquired the bear as a loophole. He would walk the bear around the grounds, much to the shock and amusement of his fellow students.
Charles Dickens’ Sleeping Arrangements
Charles Dickens, the prolific English author, had an unusual sleeping arrangement. He insisted on sleeping facing north and would carry a compass to ensure his bed was aligned correctly. Dickens believed that this practice improved his writing and overall health.
Pythagoras’ Bean Ban
Pythagoras, the ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher, had a bizarre aversion to beans. He forbade his followers from eating or even touching beans, believing they contained the souls of the dead. This strange belief was part of his broader philosophical and religious teachings.
Catherine the Great’s Meddling in Potatoes
Catherine the Great of Russia had a peculiar obsession with potatoes. She was determined to popularize the vegetable in Russia and went to great lengths to do so. She even held elaborate feasts featuring potatoes and wore potato blossoms in her hair to promote their consumption.
Benjamin Franklin’s Air Baths
Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, practiced what he called “air baths.” He would sit naked in front of an open window for up to an hour each morning, believing that the exposure to fresh air was beneficial for his health.
Rasputin’s Strange Diet
Grigori Rasputin, the mystic and advisor to the Russian royal family, had a peculiar diet. He often ate large quantities of honey and refused to consume anything that had been refined or processed. Rasputin believed that his diet gave him spiritual and physical strength.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Exhibitionism
Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau had a habit of exposing himself in public. He wrote about this behavior in his autobiography, “Confessions,” describing how he would deliberately undress and display himself to women he encountered.
Howard Hughes’ Obsessive Cleanliness
Aviation pioneer and film director Howard Hughes had extreme obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that manifested in bizarre habits. He would spend hours meticulously cleaning his hands and avoiding any contact with germs, often isolating himself in germ-free environments.
Salvador Dali’s Dinner Bells
Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí had a peculiar habit of ringing a bell at random times during dinner parties. He believed that the sudden sound would heighten his guests’ senses and make the meal more enjoyable and memorable.
Immanuel Kant’s Daily Walks
German philosopher Immanuel Kant had an unwavering daily routine that included a precisely timed walk at 3:30 PM. So consistent was his routine that locals joked they could set their clocks by his walk. Kant believed that strict discipline was essential for a clear mind and productive work.
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.
