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History is full of brilliant minds who shaped the world in ways we still feel today. But if you imagine them as polished, perfectly disciplined people who lived neat and predictable lives, think again. Many geniuses had habits so odd, you might wonder if they were just quirks—or the secret to their brilliance.
The truth? Science suggests that some “eccentric” behaviors can actually boost creativity, sharpen thinking, and expand problem-solving skills. Here are eight strange habits from legendary minds, and how they might just make you smarter too.
1. Nikola Tesla – Walking Exactly 8 Kilometers a Day
Tesla, the inventor behind alternating current (AC) electricity, wasn’t just precise in his engineering—he was precise in his walking. He strolled exactly eight kilometers daily, believing it kept his mind sharp and ideas flowing.
Lesson for you: Regular walking, especially at a steady pace, improves blood circulation to the brain, boosting memory and problem-solving skills.
2. Albert Einstein – Sailing Without Knowing How to Swim
Einstein loved to sail—yet never learned to swim. His friends said he enjoyed drifting aimlessly, letting his thoughts wander as the boat did the same.
Lesson for you: Engaging in activities where the mind can “float” without stress allows the brain to enter a creative, daydreaming state known as diffuse thinking, where innovative ideas often emerge.
3. Steve Jobs – Walking Meetings
Instead of boardrooms, Jobs preferred walking with colleagues while discussing big ideas. The movement, fresh air, and open space encouraged freer thinking and less formality.
Lesson for you: Next time you need to brainstorm, take it outside. Physical movement increases oxygen to the brain, which enhances clarity and creativity.
4. Beethoven – Counting Coffee Beans
The composer reportedly counted exactly 60 coffee beans for each cup he drank. He believed the perfect caffeine dose fueled his focus for composing complex symphonies.
Lesson for you: Consistent rituals, even quirky ones, can prime your brain for deep work by creating a mental association between the habit and productivity.
5. Salvador Dalí – Napping with a Key in Hand
Dalí would nap in a chair holding a heavy key. As he drifted off, the key would fall, waking him instantly. This micro-nap left him refreshed yet still brimming with dreamlike ideas.
Lesson for you: Short “creative naps” help the brain transition between wakefulness and dreaming—a fertile ground for unique connections and fresh solutions.
6. Maya Angelou – Writing in a Bare Hotel Room
Angelou rented small hotel rooms, stripped of decorations, to write in complete simplicity. She believed the absence of distractions kept her words pure and powerful.
Lesson for you: Minimalism in your workspace can reduce mental clutter, making it easier to focus on deep, uninterrupted thinking.
7. Thomas Edison – Catnaps Instead of Full Sleep
Edison saw full nights of sleep as a “waste of time” and instead took frequent short naps. He claimed this kept his mind alert and ready for inspiration at any hour.
Lesson for you: While not ideal for everyone, strategic power naps can recharge mental energy without the grogginess of oversleeping.
8. Leonardo da Vinci – Switching Projects Constantly
Da Vinci often left works unfinished, jumping between painting, engineering, anatomy, and architecture. Though criticized for it, this cross-pollination of ideas fueled his unmatched creativity.
Lesson for you: Exploring multiple interests can spark unexpected insights, as skills and concepts from one field often inspire breakthroughs in another.
Genius isn’t always about strict schedules, perfect discipline, or sticking to conventional norms. Sometimes, it’s about finding personal rhythms—no matter how odd they look from the outside—that keep your mind curious, alert, and open to the unexpected.
You don’t need to adopt all these habits (please don’t go sailing without learning to swim), but experimenting with small changes to your daily routine might just give your brain the creative nudge it needs.
