Saad Gul
Creative people have a reputation for being non-conventional – and rightly so because if they followed society’s rules, could they have ever created anything original or timeless?
In a world where there is so much noise and society tells us how to do everything, it is not easy to be a creative rebel. The most famous creative people throughout history have almost always followed their own paths – enabling them to leave behind a legacy of original art that has served to inspire generations.
An infographic from www.podio.com breaks down the daily routines of famous creative people, such as Pablo Picasso, Mozart, Maya Angelou, or Benjamin Franklin. It allows you to highlight segments of the chart to see more specific details on the routines of each creative person – which are representations of what’s been recorded in diaries, journals, letters, or other literature by these greats themselves.
Ludwig van Beethoven
The famous German composer and pianist was addicted to coffee and would count exactly 60 beans for each cup he consumed.
Franz Kafka
The novelist would have strong bouts of insomnia and often hallucinations. However, this condition shaped his creative process – he stated in his journal that he only knew the type of writing in which “fear [kept him] from sleeping”.
Honoré de Balzac
The French novelist and playwright “[went] to bed at six or seven in the evening, like the chickens” and started working just after midnight ; when most people are going to sleep. He wore “Moroccan slippers” and a “notorious white monkish robe with a belt of Venetian gold” when he worked. Following this order, he was able to write 85 novels in 20 years.
Victor Hugo
The French poet, novelist, and dramatist, best known for penning Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, had very busy and eclectic days. His breakfast would include coffee and two raw eggs, and after working for a few hours in the morning, he would take an ice bath on the roof. In the afternoon, he would try to fit in a quick visit with his barber, a date with his mistress, and also some strenuous exercise. In the evening, he would write some more, and then play cards and go out with friends.
Whether we agree or disagree with these routines, the life work of these greats speaks for itself. It is really all about perception. We can make a binary choice – either take away valuable lessons from these disciplined heroes or judge them for being eccentric.
