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"The Unusual Side of Greatness: 10 Unexpected Hobbies of Famous Historical Figures"

~ QUIRKY PURSUITS OF HISTORICAL GREATS ~

By Ehra SilverioPublished about a year ago 12 min read
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"Step into the unusual pastimes of historical icons and be inspired."

"The Unusual Side of Greatness: 10 Unexpected Hobbies of Famous Historical Figures"

It is interesting to note that many historical figures had hobbies that were completely unrelated to their professions or areas of expertise. These hobbies allowed them to pursue different passions, express their creativity, and even learn new skills. Some of these hobbies were quite unusual and unexpected, given their public persona or social status.

Winston Churchill - Painting: The former British Prime Minister was a skilled painter and often turned to this hobby as a way to relieve stress and express his creativity. bit.ly/3LLRt1X

The former British Prime Minister was one such individual who had several unusual hobbies and pastimes that may surprise many. In this essay, we will explore some of these hobbies and how they contributed to Churchill's life and legacy.

First and foremost, Churchill was a skilled painter who turned to this hobby as a way to relieve stress and express his creativity. He painted hundreds of works throughout his lifetime, preferring oil paint and experimenting with different techniques and styles. Churchill's love of painting was evident in his work, which often featured bold and expressive brush strokes and vibrant colors. He even set up a studio at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister, where he would paint in his free time.

Albert Einstein - Playing the Violin: The renowned physicist was also an accomplished musician who loved playing the violin in his free time. https://bit.ly/411fdUc

One of the greatest physicists in history, is well-known for his contributions to science and his famous formula, E=mc². However, what many people may not know is that Einstein also had several unusual hobbies.

One of Einstein's hobbies was playing the violin. He began playing the instrument at the age of six and continued to play throughout his life. Einstein found playing the violin to be a great source of relaxation and inspiration, and he often turned to it when he needed a break from his scientific work.

Another unusual hobby that Einstein had was sailing. He was an avid sailor and enjoyed spending time on the water, whether it was in a small boat or a larger sailboat. Einstein found sailing to be a peaceful and meditative activity, and he often sailed alone or with close friends and family members.

In addition to playing the violin and sailing, Einstein was also an avid traveler. He enjoyed exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, and he often incorporated his travels into his scientific work. For example, his travels to Japan and the United States helped to inspire some of his most famous scientific ideas.

Albert Einstein had several unusual hobbies that revealed his diverse interests and passions. Playing the violin, sailing, and traveling were just a few of the activities that Einstein enjoyed outside of his scientific work. These hobbies not only provide a source of relaxation and inspiration for Einstein but also contributed to his legacy as a complex and fascinating individual.

Benjamin Franklin - Chess: In addition to his many other accomplishments, Franklin was also an avid chess player and even wrote an essay on the game.

Benjamin Franklin was a polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. In addition to his achievements as a statesman, author, and inventor, Franklin also had several unusual hobbies. https://bit.ly/40VnYyK

One of Franklin's hobbies was swimming. He was a skilled swimmer and even invented a pair of swim fins to help him move through the water more efficiently. Franklin enjoyed swimming in the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, and he believed that it was a great way to stay healthy and fit.

Another unusual hobby that Franklin had was playing the glass armonica, also known as the glass harmonium. This instrument is made up of a series of glass bowls of different sizes that are played by touching the rims with moistened fingers. Franklin was fascinated by the instrument and even composed music for it, including a piece called "The Harmonious Bells of New England.

Franklin also had a love of chess, and he was known to play the game regularly. He even wrote an essay titled "The Morals of Chess," in which he discussed the virtues of the game and its ability to teach strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

In addition to swimming, playing the glass armonica, and chess, Franklin had several other hobbies and interests, including reading, writing, and experimenting with electricity. These hobbies provided a creative outlet for Franklin and contributed to his legacy as a multifaceted and fascinating historical figure.

Benjamin Franklin had several unusual hobbies that reveal his diverse interests and passions. Swimming, playing the glass armonica, and chess were just a few of the activities that he enjoyed outside of his many achievements. These hobbies not only provide a source of relaxation and inspiration for Franklin but also contributed to his legacy as a complex and multifaceted individual.

George W. Bush - Painting: Following in Churchill's footsteps, the former U.S. President took up painting as a hobby after leaving office. bit.ly/42gf6oL

The 43rd President of the United States has several unusual hobbies that many people may not know about.

One of Bush's hobbies was painting. After leaving the White House, Bush began painting as a way to relax and express his creativity. He took lessons from a professional artist and has since created several portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. Some of his paintings have even been displayed in galleries and museums.

Another unusual hobby that Bush had was running. He was a dedicated runner and often went for long-distance runs while he was in office. He even ran a marathon in Houston in 1993, finishing with a time of 3 hours and 44 minutes.

Bush was also known for his love of reading, and he often read several books at once. He was especially fond of biographies and historical works, and he even wrote a memoir titled "Decision Points" after leaving office.

In addition to painting, running, and reading, Bush also had a love of fishing. He enjoyed spending time on his ranch in Crawford, Texas and often went fishing with family and friends.

George W. Bush had several unusual hobbies that reveal his diverse interests and passions. Painting, running, reading, and fishing were just a few of the activities that he enjoyed outside of his presidency. These hobbies not only provide a source of relaxation and inspiration for Bush but also contributed to his legacy as a multifaceted and fascinating historical figure.

Nikola Tesla - Pigeon-keeping: The famous inventor had a fascination with pigeons and kept dozens of them in his apartment as pets. https://bit.ly/3VogO5i

The renowned inventor and electrical engineer was known for his brilliant mind and numerous inventions that shaped the modern world. However, in addition to his scientific pursuits, Tesla also had some unusual hobbies that were less well-known.

One of Tesla's most notable hobbies was his love for pigeons. He was an avid bird lover and often spent hours feeding and observing pigeons in parks around New York City, where he lived for much of his life. He even claimed to have fallen in love with one particular white pigeon and credited the bird with inspiring some of his greatest scientific breakthroughs.

Another unusual hobby of Tesla was his fascination with lightning. He was known to conduct experiments with lightning bolts and even built a laboratory dedicated to studying their properties. Tesla's experiments with lightning helped him to develop his famous Tesla coil, which is still used in modern technology today.

In addition to these hobbies, Tesla was also a skilled pianist and had a great appreciation for music. He often attended concerts and played the piano himself, which he believed helped to stimulate his creativity and enhance his scientific thinking.

Overall, Tesla's unusual hobbies demonstrate his passion for exploration and his willingness to think outside the box. His love for pigeons, fascination with lightning, and music appreciation all contributed to his unique perspective on the world and his ability to innovate in ways that continue to impact society today.

John F. Kennedy - Collecting Ships: The former U.S. President had a passion for boats and collected model ships throughout his life. https://bit.ly/423Qf7s

The 35th President of the United States was known for his charisma, political achievements, and his love for sailing. However, he also had several unusual hobbies that were not widely known.

One of Kennedy's unique hobbies was collecting scrimshaw, which are intricate engravings on whale teeth or bones. He had a particular interest in collecting scrimshaw from the 19th century, and his collection included pieces from famous whaling ships such as the Pequod from Herman Melville's novel, "Moby Dick."

Another unusual hobby of Kennedy's was creating art. He enjoyed painting, drawing, and sketching, and even took lessons from a famous Washington, D.C. artist named Bill Walton. Kennedy's artwork mainly focused on landscapes, seascapes, and portraits of his family and friends.

Furthermore, Kennedy was also an avid book collector, and his library was vast and diverse. He had a particular interest in history and biographies, and his collection included books from various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

Lastly, Kennedy enjoyed playing various sports, including golf, football, and tennis. However, one of his most unique sports hobbies was playing touch football with his family and friends on the White House lawn. These games became popular and attracted numerous celebrities and political figures.

John F. Kennedy had several unusual hobbies that ranged from collecting scrimshaw and creating artwork to playing touch football on the White House lawn. These hobbies show a different side of Kennedy's personality, which adds to his already fascinating legacy.

Queen Victoria - Photography: The British monarch was an early adopter of photography and was an avid amateur photographer throughout her life. https://bit.ly/3no4VPV

The Queen of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, had several unusual hobbies that were not commonly known. Her hobbies provided a glimpse into her personal life and her interests outside of her royal duties.

One of Queen Victoria's hobbies was collecting and studying insects. She had an extensive collection of butterflies and moths and even wrote a book called "The Early Lepidoptera," which detailed her findings and research on the insects. Her interest in insects was not just for collecting; she also studied their behavior and ecology and even corresponded with leading entomologists of her time.

Another hobby of Queen Victoria's was painting. She enjoyed painting watercolors, and her artwork ranged from landscapes to portraits of her family and pets. She also took an interest in photography and was one of the first monarchs to have her photograph taken.

Furthermore, Queen Victoria was an avid diarist, and her journals documented her personal life, political events, and her relationships with her family and friends. Her diary entries were so detailed that they provided valuable insights into her life and the Victorian era.

Lastly, Queen Victoria enjoyed going on long walks, and she would often walk for hours in the gardens of her estates. She was a great lover of nature and found solace in the tranquility of her surroundings.

Queen Victoria had several unusual hobbies that included collecting and studying insects, painting, diary writing, and going on long walks. These hobbies show that she was more than just a monarch, but also a woman with personal interests and passions.

Richard Feynman - Safe-cracking: The Nobel Prize-winning physicist had a fascination with safes and became skilled at cracking them as a hobby. https://bit.ly/3VAQlS9

The renowned physicist and Nobel laureate was known for his groundbreaking work in the field of quantum mechanics. However, he also had several unusual hobbies that showcased his diverse interests and creative side.

One of Feynman's unusual hobbies was playing the bongos. He learned to play the instrument while working on the Manhattan Project, and he continued to play throughout his life. He even played the bongos at a nightclub in Rio de Janeiro during a sabbatical in Brazil.

Another of Feynman's hobbies was drawing and painting. He had a particular interest in abstract art and would often create colorful and intricate designs. Feynman's artwork has been featured in several exhibitions, including at the California Institute of Technology, where he worked for many years.

Furthermore, Feynman had a passion for safecracking. He enjoyed solving puzzles and would often challenge his colleagues to open locked safes using only their knowledge of physics and mathematics. He even helped crack the safe of the famous physicist and mathematician, John von Neumann.

Lastly, Feynman was a keen observer of nature and had a fascination with ants. He would often study their behavior and even wrote a book called "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" in which he detailed his experiences studying ants in Brazil.

Richard Feynman had several unusual hobbies that showcased his diverse interests and creative side. These hobbies included playing the bongos, drawing and painting, safecracking, and studying ants. His hobbies not only added to his already impressive legacy as a physicist but also showed that he was a well-rounded and curious individual.

Isaac Newton - Alchemy: In addition to his groundbreaking work in physics and mathematics, Newton was also an alchemist who spent years trying to turn base metals into gold. https://bit.ly/3LLTeMB

Isaac Newton, the famous physicist, and mathematician, is known for his groundbreaking work in calculus and laws of motion. However, he also had several unusual hobbies that showcased his diverse interests and unique personality.

One of Newton's unusual hobbies was alchemy, which was a precursor to modern chemistry. He believed that by studying alchemy, he could unlock the secrets of the universe and find the philosopher's stone, which was said to have the power to turn base metals into gold. Although his alchemical pursuits did not lead to any significant scientific discoveries, they provided a fascinating insight into his interests and beliefs.

Another of Newton's hobbies was studying and interpreting the Bible. He spent a significant portion of his life studying the Bible and even wrote a book called "Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John," in which he attempted to decipher the biblical prophecies.

Furthermore, Newton was an avid collector of rare books and manuscripts. He had a vast collection of books on various subjects, including science, mathematics, philosophy, and religion. His library contained many rare and valuable books, including first editions of works by Galileo and Copernicus.

Lastly, Newton was a keen observer of nature and spent a lot of time studying the behavior of animals. He was particularly interested in birds and would often spend hours watching them and recording their movements and habits.

Isaac Newton had several unusual hobbies that showcased his diverse interests and unique personality. These hobbies included alchemy, studying and interpreting the Bible, collecting rare books and manuscripts, and studying the behavior of animals. His hobbies not only added to his already impressive legacy as a scientist but also showed that he was a well-rounded and curious individual.

Mark Twain - Billiards: The famous author was a skilled billiards player and often played the game as a way to relax and socialize with friends. https://bit.ly/3LpmhnP

Mark Twain, the famous American author, and humorist, is known for his iconic novels such as "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." However, he also had several unusual hobbies that reflected his creative and curious nature.

One of Twain's hobbies was collecting and smoking pipes. He had a vast collection of pipes, and he would often spend hours smoking and contemplating. He even wrote an essay called "Concerning Tobacco," in which he reflected on his love of smoking and the various types of tobacco he had tried.

Another of Twain's hobbies was inventing. He had a natural talent for creating gadgets and gizmos and was awarded three patents during his lifetime. One of his most famous inventions was a self-pasting scrapbook, which he invented in 1872 and successfully marketed.

Furthermore, Twain was an avid traveler and would often explore new places to find inspiration for his writing. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and even chronicled his travels in several books, including "The Innocents Abroad" and "Following the Equator."

Lastly, Twain had a passion for playing billiards, and he was a skilled player. He even wrote a book called "The Billiard Table Murders," which was a fictional detective story set in a billiard hall.

Mark Twain had several unusual hobbies that reflected his creative and curious nature. These hobbies included collecting and smoking pipes, inventing, traveling, and playing billiards. His hobbies not only added to his already impressive legacy as an author but also showed that he was a well-rounded and adventurous individual.

In conclusion, famous historical figures are often known for their significant achievements and contributions to their respective fields. However, their unusual hobbies and interests showcase their diverse personalities, creativity, and curiosity. From playing bongos and studying ants to inventing and playing billiards, these hobbies provide a fascinating insight into the lives of these iconic figures. These hobbies not only added to their legacies but also showed that they were well-rounded individuals who pursued their interests with passion and dedication.

Written by: Ehralyn

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About the Creator

Ehra Silverio

Discover articles on Earth, nature, health, personal development, spirituality, self-learning, blogging, and horror stories. Gain new perspectives for a happier, healthier life!

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