Isaac Newton's Daily Routine: Obsessive Focus, Isolation, and Scientific Breakthroughs

Issac Newton's daily routine was one filled with obsessive dedication. However, that obsessiveness, led to him becoming one of the most famous scientists and polymaths in history. Newton is known to have mainly been a physicist, mathematician, and astronomer. He developed the three fundamental laws of motion. One of these laws famously states that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Newton also developed the universal law of gravitation which reveals that every mass attracts every other mass in the universe. 

Among Issac Newton's other accomplishments are contributions to calculus, optics, and celestial mechanics. His career and research make him the definition of a typical polymath. Though, polymaths are all but typical, as the routine that allowed Newton to accomplish his scientific feats was anything but common. 

So, what did Issac Newton's daily routine look like?

Newton would wake up every morning refreshed and ready to work. This is a surprising observation as he was often observed by his employees not going to bed until anywhere between 3 AM and 6 AM. He was, quite obviously, reluctant to have his sleep schedule interrupt his work habits. Throughout his daily routine that consisted of studying, researching and teaching, he oftentimes neglected his appearance and would forget to eat.

Newton did not pay attention to most things that were not directly related to his work. So, in 1665, when the bubonic plaque was ravaging England and he was forced to spend a year confined to his home, Newton made some of his most revolutionary discoveries. Among these discoveries was his law of universal gravitation. To this day, the months that Newton spent working between 1665 and 1666 are known as "the year of wonders."

What can we learn from Issac Newton's peculiar daily routine and habits?

Time to oneself is often extremely beneficial for the mind and body. It allows us to explore our passions while also being free from the prying eyes of others. Prioritize and protect your alone time.