When delving into history, the unexpected often makes for the most captivating stories. This is especially true when we examine figures we admire or assume we know well. Sir Isaac Newton is a prime example of this phenomenon.

Often regarded solely for his brilliance in physics and mathematics, he is typically viewed as a reclusive and introverted individual with a troubled childhood. However, his legacy extends far beyond these perceptions.

Neil deGrasse Tyson once remarked, “Isaac Newton. No question about it. The smartest person ever to walk the face of this earth. The man was connected to the universe in spooky ways. He discovered the laws of motion, the laws of gravity, the laws of optics. Then he turned 26.” While this is undoubtedly accurate, it only scratches the surface of who Newton truly was. Below is a list of intriguing facts that highlight the more eccentric aspects of his life:

1. A Legendary Year in Quarantine

   While many today struggle with productivity during lockdowns, Newton used his time in quarantine during the 1655 bubonic plague outbreak to innovate. With Cambridge University closed, he maximized his time at home, leading to what he called his “years of wonder,” where he developed early calculus and conducted pioneering experiments with prisms.

   Upon returning to Cambridge, he brought forth groundbreaking theories, quickly ascending to a fellowship and later a professorship.

2. Confronting a Bully

   Like many shy children, Newton faced bullying. However, when provoked one day, he fought back, surprising everyone by standing up for himself and ultimately excelling in school.

3. The Absent-Minded Professor

   Some speculate that Newton may have had Asperger’s Syndrome, characterized by social anxiety and intense focus on specific subjects. This aloofness was apparent during his tenure as a Cambridge professor, where his lectures often drew few students due to his unapproachable demeanor.

4. A Fiery Rivalry

   Newton's personality was marked by jealousy and a short temper, particularly evident in his conflicts with fellow scientist Robert Hook. Their disputes became notorious, especially when Hook accused Newton of stealing credit for the Law of Universal Gravitation.

   Another notable rivalry was with mathematician Gottfried Leibniz over the invention of calculus, where accusations of plagiarism flew, leading to a fierce battle for recognition.

5. Newton the Alchemist

   Surprisingly, Newton devoted much of his life to alchemy, a subject he kept largely hidden from his peers. His extensive work in this area remains less known yet showcases another facet of his intellectual pursuits.

6. A Brief Foray into Farming

   At a young age, Newton’s mother considered pulling him out of school to pursue farming. However, thanks to a supportive headmaster, he continued his education, ultimately changing the course of history.

7. A Bold Prediction for 2060

   Newton’s deep religious beliefs led him to make predictions regarding the end of the world, suggesting that the end could occur in 2060 based on biblical interpretations.

8. An Unusual Experiment

   In a bid to understand vision, Newton once inserted a needle into his eye, leading to a rather painful and bizarre experiment that produced various visual effects.

9. Safeguarding Currency

   As warden of the Royal Mint, Newton played a crucial role in protecting British currency from forgery by employing scientific methods to ensure quality control.

10. A Troubling Mental Breakdown

    Newton experienced severe mental health issues, including insomnia and delusions, during which he confided in a friend about his struggles with consistency of mind.

11. A Bizarre Medical Proposal

    In his quest to find a cure for the plague, Newton suggested a remedy involving toad vomit, a rather peculiar notion reflecting the medical practices of his time.

12. Rare Moments of Laughter

    Newton was known for his serious demeanor, reportedly laughing only twice in his life, which highlights his intense focus on work.

13. The Silent Politician

    Newton served in the British Parliament but was infamously quiet, only speaking to request that a window be closed during sessions.

14. A Lover of Portraits

    Uncommonly for a non-royal, Newton commissioned numerous portraits of himself, indicating a fascination with his own image.

Sources and References: - https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/03/12/during-pandemic-isaac-newton-had-work-home-too-he-used-time-wisely/ - http://www.factfiend.com/isaac-newton-got-good-grades-school-annoy-bully/ - https://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/physics/astrocourses/ast203/newton.html - https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/leading-figures/hooke-the-genius-whose-big-mistake-was-confronting-newton/ - https://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1375.htm - https://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-isaac-newton - https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21856-newton-saved-the-uk-economy-10-million/ - https://historycollection.com/16-examples-of-the-madness-of-sir-isaac-newton/5/ - https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/isaac-newton-the-man-who-discovered-gravity/zh8792p - https://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-isaac-newton