I Tried Da Vinci’s (Insane) Daily Routine: Here’s What Happened
I am currently living in Italy, and this year is the 500th since Leonardo Da Vinci’s death.
He was a fascinating individual that left a tremendous, long-lasting impact on the world. I decided to try his daily routine.
<li>Amazon Links</li>
<p>You Can check out or buy this book on Amazon from the link below if you like:</p>
Build Rapid Expertise: How to Learn Faster, Acquire Knowledge More Thoroughly, Comprehend Deeper, and Reach a World-Class Level: //amzn.to/3hPJd11
What is the author’s ultimate conclusion about da Vinci’s routine and what routine does the author recommend?
I Tried Da Vinci’s (Insane) Daily Routine: Here’s What Happened
Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian artist, inventor, and scientist, is considered one of the greatest geniuses in human history. His works, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, continue to fascinate and inspire people around the world. But did you know that da Vinci had a daily routine that was considered bizarre, even by the standards of his time? I decided to try his 24-hour schedule and see how it would affect my productivity and wellbeing.
Here is da Vinci’s daily routine, as recorded by his apprentice Giorgio Vasari in his book The Lives of the Artists:
4:00 am – Wake up and begin working on his art, inventions, or scientific research.
6:00 am – Take a break and have breakfast, consisting of boiled eggs and wine.
8:00 am – Resume work, either in his studio or in nature.
12:00 pm – Lunch, which was usually vegetarian and included soup and bread.
1:00 pm – Rest, meditate, or read.
3:00 pm – Continue working on his art, inventions, or scientific research.
8:00 pm – Have dinner, which was often just a light snack.
9:00 pm – Wind down with leisurely activities such as music, drawing, or conversation with friends.
10:00 pm – Go to bed.
As someone who is used to waking up at a more reasonable hour (around 7:00 am) and going to bed at around midnight, I was apprehensive about adopting da Vinci’s routine. But I was willing to try it for a few days and see what would happen.
The first morning was especially challenging. Waking up at 4:00 am felt like torture, and I could barely keep my eyes open as I worked on a writing project. I managed to plow through until 6:00 am, when I took a break and had my weird breakfast of boiled eggs and wine. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the combination. The rest of the morning went by more smoothly, as I felt energized by the early start.
By midday, however, I was famished and craving something more substantial than vegetarian soup and bread. I found myself snacking on fruit and nuts throughout the day to keep my energy up. The afternoon was less productive, as I felt drained and irritable. I was tempted to take a nap during the 1:00 pm rest period, but I soldiered on.
The rest of the day felt like a blur. I struggled to focus on my work, feeling distracted and sleepy. By the time 8:00 pm rolled around, I was ready to eat a whole pizza, not a light snack. I decided to compromise and have a hearty salad with protein and carbs. I was pleased with myself for not completely abandoning my healthy eating habits.
The evening was enjoyable, as I played some piano and chatted with a friend. But by 10:00 pm, I was so exhausted that I nearly collapsed into bed. I slept soundly but felt groggy when I woke up at 4:00 am the next day.
I repeated the routine for three more days, and the results were mixed. On some days, I felt more productive and focused than ever before. On other days, I struggled to get anything done and felt like a zombie. I also missed being able to socialize or watch a movie in the evenings.
In conclusion, da Vinci’s daily routine is impressive but not practical for most people. It requires a level of discipline, self-control, and sacrifice that is not sustainable for the long term. I admire da Vinci for his dedication to his craft, but I also recognize the importance of rest, relaxation, and social connection in a balanced life. Ultimately, the best routine is the one that works for you and makes you happy.