Nikola Tesla, the eccentric genius known for his groundbreaking work in electricity and magnetism, was also known for his peculiar habits and health theories. Among these was his daily consumption of whiskey, which he believed would help him live to the age of 150. Here’s the story:
A Man of Unusual Convictions
Tesla was a man of science but also a creature of ritual. He had strong beliefs about health and longevity, often informed by his unique interpretations of scientific principles and his observations of the world. Tesla believed that whiskey, when consumed moderately, had medicinal properties that could bolster health and extend life.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whiskey was often touted as a remedy for various ailments, from colds to fatigue. Tesla embraced this notion and incorporated whiskey into his daily routine, convinced that its “tonic” properties would help him achieve his goal of living to 150 years old.
The Role of Moderation
Tesla’s whiskey habit wasn’t about indulgence but discipline. He didn’t drink to excess; instead, he treated whiskey as part of a carefully managed lifestyle. Alongside this, he was known for his meticulous eating habits, avoidance of tobacco, and a commitment to regular physical exercise, particularly walking.
He once said, “Whiskey will help clear your head and stimulate your brain,” reflecting his belief that a sharp mind was key to a long and productive life.
Unexpected Challenges
Tesla’s aspirations for longevity met unexpected obstacles. In 1920, during the Prohibition era in the United States, the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol were banned. This meant Tesla could no longer legally procure whiskey for his daily ritual. While it’s unclear how he coped with this restriction, Tesla likely found the ban frustrating, given his belief in whiskey’s health benefits.
Tesla’s Later Years
Despite his health theories and whiskey habit, Tesla’s life ended at age 86 in 1943—not 150 as he had hoped. By then, he had become a recluse, living in a New York City hotel and feeding pigeons in his spare time. While he didn’t achieve his goal of extreme longevity, he left behind an extraordinary legacy of scientific achievements that continue to inspire the world.
A Legacy of Curiosity
Tesla’s belief in whiskey as a longevity elixir is a charming footnote to his life, showcasing the quirky, human side of a man often revered as a superhuman innovator. It’s a reminder that even the greatest minds can hold unconventional beliefs and that their lives are as fascinating as their inventions.