r>1. Albert Einstein was a terrible student
Despite being widely regarded as one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century, it may come as a surprise to many that Albert Einstein was actually a terrible student. In fact, he failed his college entrance exams twice and struggled in many of his early math and science classes. It wasn't until later in life, when he began to pursue his own interests and ideas outside of the traditional academic setting, that he was able to unleash his true genius.
2. Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired by Gandhi
Martin Luther King Jr. is known for his powerful speeches and nonviolent approach to civil rights activism, but many may not know that he was deeply inspired by the teachings and methodologies of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. King studied Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance and applied it to his own efforts to fight racial inequality in America, ultimately leading to significant social and legislative changes.
3. Marilyn Monroe had an IQ of 168
Marilyn Monroe may be known more for her beauty and iconic status as a Hollywood starlet, but she was actually quite intelligent, with an IQ of 168. Unfortunately, she faced many challenges and obstacles throughout her life, including a difficult childhood and multiple marriages, which eventually led to her untimely death at the age of 36.
4. Nikola Tesla had a photographic memory
Nikola Tesla was a brilliant inventor and engineer, known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of electromagnetism and wireless communications. But even more impressive than his technological contributions was his exceptional memory, which was reportedly photographic in nature. Tesla could recall vast amounts of detail, including entire books and scientific formulas, with remarkable accuracy.
5. Coco Chanel was a Nazi sympathizer
While Coco Chanel is celebrated as a fashion icon and trailblazer, her legacy is somewhat tarnished by her controversial politics during World War II. Chanel was a known Nazi sympathizer, and even used her fashion empire to profit off of the occupation of France. Despite her contributions to the world of fashion, her involvement with the Nazis remains a stain on her reputation.
6. Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous artists in history, known for his evocative and emotional paintings. However, during his lifetime, he struggled to make a living from his art, and only sold one painting (to his brother) before his death. Today, his work is highly prized and commands astonishing prices at auction, but during his own time, van Gogh remained largely unknown.
7. Edgar Allan Poe was a terrible drunkard
Edgar Allan Poe is the author of some of the most haunting and macabre stories in literature, but he was also a notorious drunkard, with a deep-seated addiction to alcohol. Poe's drinking problem plagued him throughout his life, and likely contributed to his untimely death at the age of 40.
8. Ada Lovelace was the world's first computer programmer
Long before the era of modern computers, Ada Lovelace, a 19th century mathematician and writer, envisioned the possibilities of computing technology. Lovelace worked closely with the inventor Charles Babbage, and is credited with writing the first algorithm designed specifically for a machine, making her the world's first computer programmer.
9. Steve Jobs was a fruitarian
As the co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs is perhaps best known for his contributions to the technology industry. But he was also a committed follower of the raw food movement, and went for extended periods of time eating only fruit. While his dietary choices may have been extreme, they reflect his deep commitment to innovation and experimentation in all areas of life.
10 Marie Curie's notebooks are still radioactive
Marie Curie is famous for her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry, and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. However, due to her extensive work with radioactive elements, her notebooks and other personal effects are still highly radioactive to this day, and require special protective gear to handle. While her work had a lasting impact on our understanding of the universe, it also highlights the potential dangers of scientific experimentation.