Blinded by Science (Literally!):

Newton was so dedicated to understanding optics and light that he experimented on himself in rather extreme ways. In one of his most daring (and painful) experiments, he stuck a needle-like object—called a bodkin—into his own eye socket, pressing against the back of his eyeball to see how it affected his vision. He described seeing colored circles and flashes of light, which helped him understand the nature of light and color perception. He also stared directly into the sun for long periods of time to study afterimages, which temporarily blinded him! 

Apple Story (Sort of) True!: 

The famous story of an apple falling on Newton’s head and inspiring his theory of gravity might not be entirely accurate, but it’s not totally fiction either! According to Newton’s own account, he was sitting in his garden when he saw an apple fall from a tree. This got him thinking about why things fall downward—and from there, his work on gravity began. While it didn’t bonk him on the head, the apple did play a key role in his discovery!

Hated Being Interrupted: 

Newton was extremely private and hated distractions. He once locked his pet dog Diamond in a room while he worked, but Diamond accidentally knocked over a candle and set fire to important papers. Newton supposedly said, “O Diamond, Diamond, thou little knowest the mischief thou hast done.” Despite the setback, Newton continued his research without letting it get him down.

Alchemist at Heart: 

Besides being a brilliant physicist and mathematician, Newton was also an alchemist! He spent a lot of time trying to turn base metals into gold and searching for the philosopher’s stone, a legendary substance believed to grant eternal life. His notebooks were filled with experiments on alchemy, although it’s safe to say he had more luck with gravity than he did with magical potions!

Invented the First Practical Reflecting Telescope: 

Newton loved studying the stars, but the telescopes of his time were flawed. So, what did he do? He invented his own! Newton designed the first practical reflecting telescope, which used mirrors instead of lenses to avoid distortion. This breakthrough design is still used in modern telescopes today, allowing astronomers to gaze deeper into the universe.

Rivalry with Robert Hooke: 

Newton had a fierce rivalry with fellow scientist Robert Hooke. They disagreed on many scientific theories, particularly around optics and the nature of light. Their rivalry was so intense that when Hooke died, Newton supposedly had Hooke’s portrait removed from the Royal Society’s gallery. Some even believe Newton might have contributed to Hooke’s work being downplayed after his death.

Late Bloomer: 

Despite his incredible genius, Newton wasn’t a child prodigy. In fact, he struggled in school as a boy and wasn’t particularly interested in academics. It wasn’t until he attended Cambridge University that his passion for mathematics and science blossomed. He’s a prime example of how early struggles don’t always predict future brilliance!

Warden of the Royal Mint: 

In 1696, Newton became the Warden of the Royal Mint, a position where he was responsible for overseeing the production of England’s currency. But this job wasn’t just ceremonial—Newton took it very seriously and played a big role in cracking down on counterfeiters. He personally investigated and prosecuted many criminals, even having some hanged for their crimes.

Feared the End of the World: 

Newton wasn’t just focused on science; he was also deeply interested in theology and biblical prophecies. He spent years studying the Bible, trying to calculate when the world would end. Newton believed that based on his calculations, the apocalypse wouldn’t happen before 2060. So, we’ve still got some time according to Newton’s predictions!

Dysfunctional Love Life (or Lack of One): 

Unlike many historical figures, Newton was famously disinterested in romance. He never married or had any known romantic relationships. Some historians believe Newton was so absorbed in his work that he had no time for love. Others think he simply didn’t find it important—after all, he had the laws of the universe to uncover!

Tough to Get Along With: 

Newton wasn’t the easiest person to work with. He was known to be stubborn, secretive, and sometimes downright unpleasant. He held grudges and had many feuds with other scientists, including the aforementioned Robert Hooke and the German mathematician Gottfried Leibniz. Their bitter argument over who invented calculus lasted years, with Newton accusing Leibniz of plagiarism—although we now know both men developed calculus independently.

Master of Disguise?: 

As Warden of the Mint, Newton would often disguise himself and visit taverns to gather information about counterfeiters. He took on this detective role to gather evidence for trials, making him a bit of a scientific Sherlock Holmes!

Invented a New Branch of Math (Calculus): 

Newton co-invented calculus, the mathematical study of change. Although he’s often credited with its invention, German mathematician Leibniz independently developed similar methods at the same time. Their dispute over who should get the credit led to a fierce battle of egos, but in reality, both made groundbreaking contributions to this essential field of mathematics.

Newton’s life was full of strange, brilliant, and unexpected moments that made him one of the most fascinating minds in history. Whether he was battling counterfeiters, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, or secretly practicing alchemy, his legacy is anything but ordinary!