Question: What Is Strangeness?
Each of us is shaped by the behaviors we repeat every day. Sometimes these actions are so routine and ordinary that we don't even think about them. But there are habits that, while completely normal to one person, may seem extremely strange — even bizarre — to someone else. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey from the relativity of strangeness to the unique habits of real people throughout history and today.
I. Strangeness Is Relative
When we say "strange habits," one question arises: What is considered strange, and by whom?
For example, in Japan, removing shoes at the entrance of a home is normal — but in other cultures, this might seem odd or even disrespectful.
In many African tribes, covering hair with clay is a symbol of beauty, but for a European, this could be completely incomprehensible.
In short, the idea of what is strange depends on culture, geography, age, time, and individual perspective.
II. Strange Habits of Famous People
1. Nikola Tesla – 18 Napkins a Day
The legendary inventor and scientist Nikola Tesla displayed behaviors resembling obsessive-compulsive disorder.
He would order 18 napkins at restaurants and meticulously wipe every surface before eating.
He had a fixation with the numbers 3 and 18, and would only stay in hotel rooms divisible by 3.
2. Leonardo da Vinci – Polyphasic Sleep
The Renaissance genius didn’t sleep 8 hours at night. Instead, he took 20-minute naps every 4 hours — a pattern called polyphasic sleep. It was believed to enhance creativity and energy.
3. Ludwig van Beethoven – Exactly 60 Coffee Beans
Beethoven loved coffee, but he insisted on using exactly 60 beans per cup, which he counted every time. Any deviation was unacceptable to him.
4. Charles Dickens – Magnetic Alignment
To fall asleep, Dickens always aligned his head toward the north. He believed this magnetic alignment improved brain function and harmony with Earth's magnetic field.
III. Modern-Day Strange Habits
1. Photographing Food Before Eating
Many people take photos of their meals from all angles before eating. Though now widespread, in some cases this habit becomes obsessive.
2. Relaxing With ASMR Sounds
ASMR videos on YouTube have millions of followers. For many, these gentle sounds are a form of relaxation. Although odd to some, it’s a unique and surprisingly effective habit.
3. Scent Collections
Some people collect scents — soil from different countries, the smell of old books, or even clothes. This is considered a way of preserving “sensory memory.”
IV. Unusual Daily Customs from Around the World
1. Tongue Cleansing in India
In India, it’s common to scrape the tongue with a metal tool before brushing teeth each morning to remove bacteria.
2. Birthday “Attack” in Denmark
In Denmark, young people are often playfully covered in flour and cinnamon by their friends on birthdays — a sign of camaraderie.
3. South Korea’s Fan Death Fear
In South Korea, there was once a belief that sleeping with a fan on could kill you. This “fan death” fear still affects habits in some households today.
V. What Lies Behind Strange Habits?
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Childhood trauma and learned behaviors – Many unusual habits stem from early feelings of insecurity (like checking locks repeatedly).
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High intelligence and creativity – Studies show that creative people tend to have more eccentric routines.
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Desire for individuality – Some people use unique habits to express their identity and feel different in a crowded world.
Reflection: What Is Normality?
After all these examples, one must ask: Where does normality begin and end?
If a behavior doesn’t harm anyone, coexists peacefully with others, and serves as a way for someone to express themselves — why call it strange?
Psychologists say we all have some degree of eccentricity. In fact, “weirdness” may be a way to preserve individuality.
Conclusion
Strange habits may look funny or incomprehensible. But each one reflects a life story, a memory, or an emotion. Maybe once we understand the reason behind them, they won’t seem so strange after all.
Everyone has their own daily rhythm. What makes those routines fascinating is exactly what makes them different.
Questions & Reflections
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Do you have a habit that others consider strange?
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What’s the weirdest or most interesting habit you’ve come across?
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Do you think being different is something to fear — or something to celebrate?
Share your thoughts with us — your “strangeness” might just inspire someone else.
shefeq.com – A place for unique perspectives.