Winston Churchill would rise at 7:30 and stay in bed until 11:00 where he would eat breakfast, read several newspapers, and dictate to his secretaries. When he finally got out of bed, he would bathe, take a walk outside, then settle in to work with a weak whisky and soda. Lunch began at 1:00 and lasted until 3:30, after which he would work or play cards or backgammon with his wife. At 5:00 he napped for an hour and a half, then bathed again and got ready for dinner. Dinner was considered the highlight of his day, with much socializing, drinking, and smoking that sometimes went past midnight. After his guests left, he would then work for another hour or so before heading to bed.--from Famous Thinkers and Their Inspiring Daily Rituals.
* * *
12 comments:
hmm cats and dogs do the same....
Agree with Chrissy. Did we really win World War II?
I think that was Winnie's routine when things weren't pressing. I believe he went through intense periods where he worked almost round the clock for days on end.
T Rugare: mostly, it was the Russians that won WWII.
He's one of the most fascinating historical figures, to me. And, yes, he was a notorious toad at times like the day described here. But how about his leadership of the UK in war times? How about his exploits as a frontline reporter during the Boer War and his writing and painting? The man dug (by himself) a lakebed at his country home, Chartwell, for crying out loud. In his later years he indulged in sloth and debauchery, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
WV - hailoger. What the secretaries said as they reported to his bedside to take dictation.
Now that I'm in my later years can I indulge in sloth and debauchery?
RJ
And one morning, early in the 21st Century, airplanes struck buildings in the United States, and a man named George Bush believed he had found his Winston Churchill moment.
Makes me feel darnright industrious. When you had your webcam we had insights how you work. I guess you give us enough info to keep us guessing and interested.
Also, J.W. has some newer posts.
...rise at 7:30 and stay in bed until 11:00...
I also rise when I wake up but don't staty risen for 3 1/2 hours. Closer to 3 1/2 minutes.
Why get out of bed when someone else will bring you breakfast and newspapers and even write your letters?
The Irish have their issues with him all the same considering his minions burned Cork and many other places.
Churchill's finest moment was in 1940, when he kept Britian from capitulating to the Third Reich.
Once FDR and Stalin got into the act, Churchill was basically relegated to supporting player status. By D-Day, he was even subordinant to General Eisenhower. On paper, anyway. None of this takes away from Churchill's individual greatness. It's just that in the latter part of the war, which leader could spit out the most men and machines was of more importance than individual greatness.
i love John Cheever's routine. and the whole elevator to the basement, then undressing and writing in underwear is just brilliant.
Post a Comment