Daily Rituals by Mason Currey is a captivating exploration of the daily routines of 161 renowned artists, including writers, painters, and scientists. The book delves into the intricate and sometimes unusual habits that these individuals have developed to maximize their creative output. From waking up early to consuming large quantities of coffee, each artist has a unique approach to managing their time and energy. The book emphasizes that these routines are not merely about discipline but also about understanding one's own needs and limitations. For example, William James believed that forming good habits could free the mind to focus on more important tasks. Similarly, Franz Kafka's struggles with his living situation and day job highlight the challenges that even the most talented individuals face. The book is filled with anecdotes and advice, offering a rich tapestry of how different minds work. It's a reminder that creativity is not just about talent but also about the daily choices and rituals that support it. Whether it's Thomas Wolfe writing while standing in the kitchen or Jean-Paul Sartre relying on stimulants, each story provides a unique perspective on the creative process. Overall, Daily Rituals is an inspiring read that offers valuable insights into the lives of some of history's most influential figures.
Quick quotes
The book’s title is Daily Rituals, but my focus in writing it was really people’s routines. The word connotes ordinariness and even a lack of thought; to follow a routine is to be on autopilot. But one’s daily routine is also a choice, or a whole series of choices. In the right hands, it can be a finely calibrated mechanism for taking advantage of a range of limited resources: time (the most limited resource of all) as well as willpower, self- discipline, optimism. A solid routine fosters a well- worn groove for one’s mental energies and helps stave off the tyranny of moods. This was one of William James’s favorite subjects. He thought you wanted to put part of your life on autopilot; by forming good habits, he said, we can “free our minds to advance to really interesting fields of action.” Ironically, James himself was a chronic procrastinator and could never stick to a regular schedule.
A modern stoic knows that the surest way to discipline passion is to discipline time: decide what you want or ought to do during the say, then always do it at exactly the same moment every day, and passion will give you no trouble.
Franz Kafka, frustrated with his living quarters and day job, wrote in a letter to Felice Bauer in 1912, “time is short, my strength is limited, the office is a horror, the apartment is noisy, and if a pleasant, straightforward life is not possible then one must try to wriggle through by subtle maneuvers.
