Dirty desks: Some notable slobs throughout history

Messy desks are often a sign of creativity, according to a new study by psychological scientist Kathleen Vohs and her colleagues at the University of Minnesota. Clean desks have their benefits, too, including generosity and healthy living.

Vohs says a clean room seemed to encourage people to do what was expected of them, while those in the messy room were considered more interesting and creative when evaluated by judges.

“Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce fresh insights,” says Vohs. “Orderly environments, in contrast, encourage convention and playing it safe.”

Maybe you’re a creative genius. Maybe that desk covered in candy wrappers, newspapers, stagnant cups of coffee and scraps of food are signs of your originality. Or maybe that messy desk means you’re a slob. If you want to be part of the former group, here are some great creative minds you should be able to relate to:

Steve Jobs:

The co-founder of Apple was known for his unconventional lifestyle and minimalist approach to personal possessions. But that minimalism did not extend to his workspace. Jobs’ office was often cluttered with papers and books but that didn’t stop him from being a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the technology industry.

Winston Churchill: The former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill, was known for his chaotic work habits and cluttered workspace. He was notorious for leaving a trail of papers and cigar butts in his wake. Churchill was a brilliant statesman and leader despite his messy tendencies, guiding Britain through some of its darkest hours during World War II.

Pablo Picasso:

The influential Spanish painter and sculptor was known for his messy studios. He would often leave paint splatters, scraps of canvas, and unfinished works of art strewn about his workspace. Despite his messy habits – or probably because of them – Picasso created some of the most iconic artworks of the 20th century.

Thomas Edison:

The inventor had a cluttered laboratory where he conducted countless experiments and inventing sessions. Despite the disorderliness of his workspace, Edison was responsible for numerous groundbreaking inventions, including the phonograph and the electric light bulb.

Johann Sebastian Bach: The prolific composer was known for his messy and disorganized work habits. He composed an extensive body of music, including numerous cantatas, fugues and organ works in a cluttered environment. Despite the disorderliness of his workspace, Bach’s music is known for its complexity and beauty.