An eminent German psychologist considers that embonpoint is one of the greatest blessings Providence has bestowed upon mankind, and regards fatness as one of the hall-marks of genius.
Similar views are also held by the French writer Theophile Gautier, who points to Balzac, "more barrel than man", and Rossini, a "veritable hippopotamus in breeches," as examples. Victor Hugo, "fat and jolly", and Sainte-Beuve showed a well-fed appearance. A French critic described Zola as writing best when he was fattest, declaring that the novelist's genius declined as his corpulency decreased.
The poet James Thomson, author of The Seasons and The Castle of Indolence, described himself in the appropriate stanza, beginning: "A bard here dwelt more fat than bard beseems." The Emperor Augustus is said to have jested not very elegantly about Horace's corpulency.
Byron, as well known, dreaded obesity, and brought down his weight by subjecting himself to a rigorous diet, and living on vinegar and water. He would fast for 48 hours at a stretch, and at one time subsisted on six biscuits a day. By such abstemiousness he reduced his weight from 14st. 7lb. to 10st. 9lb., though he probably injured his health thereby.
The Irish Times, October 31st, 1930.