He was more or less an artist, so no, he didn't work a typical 9 - 5 or anything like that. I went for a week without eating while working full time at a fairly active job, and I actually felt surprisingly energetic after the first few days had passed, but even a week was no small challenge. I personally couldn't imagine going for a full forty days.

I'm definitely not saying a forty day fast would be a good idea. It is actually extremely unhealthy. Upon not eating for such a long period of time your body not only begins to eat away at your fat, but also at your muscles. But it is possible to do.