Eccentric personalities are rare. Associated with intelligence and creativity, their behavior is said to reflect their genius in a fearless manner. So, characteristics of an eccentric person can indeed make eccentricity very interesting!
Soap Bubble Math
Bernhard Einstein, grandson of Albert Einstein, had received a three-hour long lecture on the mathematical properties of soap bubbles from his grandfather, when he was only 8 years old.
Elagabulus, a third century Roman Emperor, served his guests freaky meals: meat, fruits, and other food made from glass, ivory, and gem stones. Bound by etiquette, guests were not allowed to deny such expensive servings.
During the 1700s, a person summoned by King George III to attend his court had apologized for being late, as he was busy teaching an otter how to swim. James Hirst or Jimmy, was this eccentric person, and also the famous business man of York.
Eccentricity
Eccentric people are always better known by their eccentricities. Explained to be an unusually odd behavior, eccentricity tends to reflect from various aspects of a human personality. There is no definition to classifying someone as ‘eccentric’, and neither is there a limit to the very many facets of individual expression which may get labeled as eccentric. It is neither insanity nor a disorder.
Well, it is definitely interesting to get to know what makes one ‘an eccentric of a kind’. So, here is a list of attributes that could help you understand this unique behavioral trait, and also spot some examples around. I know you must be wondering, how do I know that I am (not) one of them! Of course, there is no remedy to explain and convince an eccentric of he, himself being one! Happy finding!
Traits of an Eccentric Person
According to psychologist Dr. David Weeks, there are around 15 characteristics that can distinguish a normal person from an eccentric individual. He also says that individuals having a mental illness ‘suffer’ from their behavior, however, eccentrics are rather happy. These 5 attributes are said to be present in every eccentric person.
– Nonconforming attitude
– Creative
– Highly motivated by curiosity
– Idealistic
– Happily obsessed with hobbyhorses (one or more)
– Not interested in the company or opinions of others
– Knowing since childhood that he or she is different from others
– Opinionated and outspoken; believing that I am always right, and the rest of the world is wrong
– Single
– Usually the only child or the eldest child
– Unusual in eating habits and living arrangements
– Possessed of a mischievous sense of humor
– Bad speller
– Noncompetitive, and not needing reassurance from society
There are also other common traits describing the nature of these people. They show compassion, are geniuses and intelligent, preoccupied with a purpose in their life, and analytical. However, some are notorious for their quirky, cranky, bizarre, erratic, or weird behavior.
Signs of an eccentric person are evident from things like dressing style, speech, peculiar tastes, or an offbeat thinking. Though it is not abnormal, there is a definite deviation in their conduct from the general cultural or societal norms. Doing things in unconventional and strange ways highlights their different perceptions. Being highly creative, multifaceted, and also quaint at times, lets them defy the ‘so-called’ rules.
Louise Elisabeth de Meuron, who was also known as Madame de Meuron, was an aristocrat and an eccentric personality in Bern, Switzerland. She never used to buy a ticket while traveling by tram. She would say, “I was here before the tram”.
Albert Einstein used to deliberately go out sailing when there was no wind. He believed that was more challenging for a sailor. So may be it was!