Biography
Ever wondered why the words “English” and “eccentricity” make such a happy pairing? If indeed they do, for are we truly more eccentric than other nationalities? Or do we just like to think we are…
The Basics
Although eccentricity is often synonymous with humour, quirkiness and fun, it nevertheless taps into a more serious point - our national tolerance and celebration of being an individual.
What is eccentricity?
The definition of the word “eccentric” according to the Oxford English Dictionary is: “unconventional and strange, not concentric”. So, literally off-centre and out of the circle.
True eccentrics?
But why exactly does this country generate such a healthy bounty of eccentrics? If indeed it does - for is eccentricity really and truly an intrinsic part of our national make-up, or do we just like to think that it is? After all, there does seem to be a certain amount of kudos attached to being “eccentric”.
Early eccentricity
Medieval England had its anchorites and hermits - people who were apart from the social order. However, the same applied to other European countries, and no existing evidence suggests that the English perceived themselves as particularly gifted in “otherness” prior to the 16th century.
