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. 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! According to psychologist Dr. David Weeks, there are around fifteen characteristics that can distinguish between a normal person and an eccentric individual. Further, he also says that individuals having a mental illness 'suffer' from their behavior, however, eccentrics are rather happy. 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!