>From societies viewpoint the behavior of those on an eco path looks different. Possibly a little eccentric. So, here are some facts about eccentrics ---- Not only do eccentrics live five to ten years longer than the norm, they are also, on average, healthier (visiting the doctor only once every eight years compared to about three times a year for the general public), happier and more intelligent than the rest of the population. Dr David Weeks, author of 'Eccentrics: The Scientific Investigation' (published by Stirling University Press, 1988, L27-50) A psychologist at the University of Edinburgh, David Weeks, has made a career of studying "eccentrics." He concludes that "oddballs" are happier than Normals. Not only that, he suggests that Normals can become "eccentric" with some amount of effort. Says Weeks, "Why should we continue to groom ourselves properly and comport ourselves according to social convention while those who flout convention seem to be having the time of their life?" According to Weeks, the best way to begin to become "eccentric" is to become unemployed: you need a lot of leisure time to be an "eccentric." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you eccentric? The good news is that <1> "Eccentrics" by David Weeks and Jamie James is now available in paperback (and also in German translation), and it's definitely worth reading. Even better news is that eccentrics live longer, are happier and healthier than the rest of us, and of course, they are more intelligent and more creative. The bad news: In order to qualify, you must have at least 10 of the following qualities (in descending order of importance): nonconforming creative strongly motivated by curiosity idealistic happily obsessed with one or more hobbyhorses aware from early childhood of being different intelligent, opinionated and outspoken convinced of being right and the rest of the world being out of step non-competitive (not in need of reassurance or reinforcement from society) unusual in eating habits and living arrangements not particularly interested in the opinions or company of other (non- eccentric) people possessed of a mischievous sense of humour single the eldest or only child a bad speller
