"Chaque personne normale, en fait, n'est normale qu'en moyenne. Son ego se rapproche de celui du psychotique dans une partie ou une autre et dans une plus ou moins grande mesure."

Everyone has quirks and oddities. That’s the core of the idea here. No one is purely "normal." Each person has aspects of their personality that can verge on what might be considered eccentric or even a bit unhinged. Think about it—if you take any so-called normal person and look closely enough, you’ll find bits of their behavior or thought processes that don’t fit the typical mold.

This idea has been around for a while and was probably said to challenge our perceptions of normality versus abnormality. The quote suggests that labeling someone as purely normal or completely psychotic is overly simplistic. We all have facets of our personality that, under the right (or wrong) circumstances, could seem a bit off.

Want a real-life example? Take the famous artist Vincent van Gogh. By today's standards, he might be labeled as having severe mental health issues, and indeed, he struggled with his mental health throughout his life. But think about how his so-called madness brought forth incredible creativity. His unique way of seeing the world, which might have seemed psychotic to some, resulted in masterpieces that are revered today. His starry skies and vibrant fields show how his mind worked differently, yes, but also beautifully.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by embracing your quirks. Don’t shy away from the parts of you that seem a bit unusual. Those are the things that make you unique and can be strengths rather than weaknesses. Maybe you have a weird way of solving problems that no one else understands. That’s your edge. Lean into it.

Let's imagine a scenario: You’re at work, and you’ve always felt a bit out of place because you think differently than your colleagues. Maybe you approach projects in a non-linear way, while everyone else is by-the-book. Instead of masking your methods to fit in, you decide to present your ideas confidently. One day, your team faces a challenge that traditional thinking can't solve. Your unique approach breaks through the deadlock, and suddenly, your quirkiness is seen as genius.

This idea also encourages empathy. When we understand that everyone has their own "crazy" bits, it becomes easier to accept others' oddities. Next time your friend does something that seems bizarre, remember—they're just showing a side of their personality that’s as valid as any other. It makes you more patient, more compassionate.

So next time you're feeling out of place or when someone else seems out of sync, remember that "normal" is just an average. Embrace the fact that we're all a bit strange. It's those oddball parts of us that often hold the most potential for greatness. And who knows? Maybe the little bit of "crazy" is what makes life interesting. So go ahead—let your freak flag fly, and don’t be too quick to judge others when they do the same.