In a narrow circle, one can preserve one’s individuality, as a rule, in only two ways. Either one leads the circle (it is for this reason that strong personalities sometimes like to be “number one in the village”), or one exists in it only externally, being independent of it in all essential matters. The latter alternative is possible only through great stability of character or through eccentricity—both traits that are conspicuous most often in small towns.

XREF: Connects to social-psychology ideas about conformity pressures in tight-knit groups and the role of eccentricity as a defense against social absorption.

Georg Simmel, on individuality and social…, loc. 621