It is the homogeneity of his mind which makes him dull, and which makes him mad.

It is only because we see the irony of his idea that we think him even amusing; it is only because he does not see the irony of his idea that he is put in Hanwell at all.

In short, oddities only strike ordinary people.

Oddities do not strike odd people.

This is why ordinary people have a much more exciting time; while odd people are always complaining of the dulness of life.