Quote by Vaslav Nijinsky
People like eccentrics. Therefore they will leave me alone, saying that I am a mad clown.

Summary
This quote suggests that eccentricity can serve as a protective shield, deterring people from interfering or bothering someone. By presenting oneself as a "mad clown" or an eccentric, individuals can create a perception that they are unpredictable or odd, which often makes others hesitant to approach or question them. The quote implies that being seen as eccentric can grant a certain level of freedom or privacy by deterring unwanted attention and maintaining a perceived madness that, paradoxically, becomes a form of self-defense.