G.K. Chesterton: the "Prince of Paradox"

I am currently reading through, albeit obstinately, G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy.  According to Wikipedia he was, "one of the most influential English writers of the 20th Century." Standing at 6'4 weighing nearly 300lbs G.K. was an intimidating figure however his quick wit and humor softened the hearts of both friend and foe.   He was a journalist, fiction writer, and Christian apologist, and his book called the Everlasting Man was influential in the conversion of C.S. Lewis.

From the little that I have read of Chesterton, I have found his writing difficult to understand.  He writes so intelligently and with such depth that I find myself re-reading one sentence many times over.  Time Magazine calls him the "prince of paradox," turning sentences time and again throughout his writings.  Here are a couple of  examples taken from Orthodoxy: 

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting.  It has been found difficult; and left untried."

"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 about the dullness of life." pg. 13

"Imagination does not breed insanity.  Exactly what does breed insanity is reason.  Poets do not go mad; but chess players do.  Mathematicians go mad; but creative artists very seldom." pg. 14

It would have been a pleasure to meet and learn from this wonderful man  but for now his book will have to suffice.