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A great thinker tries a lot to be unconventional (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aristotle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a great thinker' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'tries a lot to be unconventional' is the wordplay.
'to be unconventional' indicates anagramming the letters.
'tries'+'a'+'lot'='triesalot'
'triesalot' with letters rearranged gives 'ARISTOTLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aristotle that I've seen before include "Great Greek philosopher of 4th century B.C." , "Old Greek teacher" , "Totaliser (anag) - ancient Greek" , "Philosopher - treats oil (anag)" , "Greek philosopher, pupil of Plato, tutor of Alexander the Great" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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