Chapter 1: Dinner with Friends

Last Saturday night, my wife Janice and I enjoyed a meal at a Thai restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale with some friends visiting from out of town. Despite my personal aversion to dining out due to the high costs and my past experiences working in restaurants, we went along with the plan because our guests were eager to try what they called "the best Thai restaurant."

As we perused the menu, Gil, a friend from years ago, casually mentioned his Jewish heritage. He and his wife Julie were in town for a vacation. We were all sipping water—no alcohol for me, as it used to make me feel unhinged.

As we contemplated our choices, Gil asked about my religious background. I replied, "Religion is against my religion, but I'm fascinated by world religions and all things unconventional. I grew up Roman Catholic, and it took me a long time to unravel the complexities of these belief systems."

Gil and Julie exchanged glances as if to say I was out of my mind, but Janice, my supportive partner of nearly four decades, was accustomed to my ramblings. She simply sighed and thought, "That's my Cliffy."

Section 1.1: The Soapbox Moment

I dislike being called Cliffy, but before I could dwell on that, I asked Gil, "What do you know about Kabbalah?" He admitted he knew nothing, distracted by the menu choices.

Once our server appeared, I took the opportunity to share what I knew about the three primary sects of Jews during the Roman era. "There were the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes," I said, while Janice rolled her eyes, likely thinking, "Here we go again."

The Pharisees believed in resurrection and the existence of spirits, adhering to both the Written and Oral Torah. The Sadducees, on the other hand, were priestly aristocrats who rejected these beliefs and focused solely on the Temple in Jerusalem.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Essenes and Their Legacy

Taking a moment to gauge interest, I continued, "Now the Essenes were truly fascinating. They distanced themselves from the chaos of city life and lived in communal, ascetic settings. They were known for their puritanical lifestyle and are believed to have authored the Dead Sea Scrolls. I have a theory that Jesus might have been an Essene."

Julie responded with genuine curiosity, "You really know your stuff!" Meanwhile, Gil was engrossed in his Dip Hot Chicken, as the conversation quieted.

After what felt like an eternity, I wondered if I had overwhelmed our friends. Janice seemed convinced I had, but they complimented the food, and to shift the mood, she brought up the topic of Pickleball—a sport I find utterly frustrating, even though I've been certified to teach it.

Chapter 2: The Question of Sanity

After our overpriced dessert, we took a group photo before saying our goodbyes. Upon returning home, I pondered the notion of insanity—something I often question, especially in the early hours of the morning.

As I sipped my coffee and prepared to write, I couldn't help but think that if I believe I'm crazy, I should celebrate that fact. Writers, artists, and thinkers often tread the path of unconventionality, and perhaps that’s where true creativity lies.

So here’s the takeaway: If you suspect you’re a bit off-kilter, embrace it! Who wants to live a mundane life? If I had lived in biblical times, I would have aligned myself with the Essenes, even if they deemed me insane.

In closing, if your thoughts wander into the realm of madness, welcome that side of you. It’s often your quirks that make you unique, and that uniqueness is what fuels creativity.

Now, I must finish the last of my coffee, and thank you for joining me on this reflection. When I'm not guiding budding entrepreneurs or advocating for mental well-being, I explore the depths of creativity through writing and speaking. For more insights, visit www.CliffordJones.com or subscribe to The Clarity Letter on Substack.