Sanity is relative

Proof sanity is relative. Some people may think the following is clear proof that reenactors are just plain old crazy and should be immediately sent to therapy.  For example I have been involved with both Roman reenactors and Civil War renactors. The first scenario I present is drill I have only done this with the Civil War Unit because when I was with the Romans I showed some sanity and was a Celt so I did not do drill with them instead I watched as they marched around.

With the 23rd IL. an infantry unit I have done drill. Keep in mind the uniforms are wool all except the shirt which is little jhelp as you have a wool coat buttoned over the top of it. It gets hot and then one has to wonder why am I doing this. Many of you will undoubtly say that this act alonme shows lunacy in its purest form. Yet it is worth all the drilling something I doubt I would have said until I experienced the payoff. What in the world could be worth that the event itself. The thrill your heart pounding threatning to burst from your chest as you march across a field with cannons booming seeing the opposition on the other side of said field hearing the pop of their guns as you form your battle line. Everything is done to make this hobbie safe and you know they are not really shooting at you but man alive you really do get a feel for what it would have been like to have really been there.  Same thing goes for being a Celtic reenactor charging the ROman line screaming like a mad man.

Furthermore there are withing the reenacting community the hardcore  who want the total experience these guys will sleep on the greound with no tent to see what it would have been like to be on campaign. I slept in an A frame canvas tent with two other guys which made it fairly crowded but once again the payoff made everything worth it.  Simple proof that sanity is relative who in their right mind thinks marching around in woolen uniform is a hobby?  I know if I ever move I am looking for an artillary unit no more marching but honestly I say it was all worth it.

Then again there are those who wonder about us gamers not understanding what we see in all these video games and some may question our sanity for playing games for hours on end. Yes it is true Sanity my friends is in the eye of the beholder.