Questions - The Path to Knowledge

“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”

-- Marilyn vos Savant, columnist, author, playwright

What is meant by "You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it."?

I have Googled posts that say this is not from the Talmud but, then, many people state things they have no clue about. Rabbi Tarfon answers your question thus:

Rabbi Tarfon commented (Three Jewish Reminders) on Micah 6:8 by saying: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

“Indeed, justice, mercy, and humility are some of the core tenets of Judaism, and these tenets aren’t electives we can simply shrug off as optional. We are literally called to be dedicated agents of justice, to look the world’s grief in the eyes and face it head-on, even – and perhaps especially – when it feels easiest to just give up.”

One of my friends said 'Failure is the door of success'. Is this practically true always for everyone?

For most of us, failure is the best way to learn the lessons of this life. If you always succeed, what have you really learned? Now, what happens when you fail after succeeding always? If we learn from our failure we will find better ways to succeed, but, most importantly, we will learn to always be prepared for things to go wrong. In this way, we mitigate the problem when it begins, and work our way through it for success.

How would the media change if it were to really serve and improve humanity?

Reporting facts would be a novel idea. Practicing rules of good journalism, and not making it up as you go along. Research, research, research. If you’re seeking the truth, you’ll usually find it hidden somewhere at the bottom of a reporters “editorial.” Oh, and editorials are for editors to write, this is why we call them editorials. Reporters are supposed to write reports that report the facts and not their personal spin of them. This might serve and improve humanity.

“The knowledge of anything, since all things have causes, is not acquired or complete unless it is known by its causes.”

-- Avicenna (980-1037), Islamic polymath

What age is it appropriate to think critically about one’s future?

Freshman year of high school, or 14–15 years of age. By this time your grades should give you a pretty good idea of how bright you are. I started late on this. I didn’t really study in high school and, therefore, almost didn’t graduate. I hit my stride in Jr. College, however, and nailed a 3.2 grade-point average majoring in psychology for two years, before I fell prey to the military draft for Vietnam. My point being, had I thought critically about my future before entering high school, I would have worked hard and been better prepared for my future. As it turns out, though, I scored high enough to qualify for the intelligence career field and spent 23 years before retiring and starting my second career. But, I often wonder if I would have made a good psychologist.

Not all of us are cut out for college, and I am a big proponent of trade schools. If you’re good with your hands, a trade school can be a great alternative. This is one reason I cringe whenever schools talk about cutting shop classes, Back in the 1960s, we had wood shop, automotive, electrical, art, and music. Schools could probably offer plumbing and basic construction, as well.

What have you figured out that the experts could not?

Happiness. I recommend the experts loosen up a bit and not take life too seriously. The problem with experts? They can’t see the forest for the trees. Everything in life revolves around choices and decisions, Make the right choices, and get the right consequences. Keep drama out of your life and spend more time contemplating your navel lint. Have a glass of bourbon, a good cigar, and go laugh with friends. Learn to be happy always.

If something is entirely business, does that imply it isn't personal?

Your question defines the answer. It is entirely business. If something is “entirely” one thing, it limits the possibility of it being something else… entirely. Had you simply asked if a business can also be personal, I would say a resounding, yes! My aunt built a multi-million dollar business from scratch, emplyed oveer 300 people, changed the way Institutional Review Boards function, was recognized by her peers worldwide, and she took it all very personally.

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”

-- Brian O’Driscoll, rugby player

If you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do first?

I wake up each morning with no fear. I immediately thank God for the gift of another glorious day in paradise and yet another chance to excel in life. Revel in this gift we are given and have no fear. Learn to be happy always!

What is an example of one giving to receive?

Giving to receive is a selfish act. Giving should be selfless at its core. Almost every example I can give you would be of giving to receive; just look around you. I went out every week to feed the hungry and homeless. What could I possibly expect to get in return? Yet, this too became a selfish act. I found myself wanting to go because of the good feeling it gave me in selfless charity.

How wealthy are you, and are you investing in trying to live forever?

I am not monetarily wealthy, yet I am considerably rich. It seems counter-intuitive to try to live a short life when we are all going to live forever. Our life in this plane of existence may end, but we will continue to move forward into other realms. We are here, but for a short time, to learn what we need to learn in order to move forward. If you don’t learn it in this life, you will have to learn it in the next, and what a waste if the next is simply doing this life over? Invest in knowledge and in the wealth of friends and family.  Invest in being happy always.

Is it a good thing to take the long road in life?

Why would you willingly want to take the short road, unless you are sacrificing yourself for the good of others? Life is what it is until it isn’t, and then it is what it is again. Make the most of each moment in the plane of existence so you can move forward into the next. Learn the lessons set before you so you don’t have to repeat them, again and again, in order to move forward. If you’ve ever had a feeling of deja vu, you have probably lived this life before. Looking at life in this manner, I suppose you could say that the “long road” in life is the life you must constantly repeat due to your inability to learn that which is set before you.

“Those who have knowledge, don’t predict. Those who predict, don’t have knowledge.” -- Lao Tzu (c. 6th century BC), philosopher, writer

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.