Answers? Even the Chimp's Confused!

“I don't get it. You guys look down on chimps for flinging their own poo but you think it's fine to fling other kinds of poo around? I mean, you get opposable thumbs and this is what you do with them?”

― Kevin Hearne, novelist

How do you define the quote of Plato "A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers."?

Don’t just bet the odds. Better to pad your bet and be knowledgeable about what you’re jumping into. Would you rather gamble or go with a sure thing? 

What is more important to succeed in life, knowledge, understanding, or dedication? 

Interesting. Knowledge will bring understanding, understanding will allow you to dedicate yourself to the task at hand. I think you need all three, but knowledge comes first. 

Is a healthy work ethic the key to success? 

Unless good luck follows you around like a puppy, yes. Business is all about the work you put into it. Take two identical hot dog stands, one where the man sits around and pretty much lets the business run itself, and another where the man dotes on the customers, keeps his stand clean, and the condiment containers chilled and full. Which one will be more successful? 

“...there are people who try to look as if they are doing a good and thorough job, and then there are the people who actually damn well do it, for its own sake.”

-- John D. MacDonald (1916-1986), author

What is the self-prophecy theory, and how does it affect a person’s daily life? 

I’m going to assume you meant a “self-fulfilling” prophecy theory. This is where you're negative attitude is so focused on losing the game, you actually lose the game. It affects a person’s daily life because they become their own worst enemy. Or, you can become so focused on being the winner; you seem to win despite any faults standing in the way. 

What should one do if one tries very hard, but discovers that s/he is not talented at her/his passion? 

Those that can, do. Those that can’t, teach. You can know everything about music, and not carry a note. Everything about art and color, and not draw a stick figure. Don’t let a lack of talent stop you from pursuing some aspect of your passion.

How is it do you think that my grandma lived to be 100 years old and she ate unhealthily, added bacon grease to most meals, and she even dipped snuff most of her adult life?

Good genes. My aunt was a doctor, world-renowned for her work with Institutional Review Boards. She swore by the body needing a little “meat grease.” She also told me to shy away from statins and lower cholesterol through your diet.

“Never dismiss old people having fun; you will be one of them eventually if you're lucky.”

-- Carmine Savastano , researcher, author, Editor-in-Chief

I really don't know what I want to do in life, but I need a job. Shall I just do anything? What is the one thing you would suggest?

Do anything! You have to get out into the work environment. See what’s out there. Talk to people. Move around a bit. Hell, join the military and see the world. Do anything that will open your mind to what you might be interested in. If you try and fail, try again. Enjoy the process because you’ll, one day, have to tell someone else to ‘Do anything!”

Regardless of what’s going on in the world, what will you always make time for?

Happiness! I know that seems trite, but it is all-inclusive. Chocolate chip ice cream, sunrises, and sunsets, love, sex, walks on the beach, wildflowers, small animals, smiling children, and elderly people kicking up their heels. Anything that makes me happy and makes me smile is worth making time for. If you don’t make time for happiness, you doom yourself to differing states of misery, and how sad is that? We should all learn how to be happy always, then we won’t have to make time for it. Being happy should be our “default” state of existence.

Do you have role models? How do you choose your role model?

No. It is sad that role models eventually seem to disappoint by doing something stupid. I have many people I borrow the best traits from to incorporate into what I’d like to be, however. Something I see in them that appeals to me and polishes my rough edges.

“Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating...too often fathers neglect it because they get so caught up in making a living they forget to make a life.”

-- John Wooden (1910-2010), basketball player and coach

Does it help to know one's future?

Of course, but there’s a reason why we don’t. What everyone else does around us has a bearing on our future, just as we have a bearing on theirs. The universe is all about balance, and if we shift that balance with an ability we are not responsible to have it will have a great effect on others and the universe. Better to just enjoy how life unfolds before us. Life is all about learning lessons, not using a cheat sheet to jump ahead. 

What is it called when a dream you had comes true?

"Precognition, supernormal knowledge of future events, with emphasis not upon mentally causing events to occur but upon predicting those the occurrence of which the subject claims has already been determined. Like telepathy and clairvoyance, precognition is said to operate without recourse to the normal senses and thus to be a form of extrasensory perception (ESP)."

-- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Do successful people keep a journal?

Not necessarily, at least not in the way we all think of a “journal.” If you’re successful you have an office staff that records the details of everything you do in your day to day dealings with other businesses and people. This, in essence, is a very detailed journal of decisions you make, who you know, legal advice, future plans and concerns, your view of others, and how others view you. Basically, you can learn much about the CEO by perusing the files their personal staff keep of CEO stuff.

“Advice to Young Journal Keepers. Be lenient with yourself. Conceal your worst faults, leave out your most shameful thoughts, actions, and temptations. Give yourself all the good and interesting qualities you want and haven't got. If you should die young, what comfort would it be to your relatives to read the truth and have to say: It is not a pearl we have lost, but a swine?”

-- Rosamond Lehmann (1901-1990), novelist, translator

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.