More Semi-Ancient Wisdom From a Pie Hole

"Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place."

-- Abigail Van Buren (1918-2013), advice columnist

Is it better to aim for success at something, rather than perfection? If so, why?

I answered a similar question recently: Is there any relation between perfectionism and performance? What you ask is whether it is better to aim for successful performance than perfection, but most of my answer still applies. “Performance is usually about how much can be accomplished right in the least amount of time. Perfection is about taking as much time as it takes to make it not just right, but perfect.” Perfection is almost unattainable. The moment you think you have it, someone comes along to do it better or more efficiently. It is better to aim for success because if you are successful you are doing much right. You can work on “perfection” along the way.

What’s the point of living if you don’t make anything out of yourself? I have no talents and I will never be known for anything, so what’s the point?

To think of yourself in such a selfish manner ignores the possibility of children you may have, whose purpose in life might be to save lives, cure disease, lead a country, and such. The point is the journey, not the destination.

Many of us will never arrive at fame or fortune, but the journey is worth the price of the ticket and what we do along the way, like ripples in a pond, has an effect on others. We will fail, and in our failure there is learning, and in that learning is the chance to mentor, and in mentoring is a chance for someone to do marvelous things.

The point of living is selflessness. The point of living is what you do for others, not yourself. It isn’t what you know you’ve accomplished that brings crowds to your funeral, it is who you were the light for, how you are remembered fondly by those you touched.

Is copying the best way to improve?

Copying as practicing is one way to improve but, sooner or later, you will have to take a risk to do your own work, create your own art.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”

-- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), poet, playwright

What do you dig?

When I was in college I dug Indian sites with an archeology professor. Now I dig in the garden and, occasionally, I’ll go to the beach with my metal detector. I've also dug myself into a hole more times than I can count.  Oh, and I also dig ladies who have beautiful eyes or have nice legs and really know how to walk in highheels, but that's just a hobby for me.

Why do some of the most successful people in the world live so simply even after having vast sums of money?

Humility is priceless, and they realize you can’t purchase happiness, just more crap to store in a house too big to keep clean without staff These are the rich who didn’t get that way by being stupid, greedy, and materialistic.  A simple life is an uncluttered life.  All they have to focus on is keeping the drama away and being happy always.

As a "boss" of 50 or more individuals, what do you consider to be your greatest asset?

Communication. The ability to listen and communicate clearly. To hear ideas and incorporate the good ones into the business model, and to give credit where credit is due. Sorry, more than one asset.

“As a teacher, no matter what grade level, no matter how hard you try to engage the entire class or implement the suggestions above, you will still encounter “that one kid” who will get under your skin: the class clown, the smart-ass, the student who acts like you are pulling his teeth every time you ask him to do something, the kid who always has to say “this is stupid.” They are just part of the clientele base we serve and they can drive us to drinking (figuratively speaking… and sometimes literally).

Please remember that you are the adult. The negativity or resistance “that one kid” radiates can be handled in a way that does not disturb the class structure.”

-- Oran Tkatchov, educator, author

How much does your name matter?

It’s an identifier. It holds some ancestral value, to me, but basically, it's just an identifier. I answer to “hey you” and “yo, dude” just as easily. It is the world we live in. Isn’t that sad?

Is talent the only thing that money can't buy?

Actually, the realization of talent can be bought. True happiness is like talent in this respect. You can purchase “stuff” to fill the void where happiness is supposed to reside, so you feel good and think you’re happy, but true happiness comes from within. Like talent, the realization of true happiness can be bought, if you’re receptive to finding and understanding it.

What are the great values that someone needs in life?

The values we need in life can be found in a sense of ethics that revolves around honesty, loyalty, humanity, and morality; basically, integrity, doing the right thing - righteousness.  From these, and the mistakes we make along our path, we will eventually develop wisdom.

"If you're guided by a spirit of transparency, it forces you to operate with a spirit of ethics. Success comes from simplifying complex issues, address problems head on, be truthful and transparent. If you open yourself up to scrutiny, it forces you to a higher standard. I believe you should deliver on your promise. Promise responsibly."

-- Rodney Davis, U.S. Congressman

Do you work for love or for money?

As much as I would like to work for love, love does not put food on the table. However, I have also worked for most of the love I’ve experienced in life. 

When should I be proactive at work, and when not to?

If the boss has no problem with it, I would be proactive always. It shows an ability to think ahead; an ability to plan and be prepared. Who would not want this in an employee?

I learned to do this in the military, and when I retired I brought it with me. When I worked for a corporation I reported directly to its Vice President. When the VP was going to have a meeting concerning an upcoming issue or project, I would research it and be prepared to address possible problems we might experience and have answers and alternatives ready to present. I didn’t have to do this, but if not me, then who? He came to rely on me having questions and answers no one else bothered to consider.

How can I plan for tomorrow when I can hardly pay for today?

Live for today and let tomorrow take care of itself. Your question is a good one and is self-answering. You can’t. Pay attention to the moment. Get your bills under control. If you live somewhere expensive, then move so you can pay for those things you need to get financially healthy. Buy a good used car and frequent Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other used clothing stores. I’m financially stable and even I go to these stores for some precious treasure.

When you have today taken care of, you can, then, look to the next moment.

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.