Questions for Semi-Ancient Wisdom?

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

-- Aristotle (385 BC-323 BC), philosopher, polymath

Why is humility a quality in life and work?

Humility is about removing ego from life and work. Being humble improves understanding and communication in supervision and management, and in personal life. It demands we recognize those we are with and give credit where credit is due.

Is there any relation between perfectionism and performance?

Time. 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.

Why do I feel like I'm going to be a disappointment to my family if I don't choose the right career?

Is your family going to live your life, or are you? Is your family going to work your job, or are you. Are you responsible for your family’s happiness, or your own? Do what makes you happy and fulfills your life. Be happy always!

“Follow your heart, listen to your inner voice, stop caring about what others think.”

-- Roy T. Bennett, inspirational writer

Would you prefer to be great looking and rich, however, you will turn into a worm after 30 years?

I prefer to be who I am. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and riches can’t buy you true happiness. Better that you should put all effort into learning how to be happy always!

Why is 'why' more important than 'how' in life?

We all know what happened after it happened, so to ask what happened is a bit ridiculous. Also, when and where are probably obvious. Why it happened, on the other hand, is the better question to ask first. The “why” will help answer the “how” and “who” of things. In your personal life, if you’re totally honest with yourself, asking why something happened usually comes back to a decision or a choice you made.

For instance, “Why did my marriage fail?” Well, there are many reasons, but the initial reason is, I married the wrong woman. Does she share some responsibility for the marriage failing? Absolutely, but, ultimately, I’m the one who broached the subject of marriage. My marriage failed because I made a poor choice. All the problems in the marriage was because of that poor choice.  I can search for someone else to blame, my job, her issues, other people, etc., but it really all comes back to me, and that one poor chioice.

For her part, she would be well served to understand the marriage failed because of a choice she made in agreeing to marry me. In this way, we both hold some responsibility for the failure, but it is up to each of us to own up to our part in the failure, our poor choices. 

If we don't own up to our responsibility for failure we will forever be shifting blame to others.  Ownership for what we do, our choices and decisions, is the way of life. To blame others is to shift the responsibility we have for the circumstances we are in.

Should I make my own set of principles to live by?

Yes, and ensure they are a morally ethical set of principles. Honesty, loyalty, charity, humility, are but a few attributes you should consider. Abiding by your own principles will define who you are to the world.

“The word "good" has many meanings. For example, if a man were to shoot his grandmother at a range of five hundred yards, I should call him a good shot, but not necessarily a good man.”

-- G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936), writer, philosopher, theologian

If opportunity doesn't knock, will you turn around and give up? Or Will you go ahead and build a door?

You must build a door! Opportunity only knocks if you want it and are prepared. Experience, education, knowledge, desire, and a “can-do” attitude will all help “opportunity” to find the door. 

What if I had all the opportunity in the world and I’m not taking advantage of all of it?

Are you happy in your circumstances? Is there some other reason you’re not taking advantage? I have finally reached a point in my life where I’m content to mentor others. Opportunities present themselves and I simply smile. If one comes along that truly interests me, I might think about it. I was content in my military career and in my corporate career. I have learned to be happy always, and I am also content with that. Ask yourself if you need the opportunities, or if you are happy where you are, for now.

“Do not despise your own place and hour. Every place is under the stars, every place is the center of the world.”

-- John Burroughs (1837-1921), naturalist, essayist

If there is always someone better than you, who is at the top?

Uh… that would be the person better than me. Is this a trick question?

If I draw for at least 1-2 hours a day for 2 years, will I be good by then?

You might be better. You will be good if you have some artistic talent. You’ll be great if you have exceptional artistic talent. The only way you’ll know if you do is to try.

What slogan have you seen and it motivated you in life?

Lead, follow, or get out of the way!

“You do not write your life with words...You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.”

-- Patrick Ness , author, journalist, lecturer

What happens when society takes away all the risk?

You’ll have to be in a coma, and even that is a risky undertaking. There will always be a risk; society can’t take that away from you. If you choose to fly, water ski, surf, hike, drive, there is a risk. Just cooking a meal creates risk.

Why is learning world literature vital to our everyday lives?

It isn’t “vital” unless you don’t want to look at people like a pig looking at a wristwatch when they quote a famous author. World literature is just another aspect of having a “well-rounded” education, like art and music appreciation, or political science. None of them are vital, but having some knowledge of them certainly makes life, and you, more interesting.

What is the most enjoyable job that you've ever had?

Military Intelligence, without a doubt. I wasn’t just good at it, I was very good at it, and for a kid that struggled through school and was never good at much, it changed my life. The world is a scary place, so there was never a dull moment and every day presented new challenges. I did it for 22 years and loved every minute of it.

“Knowing others is intelligence;

knowing yourself is true wisdom.

Mastering others is strength;

mastering yourself is true power.”

-- Lao Tzu (c. 500 BCE), philosopher, writer, Tao Te Ching

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.