A Question of Balance

“Somehow, we'll find it. The balance between whom we wish to be and whom we need to be. But for now, we simply have to be satisfied with who we are.”

-- Brandon Sanderson, author

I am talented at balancing a ball on my nose. What does this make me?

If that’s your only talent… poor.

What do you call someone that inspires you?

An inspiration? Is this another trick question?

When someone says 'the end justifies the means', is it really just a way to rationalize doing something wrong?

Yes, it is usually said to rationalize doing something wrong, or a different way than what would normally be considered kosher.

“If I want to deprive you of your watch, I shall certainly have to fight for it; if I want to buy your watch, I shall have to pay for it; and if I want a gift, I shall have to plead for it; and, according to the means I employ, the watch is stolen property, my own property, or a donation. Thus we see three different results from three different means. Will you still say that the means do not matter?”

-- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), lawyer, ethicist

What does it mean when all my own way of thinking is perfect?
Well, since nothing is really perfect, it might indicate delusion.

Do you avoid making suggestions or sharing your opinions out of concern the other party will make you put those ideas into action?

Nope. I share away and dare anyone to make me do anything (a benefit of being retired). Life is about making choices, and your choice can always be saying no.

The more you try to be like someone else, the more you lose out on what you were or the social interaction modalities that were there before that can go lost to nothing?

Wha… What? I’ll just address the first part of this since the rest of it lost me. Never try to be like someone other than who you are. More than anything else you’ll lose, you will lose yourself. Be who you are and ensure who you are is a morally ethical, selfless human being, and strive to be happy always.

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

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

How could the world be freed from the terrible dilemma of conflict, on the one hand, and psychological and social dissolution on the other?

Rid ourselves of ego, greed, and drama. Oh, wait, you’re discussing this world? Well, ignore what I just offered up.

What is the meaning of this quote by Lau Tzu"The softest thing in the world overcome the hardest things in the world"?

Tao seems to pay attention to what isn’t there, so this is not surprising. A gently running creek will erode stone. Treating people with respect will garner goodwill better than antagonization. Walking away from a fight will prevent a beating. And, music can soothe the angry beast.

What do you think inspires choices, good or bad?

Desire and greed, but mostly desire since it will drive the greed you feel. Better our desire should be focused on living a humble, selfless, life, and being happy always.

“It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions.” 

--Jim Rohn (1930-2009), entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker 

Is a pack leader not a thing?

A pack leader is a living creature, not a thing. However, the pack leader might have a thing, or not… depending on gender.

If you had $10, how would you spend it to make $100?

Purchase 86 shares of SHMP at .115/share, and wait for it to go up.

What is the single most important goal of a nurse as a teacher?

To ensure people learn what you teach. If they’re not learning there are two possibilities; they’re stupid, or you’re a lousy teacher. If you’re teaching nursing I’d want to figure this out quickly.

“The purpose of education should be to nourish and strengthen a student's capacity, not to force-feed all students the same material, till they either pass some baseless test or drop out of education altogether, - or commit suicide.”

― Abhijit Naskar, neuroscientist, author

When should you push back against oppression, despite the danger?

As soon as possible. Screw the danger. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? If it is true oppression, others might be waiting for a leader to jump. What are you waiting for? JUMP!

You might be winning but you’re not growing, and growing might be the most important form of winning. Should victory in the present always take precedence over trajectory across time?

No, and the example you gave explains it all.

Why do people think I am a loser and not smart?

They’re judging you? Most people who would say this to others are probably losers themselves. Better to just be happy always and those people. Find new people to hang around with who don’t pass judgment.

“Maybe the truth is, there's a little bit of loser in all of us. Being happy isn't having everything in your life be perfect. Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things.”

-- Ann Brashares, author

What things can trigger a person to look for more out of life?

A really bad marriage, second only to the messy, hate-filled, divorce.

I am below and average looking and I love a girl. Currently, I am suffering lots of pain. What should I do?

Decide on a question might be a good first step. You’re below average looking, you love a girl, and you’re suffering lots of pain. Welcome to life. How you look means nothing to the one who truly loves you, it’s what’s inside that counts. Who you choose to love, man or woman, they should love you back in kind. And pain, well, it comes with the territory. Get rid of all the drama in your life and learn to be happy always. Everything will work itself out. 

What is the process of doing something?

The “process” is the repeatable steps it takes to do whatever the “something” is.

“How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.”

-- Yvon Chouinard, rock climber, environmentalist, outdoor industry billionaire businessman

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 a chaplain at the regional medical center.