Questioning the Everything of Nothing

“What a pitiful mass of dangerous nothing”

-- Charles Bukowski (1920-1994), poet, novelist, writer

If nothing exists, does nothing become everything?

“Nothing” only exists because we have defined it as the absence of something. But our definition is wrong because nothing doesn’t actually exist. If one says there is nothing in an absolute vacuum they would be wrong, as no vacuum is absolute. If I stated I had nothing, then I would be wrong unless I’m dead, and even then I have a soul. So, nothing doesn’t really exist, therefore, it cannot become everything unless we define everything as nothing. But, I hesitate to point out that, if nothing is the absence of something, then nothing still can’t be everything. Luckily, I still have bourbon so I can forget this question and, more importantly, my answer.

Why are ugly or non-attractive people are called mad or crazy and being ignored? Even if they do the right things people point out mistakes in them and humiliate and disgraced them in front of other people?

It says more about those who judge than the target of their cruel derision.

What happens when you are forced to get married to somebody so you don't get disowned?

You have put everyone else’s desires above your own happiness. Let them disown you. Better to be your own person for the rest of your life than to stroke someone else’s ego by admitting they have complete control over your choices and decisions.

What makes something complete?

When it is finished being made? When it’s all there? Did I not understand the question? 

“I felt after I finished Slaughterhouse-Five that I didn’t have to write at all anymore if I didn’t want to. It was the end of some sort of career. I don’t know why, exactly. I suppose that flowers, when they’re through blooming, have some sort of awareness of some purpose having been served. Flowers didn’t ask to be flowers and I didn’t ask to be me. At the end of Slaughterhouse-Five…I had a shutting-off feeling…that I had done what I was supposed to do and everything was OK .”

-- Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007), writer, author

How would one define "discomfort" in a motivational way?

Negative reinforcement. Motivation by discomfort.  Spanking is a form of this, providing they don't begin to enjoy it.  Although, I think Donatien Alphonse François might have something to say on the subject and it's motivation, if any.

You have to create a successful message. What steps will you consider to achieve this objective?

Consider who your audience is, then keep it short and to the point.

What do you call a man cheating on his wife?

Unhappy.

“Statistically speaking, there is a 65 percent chance that the love of your life is having an affair. Be very suspicious.”

-- Scott Dikkers, writer, speaker, entrepreneur

Because of the Big Bang and its effect across time and space from our actions, can we ever be sure we are doing the right thing?

Our actions have nothing to do with any effect The “Big Bang” has had on time and space since before we were here. And, the effect of the “Big Bang” will continue to be felt long after we cease to exist. You give us way too much credit.

Up to this point in your life, what have you seen that is similar in all human responses to happiness?

Smiling and laughter! Confusion from those who have no clue. I will be 67 tomorrow and expect to live to a ripe old age, so this all might change, though I doubt it.

Who is happy with themselves?

I am exceedingly happy with myself. I have no reason not to be. It helps if you learn to be happy always!

“I beg you. With all my heart and soul, I beg you. Please be happy. The truth is, there are no scales to balance, we can all be happy. I beg you, please be happy, your story exists, instead of the billions upon billions upon billions of other stories that could have been lived. Through whatever means, even though it can be hard, or even close to impossible, be happy, somehow, be happy.”

-- Michael James Payne, author, writer

What, as a parent, could you not believe you had to explain to another parent?

There are no bad children, just bad parents. 

If I read your response, one you've crafted to help, will it teach me a fact or teach me to 'think'?

If I have a fact, I’ll tell you. But, I’d rather teach you to think about the fact or about what I say. Facts and information do you no good unless you can think about them and do so in the right context.

‘Life is an opportunity, benefit from it’. ‘Life is luck, make it’. ‘ life is love, enjoy it.‘ Life is a dream, realize it. life is a challenge, meet it. do you agree? Why? And why did you like this line?

I don’t agree fully. Life is an opportunity, go for it. Life isn’t luck, it’s what you make of it. But, Life is a dream you should realize, and a challenge you should meet. Whatever you feel life is supposed to be, you should strive to be happy always while you live it.

“This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. 

-- Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), acrtess, model, singer

What do you do if something gets stuck in your nose?

Everything Katherine said, and stop shoving stuff up your nose.

Can anyone live in their 70s and never understand the importance of love and peace?

Yes. My father lived to be 89 and I don’t think he really understood the importance of them. Everyone should strive to be happy always, love everyone they can, and live in peace.

How did the way affect me? I've had the ying-yang tattooed since I was 17 years old but never took it seriously so I was full of regret and sad sometimes for no apparent reason at first. Could I have been unconsciously following that faith into good?

The Way is about balance, and more times than not, what isn’t there. The best way to find your path is to stop looking for it and take the first step. Always seek good, always follow a sense of moral ethics, and always strive to be happy.

“You enter the forest

at the darkest point,

where there is no path.

Where there is a way or path,

it is someone else's path.

You are not on your own path.

If you follow someone else's way,

you are not going to realize

your potential.”

-- Joseph Campbell (1904-1987), professor

 

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.