Questions of Ethics and Truth

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self.”

-- Aristotle

What are some practical examples of morals and ethics?

This, to me, is like asking the difference between right and wrong. We all should know, by now, what the difference is. Some people think that murdering the unborn in the womb is appropriate. In some circumstances, it can be ethically excused, like the physical welfare of the mother or the child. But, waiting significantly past the time of awareness of the pregnancy is, to my moral and ethical standards, criminal behavior. It hurts my heart that many people of faith condone abortion for no moral reason other than the desire of the “mother.” Morals and ethics go hand-in-hand and, in our hearts, we all know the difference between evil and righteousness. If you can’t live by a morally ethical code, you will probably be doomed to keep repeating this life until you do.

Is it possible to train to lead a simple life?

Living a simple life requires little training. Not cluttering up your “simple life” with the trappings of greed and desire, on the other hand, can require much attention. We tend to sidestep true happiness by allowing drama into our life. We need to focus on the prize, happiness always, and leave debt and drama at the doorstep.

Do people stay happy in their life by eating and sleeping with their money without any job/work rather than the ones who actually work for day-to-day life to eat and sleep?

My aunt was filthy rich. She worked hard to accomplish the creation of a multimillion-dollar business that employed 300 people. She still went to work every day from 9–5 or more, as required. I once asked her why she doesn’t take a world tour or something, and enjoy her hard-earned wealth. Her answer was that her dog, gardening, and working at the business was made her happy. I don’t think money can buy real happiness. Doing what you enjoy accomplishes that, whether it makes you filthy rich or not.

“The Seven Social Sins are:

Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Worship without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.

-- From a sermon given by Frederick Lewis Donaldson in Westminster Abbey, London, on March 20, 1925.” 

Due to normal aging, you are at your probable last 10-15 years of life---how are you going to spend time, are now spending this time, or should we attempt to spend this time?

I am 67 years of age. I have made the conscious choice to keep drama from my doorstep and focus on being happy always. I made this decision some time back, understanding that the alternative was very counterproductive. I had found myself buying into other people’s misery and spending an inordinate amount of my time trying to make them happy, which many of them had little concept of, or desire to be. It is so much better to pay attention to your own happiness and then mentor others. If they have little desire to listen, move on down your path and continue to focus on your own happiness. Others will be drawn to you.

What is the most important thing you have to do at this point in your life? Why is this your priority?

Be happy always! I’m 67 years old, if not now, then when? I keep most of life’s drama at arm’s length. I don’t need it, nor do I want it. I have managed to stay out of debt. I have managed my retirement so I can pay off my credit cards each month, but I try to only use my debit card. I always say to be happy always, because the alternative simply sucks.

Do you think that after a matter of time, the joy of driving an automobile will be only but a memory?

Yes, but the new joy of driving whatever comes next will replace it. Better to go with the flow than find an issue with what is.

“Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.”

-- Rumi

“Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is. And you must bend to its power or live a lie.”  When has this quote, by Miyamoto Musashi, applied to a situation in your life?

I love Musashi. I fought divorce for 20 years of my marriage. I thought I could make her love me. Everyone around me knew it was a marriage made in hell, except me. She was always going to be what she was, and I could not change her. The truth was what it was, and me wanting it to be something else, not bending to the power of truth, was just living a lie.

Who said, "...if do it for joy, you can do it forever"?

“…if you can do it for joy, you can do it forever” was a quote from Stephen King on writing and, as a writer, I agree with his sentiment. However, this truth of this quote goes so far beyond just writing. I think if you can find joy in anything you do, you can do it forever. 

I am 40 years old, have no children, and single. What can I do to make the rest of my life more meaningful and interesting?

Make friends, a lot of friends. The fact that you’re alive, already makes your life meaningful, now strive to make it meaningful to everyone. Live life to the fullest and be happy always! Most people will naturally gravitate to happiness, just as they will be repelled by any drama.

“The greatest challenge in life is to be our own person and accept that being different is a blessing and not a curse. A person who knows who they are lives a simple life by eliminating from their orbit anything that does not align with his or her overriding purpose and values. A person must be selective with their time and energy because both elements of life are limited.”

-- Kilroy J. Oldster

How do you plan to make 2021 a year of happiness?

Happiness is a choice, a decision, each of us must make. Why? Because the alternative simply sucks. Better to strive to be happy always. I don’t “plan” happiness, I simply accept it as the course of my life and a significant part of my path. If you must “plan” happiness, I’d start by keeping all drama out of your life, get rid of all personal and monetary debt, and then do things you enjoy, including work.

Lately, I feel lazy, unmotivated, groggy, and I’ve been getting headaches so easily. I recently made changes, I got my first job as a hostess, I started focusing on school. This is new to me, I’ve always been zen. How can I feel rested and inspired again?

Sounds like you have COVID symptoms.

What is the foundation of wisdom made up of?

Knowledge and experience, good sense, and morally ethical conduct.

What does the foundation of wisdom make up?

A healthy, long-lived, society and civilization.

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”

-- Albert Einstein 

Why do we waste our life working for retirement?

I didn’t waste my time. I have my social security and my military retirement which I worked my ass for so I would have medical coverage. If you’re wasting your life “working for retirement” I’d look at the choices I’ve made and make better choices. The “waste” of your life is your decision, as all choices in your life.

If you could do anything you wanted every day what would you do?

Go fishing. I’m only a block from the beach and I don’t take advantage of it enough as I always find other things that take priority. I am happy almost constantly, but I really need to relax more.

Is it hard to be humble when you're as great as you are?

No. Humility, by definition, denies any “greatness” in favor of simply appreciating the effort you put forward. The truly great are those who create a better world simply for the sake of others.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

-- Rick Warren

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.