Questions About Things

“Stercus accidit.”

-- David Hume (1711-1776), philosopher, historian

(Yes, it is Latin.  Learn something today - look it up.) 

What does "Don't underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering." mean?

Well, this is a confusing statement. We’re not to underestimate the value of doing nothing, and yet we are then told what we should be doing when we’re doing nothing. Most people underestimate the value of doing nothing because doing nothing would mean they’re dead. “What is he doing?” “Nothing. He’s dead.” If you’re sleeping, dreaming, walking, sitting, contemplating your navel, et al, you’re doing something. The statement is bent.

What does the statement, "The world is an illusion, and it's hellbent on unchange," mean?

What does the statement mean? Got me. "Unchange" isn't even a word.  An illusion is defined as a thing that is or is likely to be, wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses. If the world is an illusion, it is hellbent on being wrongly perceived or interpreted. Since change is the only true constant in the universe, we can all simply have a seat and wait for the world to change, which it will do.

Why were you born in the year you were born and not in the 1550s? Is this question a paradox?

Not a paradox for someone who has lived multiple lives, and plans on living so many more.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

-- Carl R. Rogers

What makes someone a good debater? Is it “winning” the debate or doing it “correctly”?

You don’t have to win the debate to be good at it. I would hate to win and sound like a real ass doing it. Better to do it correctly. You may not win but you’ll be in control, and sometimes that is enough.

You may have heard the saying: "My freedom to swing my fist ends where your nose begins". What is the implication of this saying in exercising your freedom as a human being?

You can have all the freedom you want, as long as it doesn’t infringe on anyone else’s rights.

What is the origin of “to speak out of both sides of your mouth”?

Proverbs 4:24 - Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.

(Promises made, promises not-so-much kept?)

One of Larry's problems is that he speaks out of both sides of his mouth. At Harvard, he panders to the students with his radical ideas. But then, in the outer world, he has to pull back from these positions.

-- CollinsDictionary.com

What can you say about this, “People have a misconception that projects for scientific discoveries are “acts of burning taxes” but people don’t get it… if they continue thinking this way that’s the beginning of the end of their culture.” - Dr. Tyson?

Two things have constantly contributed to the betterment of mankind, projects for scientific discovery, and as odd as it may seem, war. War has contributed as much to science and medicine as any project paid for with taxes. People don’t want to understand this, because it is, to them, immoral. Yet, lives saved with surgery procedures learned on the battlefield cannot be argued.

What is the affirmative to the negative sentence of "He is only 20 years old'?

Take out the limiting factor of “only” and it is affirmative, “He is 20 years old.”

My soon-to-be 12-year-old daughter is dead set on having a tea party for her birthday, but I find it a bit childish. Do I throw her a tea party?

Why not? English adult women do it. Crumpets, a real teapot with tea, cloth napkins, teaspoons, and invite the moms for their own time in the kitchen. If you can get all to dress appropriately, so much the better for the experience. You might also think about explaining to the young girls the concept of the real party from the playtime one. Have some fun with it.

“She was a quiet girl, a thoughtful girl. But, you were never quite sure what was going on inside that pretty little head of hers. Was it planning her next tea party; or plotting to take over the world.”

-- N.R. Hart, Poetry and Pearls

Is the United States a true democracy? Why or why not?

Our votes no longer count. Those who perpetuate “voter fraud” deny the existence of it. Congress has forgotten that they work for the people. Politicians allow the existence of racist and anarchist organizations, like BLM and Antifa. And, socialism is insinuating itself into the process so they can change the country and destroy our Constitution. So, no, I don’t think you can say we’re a true democracy.

Why do people answer questions they know little or nothing about?

Probably, because a good many of those critiquing them know significantly less. And, besides, most questions are asking for opinion and, as everybody knows, opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one.

Should I even start dating if I am in my mid-thirties?

I was divorced in my mid-forties, it worked for me. I found a plethora of mature women looking for mature partners.

"One day someone is going to hold you so tight, that all your broken pieces fit back together again."

-- Anonymous

What does 'Open World' mean to you?

We have “open borders” for planetary aliens and, since the world is going to hell in a handbasket, we might as well open the world to the interplanetary ones.

What is the antonym for the word “down”?

Up, or am I not understanding this question?

How do you store so much talent inside?

I’m just that good, I guess.

What types of speech should be disallowed, if any?

Hate speech. We all have a right to our opinion and to disagree, but to incite violence against others and to enable others to confront people in restaurants and on the street, to burn down cities and businesses is beyond the pale. Politicians ignore or accept this behavior as it works in their favor, which should also be disallowed.

“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”

-- George Washington

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 volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.