Some Answers Concerning Thinking

 

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”

-- Henry Ford

Do most people think with their head or their heart?

Personally, I think it’s a toss-up, although it would seem some people don’t think at all. You’ll recognize this when, and if, you ever get comments from the League of the Perpetually Offended for voicing an opinion you were asked for by someone else. I try not to dwell on if their thinking, or with what.

How do people with IQs below 100 behave?

They probably behave like everyone else. The real determining factor would be what their SQ is. How intelligent you are, has no bearing on how smart you might be. I’ve met a lot of intelligent people who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. I met a doctor who introduced himself as Doctor (X). I said I was pleased to meet him, I’m Master Sergeant Villari. He looked at me for a second and then began to laugh. He said his name was John, I told him mine was Tony.

Titles and IQ are no substitute for being human and, at times, we tend to forget this, What we are, we earned for ourselves, and it shouldn’t be used as a badge demanding respect, as that has to be earned, title or not, high IQ or not. In the military I earned respect, but the good doctor didn’t know me… yet. Whatever you are, never forget you’re just human, like the rest of us.

Daniel Po says that it's OK to preach forgiveness and at the same time, NOT forgive, is Daniel being a hypocrite?

Pretty much. But, forgiving someone for being a criminal doesn’t make them not a criminal. Just because you forgive them doesn’t mean you don’t keep your hand on your wallet. It is up to them to repent. You can also forgive them for not rising above their circumstance and seeking forgiveness from a “higher” court.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

How would you define "excessive explaining", and what can you do when you hear it?

Guilty of something, or thinking they are. I’d ask them who they’re trying to convince, me or themselves.

If you don't like what's going on, should you stand up for yourself or grin and bear it just so you don’t look bad?

Never go along with the crowd if the crowd is wrong. This is what politicians do. If you stand up for yourself and catch a ration from them, grin and tell them to grow up… after they go screw themselves. You’ll look bad to some of them, others will applaud your courage, and your real judge will face you in the mirror… and grin back.

How does it feel to have someone inside of you?

Are you asking about a baby… or someone’s appendage? Not that I have an answer, either way. Just curious, and looking for clarity.

"Everything you need is already inside of you."

-- Steven Snider

What's an answer good for almost anything?

Maybe.

Who, but the imperfect, celebrate imperfection?

Islam. The only perfection is Allah. Persian carpets used to be made with an intentional mistake, just for this reason. 

What's an answer good for almost anything?

Maybe. Unless she’s damned attractive, then it depends on the question.

“Life is filled with unanswered questions, but it is the courage to seek those answers that continues to give meaning to life.”

-- J.D. Stroube

Is being good in school just being good at doing what you are told to do?

Being in school is just being good at learning so you grow up not leeching off society. It is a choice to be something better, or not. It is your choice.

How did you find your bliss?

They usually find me.

What are your thoughts on jobs, work, and responsibility?

Get a job. Work at it the best you can. It is your responsibility to yourself, your family, and society.

Reader comment:  Unfortunately, I’m having trouble finding a job.

My reply:  This happens. Never give up looking.

“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.”

-- Sigmund Freud

How do our actions affect other people?

Everything we do is by choice, and the choices we make affect other people around us, like ripples in a large pond. There are millions and millions of ripples happening at once, affecting each other, and the shoreline of the pond. Wouldn’t it be great if we all made better decisions, better choices, and made smaller ripples?

Does “Long time no see” sound antiquated to you?

Yeah, but that's okay because, for some of us, it’s “old hat.” Using it is a choice. If you’d rather say something else maybe you’ll start a new trend.

Did you push yourself to the extent of fighting for your principle but surrendered in the end? Why or why not?

Your principles are what they are. You shouldn’t have to fight for them unless someone thinks they have the ability to take them from you. It is your choice to let them, or not. In reality, no one can take your principles from you or they really aren’t your principles. Your principles are your personal code of moral ethics. If you flip-flop on them, what does this say about you?

“It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.”

-- Alfred Adler

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.