More Questions of Humility, Happiness, and Truth

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.”

― Kent M. Keith

How did you become such a humble person?

By coming to the realization that, where those who truly give a damn are concerned, I am no better than anyone else, and no one is any better than me. Each to their abilities. If all you desire is to suck from the public teat of welfare, so be it. You have the right to be nothing, but don’t expect anything else from anyone. You are given the life you desired, so pocket your self-respect as you will have no need of it. Humility, for me, was evidenced once again by watching a legless man in a wheelchair working at Walmart. He qualified for many programs that would help him through life, but he didn’t want welfare, he wanted a job, the satisfaction of work that gave him fulfillment. This is just one story, of many, that keeps me humble. First responders are another. People who risk their lives for others.

Is there anything wrong with enjoying your own company too much?

Not if your own company enjoys the company of others. There is much to be said about not becoming a loner, so much, in fact, that I hesitate to even broach the subject. Suffice to say that we are, for the greater part, social animals. We crave the company of our fellows and, even if we find people to be tedious, we crave the company of our pets. My mother says she never met a cat she didn’t like, but she has met some people she could have done without.

How do unhappy rich people buy happiness?

They don’t. Happiness is not a commodity to be bought or sold. It is a choice each of us must make for our lives. Rich or poor, it makes no difference. Strive to be happy always, and find humility so you can be humble as you face the world. Have a strict code of moral ethics and hold to it. Be kind to those around you. Be selfless in your giving. Have an undying faith. Become rich for all the good you can do with it, and become poor because of all the good you did with it. In this way, you will find the happiness that resides inside of you.

“They say money can’t buy happiness. But it can sure as hell solve a lot of problems!”

-- Robert Rolih

What can you say to Albert Einstein's quote ''Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value''?

He was half right. What good is success without value? Success for the sake of success is a selfish thing, where the value is only to yourself. There must be more to it. There must be some selfless value to others, some usefulness for your success. If your success is to become a teacher, the value is to teach others what you know. If you love teaching, then the value is for the students to love learning. Be a success, but make sure you are also of value.

What can you say about Steve Jobs' quote ''The only way to do great work is to love what you do''?

If you love what you do, then all the work you do is great work. Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” How do you become a saint? You spend your life doing “small things with great love.” I consider this to be “great” work.

What truths stand the test of time?

All real truth will stand the "test of time." It must, for the very reason it is truth. No matter what anyone tries to say about it, if it is, in fact, the truth, it will always be the truth. If it isn’t, then it is just a supposition waiting for proof. If this is the case, then all we can do is have faith, and faith is nothing more than an undying belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

“Being a writer means helping others through your experiences.

It is giving the reader the chance to take in something new, or something they may wish to brave.

It is a loving and hostile touch, a patient and eager ghost, and above all... a test of time.”

-- H.S. Crow

What is the comfort zone? Why should we get out of it?

We don’t truly learn without failure, and we don’t truly grow unless we learn. If we stay in our “comfort zone” without risk, we also risk not growing, moving forward, and succeeding. Sometimes it is worth a risk.

Is it possible to be good at everything you love doing? Or can you only be good at one thing?

If you’re going to do something you should always strive to do it as well as possible, whether you love doing it or not. Strive to be good at all things you take on, even if there are only a few you enjoy.

How do I find the answers to all my questions?

Learn the lessons in this life so you can continue being reborn until all questions are answered. It really isn’t that hard. You have forever to work on it, and this is a good thing because there will always be new questions.

“To seek truth requires one to ask the right questions. Those void of truth never ask about anything because their ego and arrogance prevent them from doing so. Therefore, they will always remain ignorant. Those on the right path to Truth are extremely heart-driven and childlike in their quest, always asking questions, always wanting to understand and know everything — and are not afraid to admit they don't know something. However, every truth seeker does need to break down their ego first to see Truth. If the mind is in the way, the heart won't see anything.”

-- Suzy Kassem

Do you want to understand the real you?

I already do, and I’m still recovering from it.

What one thing would you change in your country to make it better?

The leadership of the League of the Perpetually Offended. Oh, I’m sorry, I meant to say the majority of Congress.

Why can I accept that I fail?

Probably because you have learned the life lesson that failure is the best way we learn. Even some successful people have a problem grasping this concept which is why, when they fail, they fail hard and probably won’t recover. If an employee fails, ask them what they learned. If they shift blame or say nothing, let them seek other employment. If they have critiqued their failure, learned from it, why would you let them work for someone else when your company just trained them through trial and error? The fact that you accept your own failures is a sign that you understand this concept.  Just make certain you learn from what you've done.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

-- Maya Angelou

What is goodness? Don’t define in terms of natural disposition.

Well, but it is. At least we’re born that way, then our environment steps in to screw things up. Another definition of it is being kind and helping others in selfless terms; expecting nothing for your efforts. Being good is like happiness, as it is a choice each of us must make for our lives or we will be doomed to repeat the lesson until we get it right.

Why are millennials and Gen Z so self-deprecating?

They were taught to be members of the League of the Perpetually Offended, either by their parents, their friends, or their teachers and professors. They have been taught to believe whatever they’ve been told. This works very well, as we’ve seen recently, to help destabilize a nation. Once you become self-deprecating, or offended by yourself, expressing disapproval about everything else is just another door to open. The members of the League are really not very happy people.

Is it true morally upright, righteous, principled, empathic, selfless people tend to live a shorter life and be more likely to suffer from diseases than bad, egoistic, malicious, evil people? Are there studies to support that claim, or is it a myth?

Oh, I certainly hope not! We tend to understand happiness more than others, and happiness tends to extend life, barring diseases no one can sidestep. It may very well be a myth, but, if it isn’t, I leave you with a thought. We might lead shorter lives because we’ve completed learning all we were sent here to learn. We have graduated and moved on to the next grade, the next life, to learn all we can there. I suppose what I’m saying is that a shorter life is not necessarily a bad thing. It simply is what it is. One might ask, why some wise people live to old age? Maybe they’re ahead of the rest of us. So, maybe they stay here to teach.

“These... things, householder, are welcome, agreeable, pleasant, & hard to obtain in the world:

Long life is welcome, agreeable, pleasant, & hard to obtain in the world.

Beauty is welcome, agreeable, pleasant, & hard to obtain in the world.

Happiness is welcome, agreeable, pleasant, & hard to obtain in the world.

Status is welcome, agreeable, pleasant, & hard to obtain in the world.

Now, I tell you, these... things are not to be obtained by reason of prayers or wishes. If they were to be obtained by reason of prayers or wishes, who here would lack them? It's not fitting for the disciple of the noble ones who desires long life to pray for it or to delight in doing so. Instead, the disciple of the noble ones who desires long life should follow the path of practice leading to long life. In so doing, he will attain long life...”

-- Buddha (Ittha Sutta, AN 5.43)

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.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Questioning Virtue and Quality

 

“If faith doesn’t anchor virtue, it drifts, willy-nilly, toward the rocks or the chasm… just as vital and indispensable to the life of virtue is the presence of the Spirit. If the Spirit does not stir, fill, and direct both our life of faith and our quest for virtue, all our virtues will grow stunted and bitter, like fruit strained out from hardscrabble ground. Such virtue is usually no more than a repertoire of self-serving gestures.”

-- Mark Buchanan

 

What are some things that people need to acknowledge about the general public?

Quiet gullibility. Generally, people believe what they're told without question. Ask people which news channel they watch, and they’ll tell you which one they watch. It will probably be only one. Why? Because that channel tells them what they want to hear, true or not, researched or not, they don’t care as long as it sounds right to their reality.  As for my household, we watch several news programs just to see who isn’t reporting hot news items we all need to hear about, or news that has been vetted and isn’t simply an editorial from some ignorant “reporter” who wouldn’t know the truth if it stared them in the face. We are gullible, which is one reason our country is now in serious trouble.

What do people actually mean when they say 'they are good' in answer to 'how are you'?

Well, I’m puking blood, but at least I’m being good. The question is incomplete because it’s missing context. How are you feeling? How are you acting? How are you coping?  I suppose the right answer to this question is, “How am I what?”

How could you stop being so logical while everything around doesn't make sense?

How about making everything around you make sense? If everything made sense there would be no need for logical thinking.

“That doesn’t make sense.”

“Why not?”

“It isn’t logical.”

"Alrighty, then." 

“I mean, you could claim that anything's real if the only basis for believing in it is that nobody's proved it doesn't exist!”

-- J.K. Rowling

Are you satisfied with the quality of your moral character?

Yes! I give up just enough of it to remain comfortable and satisfied with who I am.

If someone does something and then I do the same exact thing also, have we both done the same thing? People seem to answer no, what say you?

If you do the same thing for the same reason, I’d have to say yes. If you do it just because they did it, then no, your reason for doing it differs.

What is the illusion you can only do online?

Probably be someone I’m not, without fear of being discovered for who I truly am.

"I'm not online, it's just an optical illusion."

-- Ali Shadab 

What does it mean if something is the perfect touch?

If a living room seems to be missing the perfect touch, something to set it off, and a friend brings you a nice centerpiece of flowers for the main table, and, voila! The “perfect touch” the room needed.

Why do some people have the audacity to call themselves natural? Aren’t humans artificial in anything they do?

Just about all humans are probably artificial in most things they do, including the League of the Perpetually Offended who are even offended by the fact that people are offended. Better to not judge others, lest we, ourselves, be judged. Personally, I can’t even picture myself ever being a member of the League. They just don’t stand for my belief and faith in humanity.

Like Jeff Bezos, I believe that not loving your work will never make you great at it. Does the purpose of school include making students love what they learn?

No. The purpose of school is to separate the wheat from the chaff, those who can from those who can’t. You can love your work, but you have to strive to be great at what you do. You can strive to be great at your work and, yet, not love it. I worked for a woman who had three degrees, engineering, chemistry, and medicine. She was one of those rare people who loved her work and built a multi-million dollar corporation out of it. She lived for what she did and earned worldwide recognition from her peers, of which there were few of her caliber.

“We put our children through their paces in school not so that they will learn something, or master something, or meet any standards. No. We give them tools so that they can experience the joy, the passion, of creating. All we are doing is saying, “Here, if you know this, there is more you can make; there is another path you can map; there is another song you can compose.” School—from pre-K to postdoc programs—exists so that we can all build more from within ourselves and with our colleagues.”

-- Marc Aronson

Why is it that 'you are the company you keep'? What brings people with similar qualities together?

I am so not the company I keep, and the company I keep are so not me. And, yet, this contradiction to the quote also is a validation. We are the company we keep, just because we aren’t. This is a similar quality that we share. We are racially, politically, and economically diverse. We are military, civilian, retired, and working. If someone were to look for commonalities, we, for the most part, smoke cigars, drink bourbon, scotch, and beer, watch sports, swap cooking styles, and eat the food some of us cook up for the group. We are who we are, and therein lies our similarity.

Which of your assumptions about the world has turned out to be untrue?

Time. Turns out it really doesn’t exist. Time is a human construct invented to give structure, for humans, on this plane of existence. We are constantly reborn so time really has no meaning, in reality. 

What are some examples of virtues being overdone to the point of them no longer being virtues?

Patience is a virtue, to a point, then it just becomes an unnecessary burden. You can only wait so long for someone to get ready to go out, then it becomes a moot point when it gets so late that everything closes.

“The mother of excess is not joy but joylessness.”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

How do I find the kindest and honest person in today's world?

Ask the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. I’ve always been impressed.

Why, if a person types "peek" or "peak," Google auto-suggests "interest"? Is that Google's fault or the fault of those who don't know the term is "pique interest"?

I think “garbage in, garbage out” is in play here. The program is only as good as the programmers who programmed it.  Oh, and you probably hit the nail on the head with many people not even knowing "pique" is a word.

What are some things that are taken for granted about the philosophy of everyday life?

Happiness. I think most people believe that if they work hard, and make money, happiness will follow. Happiness is a choice each of us must make for ourselves and has little to do with how much money we have. As a matter of fact, if you strive to be happy all the time, your job will probably be better and your life will reflect this happiness to all around you. You might even find that money follows happiness, not the other way around. I have found that almost everything follows happiness.

“The outer world is a reflection of the inner world. Other people’s perception of you is a reflection of them; your response to them is an awareness of you.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

 

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.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Questions of Work and Usefulness

“Even a wasted life stands as an important example and therefore can never be useless.”

― Mark Wallace

********************

Note to anyone who cares:  I had 5,397 views of my answers last week.  Maybe I should write that book I keep threatening to write.

********************

How old were you before you realized the tag at the hemline of a top/t-shirt tells you which is the front so you do not put it on backward?

Too young to remember. But the pocket and the neckline are usually my “go-to” when it comes to front and back.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do."  Can I get your opinion about this quote?

I consider this to be the “end game” to achieve happiness. Whether the work is great or not, you need to be truly satisfied with it and, more importantly, love what you do. There will always be drama in life. We can get rid of as much of it as we can, and only allow the drama in that does not affect our happiness.

I did “great work” in the military, and in my civilian job afterward. I have done great work as a chaplain, and as a blogger. I am satisfied with my life and love what I do, always.

I have always loved my work. I loved my work so much that it finally ended my marriage. She had issues with me enjoying my work more than enjoying her destroying our marriage. This was drama I could not sidestep, but my life endured the “speedbump” and I was back on the road again. My only regret was her inability to be anything but miserable in life, but this was her shortfall, not mine., and our children did not inherit this trait from her.

Each morning, I thank God for the gift of another day in paradise and another chance to excel in this life. Anything else would just suck.

Do you agree with the saying "everyone is useful but no one is indispensable"?

Everyone is useful who wants to work, but no one is indispensable if all they do is bitch about the work. God save us from able-bodied people who think welfare is a way of life.

“The only way to get what you're worth is to stand out, to exert emotional labor, to be seen as indispensable, and to produce interactions that organizations and people care deeply about.”

-- Seth Godin

What 3 things should a person always take care of?

Debt, their health, and happiness.

Is it true or false that the answer to this question is "false"?

“Have you stopped beating your wife? Answer yes or no.” The answers to questions like this are never that simple because there is no context with which to form a valid answer, one way or the other. So, the answer must be “maybe” regardless of your parameters.

How do you feel about what I think?

How I feel about what you think will not express itself until you put a voice to it. When you speak what you think you are making a decision to own the thought and share it. By sharing it you are asking for others to agree or disagree. Now, it is incumbent upon those of us who feel something about what you have said to own our feelings and voice our opinions; to agree or disagree with what you felt necessary to let spew out of your pie hole. Personally, I prefer not to stand in judgment of others, but there are those who won’t leave well enough alone until we opine on it so they can feel offended.

“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”

-- Voltaire

How do people know that they are correct when they claim that "everyone is judgmental"? What if there are people who aren't judgmental, because they have good judgment?

Yes, well, that is a very good question. Maybe “everyone” is painting with too wide of a brush. I’d have to say that, just perhaps, someone might want to think about what it means to be judgmental. Just saying.

What is something that you're glad you did not learn early on in life?

Child support. I wouldn’t have had nearly as much fun. I was very lucky.

Where would you draw a line between Idealists who simply want the world to be a better place and Utopians who are seeking impossible change?

Between idealism and socialism would seem to be a good place. Please want the world to be a better place, but don’t destroy what good we have, already, in the process.

“Totalitarianism is not only hell, but all the dream of paradise-- the age-old dream of a world where everybody would live in harmony, united by a single common will and faith, without secrets from one another. Andre Breton, too, dreamed of this paradise when he talked about the glasshouse in which he longed to live. If totalitarianism did not exploit these archetypes, which are deep inside us all and rooted deep in all religions, it could never attract so many people, especially during the early phases of its existence. Once the dream of paradise starts to turn into reality, however, here and there people begin to crop up who stand in its way, and so the rulers of paradise must build a little gulag on the side of Eden. In the course of time, this gulag grows ever bigger and more perfect, while the adjoining paradise gets even smaller and poorer.”

-- Milan Kundera

What could it mean if a woman I think likes me, helps me do something and it's not necessary for her to help with it?

Uh… maybe she likes you? If you like her, ask her out and see what she says.

Is it true that if a male is not already bald in his 30s, he will never be bald for his entire life?

Nope. I started going bald in my 40s. I’m now 67 and still have a good bit of my hair. I was never really worried about it. If it gets to a certain point I plan on shaving the rest off. I never really needed it, anyway. Women always liked me for who I am, except for my ex-wife. Okay, one fricking mistake.

If you could do everything you wanted to do ‘all the time with no limitations’, do you feel like you would make the world a better place or not? Why?

The limitations of mankind’s greed would then be no issue. With greed set aside and understanding simply a matter of knowledge and education, making the world a better place would then fall squarely on my shoulders. It would simply become my choice to make it happen, and why not turn off welfare systems and end war and hunger?  Give people a reason to want to work, other than greed.

“Seriously, if you always put limits on what you can do, physical or anything else; it'll spread over into the rest of your life. It'll spread into your work, into your morality, into your entire being... There are NO limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his level.”

-- Bruce Lee

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” What do you think this quote from Ida B. Wells means to you?

This has always been the preferred way to right the wrongs in a law-abiding society. Unfortunately, some people have no use for the “rule of law” and those who enforce it. They turn their backs on law and order in a preference for anarchy, death, and rampant crime.

What’s something you own just because you can?

Weapons, but for more reasons than just because I can.  It is one's patriotic duty to protect the citizens from government overeach.

Why can other people do it but I can’t? We’re all living the same life, but why are they so much better than me?

Each to their abilities. It isn’t that they’re so much better at “it” than you, you just haven’t found what “it” you do better. Finding “it” takes work, and whining about “it” isn’t going to help you find “it” for you.

“Just for today, smile a little more. Just for today, ask someone how he or she is really doing. Just for today, remember, while some may have it better than you do, there are others whom definitely have it worse than you! Just for today, just let go, just for today….”

-- James A. Murphy

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.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Questioning Thoughts and Questioning

“In all affairs, it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.”

-- Bertrand Russell

Is "goatness" a burden and how do you stay the GOAT (the greatest of anything at all times)?

Is "goatness" even a word? Being a man with great humility, I am constantly reminded that the “greatest of anything at all times” is a title only those who are a legend in their own mind can attain. A title is fleeting, even for those who retire, so to be it for “all times” would be too much for anyone to hope for. Is it a burden? Only if you delude yourself into thinking it is true. Better to be the best you can and strive to be humble and happy at all times.

What is a word that describes people who question everything?

Smart? Intelligent? Inquisitive? Careful? Diligent? However, if one doesn’t question everything, one isn’t very smart.

Have you ever seen and learned about the characteristics of a successful person?

I worked for 17 years for a very successful woman. She had several degrees in chemistry and medicine, and she built a mega-million dollar company from the ground up. When I started she employed about 15 people, and when I left she had over 300. She loved coming to work and was very driven in what she did. It took her years to finally take a paycheck. Love what you do, work hard to make it successful, and hire good people with the same drive.

“The problem, often not discovered until late in life, is that when you look for things in life like love, meaning, motivation, it implies they are sitting behind a tree or under a rock. The most successful people in life recognize, that in life they create their own love, they manufacture their own meaning, they generate their own motivation. For me, I am driven by two main philosophies, know more today about the world than I knew yesterday. And lessen the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that gets you.”

-- Neil deGrasse Tyson

How do you understand “Free Will”? Do we always have it or only sometimes?

We have “free will” always. Whether or not you surrender your right to free will is, once again, your free will to do. Someone can capture you, lock you up, beat you, and the like, but they can never take your free will from you. If you allow yourself to be brainwashed, this is you surrendering your free will to resist. If they demand you make a choice between free will or death, it is a choice you will freely make.

Are you good at doing nothing?

I’m not very good at doing nothing. I’m usually asleep when doing it and, even then, I dream. When I’m awake, my mind occasionally wanders to the edge of the abyss, at the cusp of infinity. I can do nothing until the abyss stares back, then I have to give it the finger. I can’t help myself. It makes me smile. No, I’m really not very good at doing nothing.

Can we be free by choosing not to choose?

Of course, this is your freedom to choose or not, but, if you choose not to choose, you must recognize that you have chosen.

“The choice to make good choices is the best choice you can choose. Fail to make that choice and on most choices you will lose.”

-- Ryan Lilly 

Can being grateful for who you are and what you have in life stop you from trying to succeed?

If I am grateful for who I am and what I have, I have already succeeded beyond what most people have attained. I see no reason for it to stop me from continuing to succeed in many other aspects of life if I desire to do so. At 67, I find myself in this exact quandary. I sit on a board for a land conservancy and take care of my mother. I am content, happy, and fulfilled. I’m also tired. I think I will simply enjoy the rest of my life.

What are some actions that are generally not accepted throughout the world?

Murder, rape, child abuse, and terrorism… that “religiously” excuses the first three.

I once read that envy is the merger of 2 actions, 1st admiration and 2nd will to have or be what the person is or has. Do you agree?

Admiration for what one has, and the desire to have what one has. Taken to an extreme, this could easily become jealousy and greed.

"Four be the things I am wiser to know:

Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.

Four be the things I'd been better without:

Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.

Three be the things I shall never attain:

Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.

Three be the things I shall have till I die:

Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.”

-- Dorothy Parker

Which character strengths are most predictive of well-being?

Humanity, Wisdom, and Trancendance, come to mind.

What are the characteristics of a selfless person, and how do you become one?

Charity. To give of one’s self with no expectation of recompense. The truly selfless person helps others with no desire for any reward. The simple act of giving is what rewards the selfless person.

How wrong is it in my thinking that you are wrong, and that in my thinking that I'm right?

You have the right to think I am wrong. This is your freedom of choice. However, you do me a disservice if you keep your opinion to yourself. I may very well be wrong and not realize it. I will never know if I am wrong unless you state your feelings. By this honest exchange of opinions and “proofs”, you may very well be swayed into believing you might be wrong, or we might even find that neither of us is right.

“When I was a little girl, everything in the world fell into either of these two categories: wrong or right. Black or white. Now that I am an adult, I have put childish things aside and now I know that some things fall into wrong and some things fall into right. Some things are categorized as black and some things are categorized as white. But most things in the world aren't either! Most things in the world aren't black, aren't white, aren't wrong, aren't right, but most of everything is just different. And now I know that there's nothing wrong with different and that we can let things be different, we don't have to try and make them black or white, we can just let them be grey. And when I was a child, I thought that God was the God who only saw black and white. Now that I am no longer a child, I can see, that God is the God who can see the black and the white and the grey, too, and He dances on the grey! Grey is okay.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

How would you briefly define a school of thought?

A school of philosophy. The epitome of any school of thought would be earning a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in a particular discipline.

Why isn't it called buy one get two instead of buy one get one?

You are supposed to buy one and get two more free. With “buy one, get one” you only get one free.

What personal task do you need to fulfill in this lifetime to feel satisfied?

Happiness. Satisfaction in life is about finding how to be happy always. We don’t teach our children how to do this because the majority of us haven’t figured it out yet. Strive to be happy always, and bring those around you along for the ride.

“We find what we are looking for in life, her father had once said to her, which was true—if you look for happiness, you will see it; if you look for distrust and envy and hatred—all those things—you will find those too.”

-- Alexander McCall Smith

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.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Questions Asking Advice

 

“I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice; had I abided by it I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes.”

-- Edna St. Vincent Millay

Why do some men and women who are overly opinionated, somewhat problematic, and quick to jump to conclusions assume those qualities are that of an alpha?

I hate to be “somewhat problematic” but, are we only discussing those people who are men or women? Just asking because I tend to be “overly opinionated” and would hate to be blindsided by someone who does not consider themselves a man or a woman. This gender issue is becoming more commonplace and I would hate to catch hell, once again, from the League of the Perpetually Offended, for any of my opinions they misunderstand… yet again.

What’s something you don’t give too much thought to but do think about often?

If I’m thinking about it often, then I’m putting way too much thought into it, especially for a retired person.

How can I be brave and say "no" to the wrong people?

If you mean what you say and say what you mean, then don’t worry if they’re the right or wrong people. Your "personal code of moral ethics" demands you always do the right thing. It defines who you are. Or, you can shy away from honesty and bravery, and this will also define you.

“Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.”

-- Anna Taylor

How do we call someone who’s not happy when others are successful?

Jealous.

There are many smart writers, physicists, and chess players in Russia, but there have never been strong academic philosophers. Why didn't "Russian Kant" appear?

I couldn’t believe this when I read it. I’ve seen many Russian philosophers, though we know them better for their other talents, like authoring novels. Check out this site: List of Russian philosophers - Wikipedia

Why do I find myself unattractive looking while others don't think I do?

So, other people don’t believe you find yourself unattractive? Or are you meaning to say that other people find you attractive?

“As long as man has pride, he will appear unattractive and no one will be attracted to him. He may have a handsome face, his pride makes him unattractive.”

-- Dada Bhagwan

What are the most curious facts about humble people?

Well, they’re humble, so to find catch them talking about themselves would be odd. The fact they’re humble would put a wrench in finding any curious aspects about them.

How should one keep their attitude to their life, is there a quote by which one should live their life?

“Strive to be happy always!” Life is all about making the right choices for ourselves. Two good choices we should all make in life are to keep drama, especially from other people, as far away as possible, and to make the conscious choice to be happy always. The alternatives simply suck.

I'm an 18-year-old guy and think all women are the same. They never showed me any affection in middle school and high school. Should I stay single and stop trying to get a girl to like me?

Yes. You’re probably trying too hard. Focus on being who you are, continuing your education, joining the military, or getting a job. Quality women will see your efforts and start paying attention. My son didn’t even want to start dating until he was out of college, got a good job, and could afford a nice car. There’s an old adage that, if you stop looking you’ll find it. Go with that, and strive to be happy always.

“That's one of the first things that comes out of young people's mouths when they're in love. FOREVER. And that's cool, it's all good - until you get old enough to realize what forever is.”

-- Ice-T

How do you prove facts?

You don’t. You prove suppositions. A fact is already proven, or it wouldn’t be a fact. If facts are thought to be faulty, they become, again, suppositions. In the United States, for instance, we used to rely on journalists to give us the facts. Now, we rely on journalists to give us their opinions which are seldom based on factual information, or on supposition for that matter. It makes watching the “news” a waste of one’s time.

Nobody wants anything to do with me anymore. What is wrong with my looks?

You ask this like you don’t think there is anything wrong with your looks. Maybe it’s something else about you, like attitude toward others, selfishness, and the like. "Looks" might be the least of your worries… and should be. How we look should have no bearing on how we are treated by others. How we treat others, however…

Is silence a rejection?

Not necessarily. It might be a precursor to rejection. Or, it could be some other “silent” message you might want to pay attention to. Silence can be deafening.

“When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you in every situation you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval. Putting a voice to your soul helps you to let go of the negative energy of fear and regret.”

-- Shannon L. Alder

All my life I have been cleaning the factory. I’m 30 and no one helps me move on. I am on my phone and don’t trust my dad. What do I do? I am having a hard time with life with courses.

If you want to move on, do so. It is your choice and requires your attention. You’ve been cleaning the factory all your life, so you must be pretty good at it. Maybe it’s time to clean a different factory, like one where you are better appreciated. Or, tell current management that you want to move up and ask what else you can do for them. They might be waiting for you to get a clue.

What do you say about the day you were born?

I was cheated. They should have had a cigar, a tumbler of bourbon, and a good-looking busty nurse, waiting for me to emerge.

How do you explain that you can fall in love with a brand?

You can fall in love with a brand as easily as you can fall out of love with it. I used to love Oreo cookies. The “Double Stuff” was a favorite, but double wasn’t really double if you looked at the filling. Filling on the regular came almost to the edge of the cookie, but the double was inset enough to tell a difference. So, it was thicker but not really double. But, then, Oreo took advantage of their customers, again, by redefining their cookies. “Regular” became the “double” and “double” became “mega” and, I suppose, “thins” became regular, while the “family size” package got smaller. Either way, the customer was getting screwed, as usual. I hate being taken advantage of, and I really hate it when the company thinks the customer is too stupid to work it out. I stopped buying Oreos.

“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.”

-- Jeff Bezos

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.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com

Questioning Success, Ethics, and the "Road to Hell"

 

"Perdition awaits at the end of a road constructed entirely from good intentions, the devil emerges from the details and hell abides in the small print."

-- Iain Banks

"Success in one's life is not an accident. it is the result of the right decision at the right time." What can you say about the saying? Did you enjoy the saying? Are you related to the saying?

Those who read me would be disappointed if I backpedaled, and I won’t. Life is all about making the right choices and decisions. You don’t necessarily have to make it at the right time, but when you make it you must make the best one you can.

Some people bemoan the fact that their life is crap, and they go about blaming everyone but themselves. Yet, their circumstances rest firmly on decisions they made or chose not to make. What our lives are is all about what we have made them, or chose to allow other people to make of them, but, either way, it is our choice to be remain where we are or to move forward.

How do you say 'I understand' in a formal way?

Yes, sir (or ma’am), understood.

Why do mediums keep asking for validation from the people or room they are reading? Why would they not just convey what the spirit in front of them is saying without looking to show proof?

Make you wonder, doesn’t it? Majoring in psychology and doing almost 23 years with military intelligence, this “probing of the path” always made me think twice. I agree with you, though. Just tell me what they have to say. I’ll stroke your ego when you’re done if you’ve earned it.

“There are people who need our stories. These individuals are just hidden from our view. We need to put ourselves out there because maybe our stories will validate theirs.”

-- Janine Myung Ja

Why is "reason" more dependable than feelings when making moral judgments?

Your “feeling” should be anchored in your personal code of moral ethics. There is nothing more dependable than this, especially if it what makes you who you are. However, be careful using your ethics to judge anyone, lest you be judged. Being wrong is so much worse than being silent. We never seem to get the entire story to work with.

How old were you when you made a career change that was significantly different from the one you previously had? What change did you make?

43. I went from military intelligence into being a corporate liaison for a privately owned institutional review board. I went from making war to assisting in pharmaceutical company oversight of patients participating in drug studies. In a way, it was the same, though. I went from protecting my country from socialist and communist incursion to protecting people and vulnerable groups from bad pharmaceutical studies.

Expound the quotation by Lionel Crocker, “The inexperienced speaker often fails because he does not have planted firmly in his mind an outline of what he wants to say.”?

Lack of preparation. Practice, practice, practice, and then, when you think you have it, practice again. Know your subject. Know your audience. Know that you are in control. And, if you’re the President of a country, know where you are. It is, after all, your speech, and your audience isn’t stupid.

“Students of public speaking continually ask, "How can I overcome self-consciousness and the fear that paralyzes me before an audience?"

Did you ever notice in looking from a train window that some horses feed near the track and never even pause to look up at the thundering cars, while just ahead at the next railroad crossing a farmer's wife will be nervously trying to quiet her scared horse as the train goes by? How would you cure a horse that is afraid of cars—graze him in a back-woods lot where he would never see steam-engines or automobiles, or drive or pasture him where he would frequently see the machines? 

Apply horse-sense to ridding yourself of self-consciousness and fear: face an audience as frequently as you can, and you will soon stop shying. You can never attain freedom from stage-fright by reading a treatise. A book may give you excellent suggestions on how best to conduct yourself in the water, but sooner or later you must get wet, perhaps even strangle and be "half scared to death." There are a great many "wetless" bathing suits worn at the seashore, but no one ever learns to swim in them. To plunge is the only way.”

-- Dale Breckenridge Carnegie

What do you say about "success must be purposeful"?

Success, by definition, achieves the purpose of success. You have succeeded at, or in, something. Even if success makes you or someone else happy, it has served an unintended purpose of providing happiness or fulfillment.

What does it mean when someone tells you that "I don't trust you in the areas I am good at and in the area I am weak at?"

If they don’t even trust you in the area they’re weak at, they’re saying you really suck. Perhaps you should back off and get some training or, at least, learn to admit to folks that you’re not qualified.

How does this saying apply today, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions"?

Pay attention to American politics. And, by pay attention, I mean watch more than one slanted "news" station so you get all sides of their so-called “news” from the so-called “journalists” spreading propaganda to fulfill an agenda. In particular, one might follow the border crisis to see where “good intentions” are taking us.

"I had been told I was on the road to hell, but I had no idea it was just a mile down the road with a dome on it." 

-- Abraham Lincoln

What is your reaction to this quotation, "One earnest worker can do more by personal suggestion to prevent accidents than a carload of safety"?

I would think most of that “carload of safety” comes from the suggestions of “earnest workers” familiar with their work environment and accidents that have gone before.

In your own opinion, is it enough to consider that you already have a good life if you already attain your goals in life? Why and why not?

Yes. I’m approaching 70 years of age. I’ve had two careers fulfilled with the earned respect of my managers and peers. I have two retirement checks, no debt, friends, and family. Retirement pay is enough that I don’t want for much. I’m tired and very happy to be able to relax and enjoy the goodness in my life.

Can you impress me with something I don't already know?

Probably not, unless you have a Top Secret clearance and a need to know.

“Never let your circumstances drive you into spending your energy trying to impress people who you believe would judge you for every single thing that you do. Moreover, why should you waste your energy and time on people who are not willing to let you be your true self?”

-- Edmond Mbiaka

How important is the credibility of the process (science, scholarship, or journalism) to overcoming resistance to conclusions (preexisting basis)?

So, in other words, the conclusion is going to reflect the credibility of the process. Unless you can support the conclusion, arrived at with a process that lacks credibility, it deserves resistance. Lately, we find most journalists seem to have a credibility problem because they insinuate their own flawed opinions into their work instead of researching the facts.

Have you told yourself how awesome you are today?

Almost every day, when the League of the Perpetually Offended try to bait me or piss me off, and I show tremendous restraint by ignoring them.

Have you ever woken up and looked at something and then suddenly been inspired with an idea of how to do an artwork a particular way?

When I was brushing my teeth, I accidentally ran the bristles of the toothbrush against my top teeth and spattered the mirror. It occurred to me how to paint my star systems. Ended up sending several canvases to a radio observatory in the Netherlands for their 50th anniversary.

“Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.”

-- Neil Gaiman

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.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com