Questioning Questioning?

“The time will come when diligent research over long periods will bring to light things which now lie hidden. A single lifetime, even though entirely devoted to the sky, would not be enough for the investigation of so vast a subject... And so this knowledge will be unfolded only through long successive ages. There will come a time when our descendants will be amazed that we did not know things that are so plain to them... Many discoveries are reserved for ages still to come, when memory of us will have been effaced.”

-- Seneca

What do most people not understand about defeat?

Defeat is simply failure, and failure is one of the best ways for us to learn if we step back and honestly critique why we failed. In this way, we can try to avoid making the mistake more than twice.

How do your values alter your perceptions in the quote: “Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.”?

If you are happy with your performance, you are a winner. If you gave everything you had in you, you learned something for the effort. You learned you have to find something more. You never lose being happy with yourself. Strive to be happy always!

Do you agree that it's okay to question everything so that people can expand on their views so that not everything is a one-narrative story while other narratives can be the truth in certain situations?

If you’re listening to the news, journalists, or politicians, so that you know what's going on, question everything twice! When you think you have your answers it will be time for you to perform due diligence and ensure the answers are valid. When politicians or the media won’t answer questions, it’s time to be very concerned about who you voted for, what you believe, and why.

"Diligence is the mother of good luck"

-- Benjamin Franklin

How does the dictum in philosophy “there is nothing in the mind that was not first in some way through the senses” relate to what you learned from the cone of experience?

Rene Descartes is right.

What is the role of emphatic do in the context? We were told journalism is a science. It didn't make sense then nor does it now. But it does make sense that we were learning a profession?

If journalism is science, shouldn’t it rely on valid facts, or at least proof, and not editorial opinion, and supposition?

Can reason make everything right?

Don’t we wish? It all depends on the receiver of reason. They have a choice to accept reason or to reject it. “Reason” is supposed to garner understanding, but, as we’ve seen in recent politics, understanding is a greased pig. There is no reason, no understanding, when only 9% of money allocated for a bill actually goes for what the bill represents, while the other 91% goes to nothing of substance - pork. For reason to make things right, there has to be trust and a lack of bullshit. This will not happen soon.

“Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.”

-- Euripides

What is your philosophical perspective of "NOT chasing after happiness?"

I can’t think of a philosophical perspective that would tout a mental illness that prohibits happiness, as something to relish in life. Happiness is what we should all be striving for. We constantly allow ourselves to get wrapped up in dramas that detract from happiness. Happiness is a choice each of us must make for our lives. But, you asked for a philosophical perspective, so here’s mine: Choose to be happy always, because the alternative sucks.

I feel like smoking is such a great self-reflection tool. If you quit smoking, did you find an equivalent alternative?

Yes, it’s called life, and I chose a long and healthy one.

What does it mean, moral courage? What could be the reason why some people are afraid to show moral courage? Why is moral courage important?

Let’s look at a definition: Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences. Courage is required to take action when one has doubts or fears about the consequences. Moral courage therefore involves deliberation or careful thought. — Wikipedia

Why are people afraid to show moral courage? Well, because they have none. They may think they do, but they don’t. If they had moral courage they wouldn’t be afraid to display it for all to see. This is courage. To not display moral courage in the face of moral adversity is cowardice. People will try to make reasons, excuses, for why they hold back but, understand, they are excusing themselves from responsibility for showing moral courage.

“Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won't cheat, then you know he never will. Integrity is not a search for the rewards of integrity. Maybe all you ever get for it is the largest kick in the ass the world can provide. It is not supposed to be a productive asset.”

-- John D. MacDonald

Is it normal not to know if you're a good or a bad person, and not know your real intentions toward things? How do you understand your real self?

No, it is not normal. Almost everyone knows if they’re a good or bad person, and what their intentions are, and why. People may seek to deny this knowledge but, deep down inside, they know. To deny the reality of who and what you are says more about you to so many others who see past your facade righteousness. We are all born with the capacity for good. Better we should keep this capacity for goodness close to our hearts so we can share it with all others around us. Strive to be good, and to be happy always!

What do you think about what you think?

When I think about what I think, I confuse myself and have to reconsider what I was thinking when I thought it was a good idea to think about it in the first place. My head hurts.

How do you make sure that your opinions have real insight?

If this is a priority, which it doesn’t seem to be for most people, consider your audience and, then, make your opinions well-thought-out on your topic, concise, and meaningful and, hopefully, forward looking. You know, everything the League of the Perpetually Offended fail at doing when they attack others for daring to even have an opinion.

“Insight comes through relentless contemplation upon the world within and the world without.”

-- Abhijit Naskar

What are the principles of excellence?

“Excellence can be obtained if you: …care more than others think is wise; …risk more than others think is safe; …dream more than others think is practical; …expect more than others think is possible.” -- Unknown

Luminita D. Saviuc lists the following five principles.  I like the all, especially the ability to let go... of control:

1. Unconditional love.
2. Self-discipline.
3. Excellent state of mind.
4. Patience and persistence.
5. Ability to let go.

According to the proverb, you should strike "what" while it's hot?

Strike while the iron is hot, is a term from blacksmiths. You have to strike the iron with the hammer while it’s hot or the iron will cool and not react to the strike; you will waste your time and probably muck up the iron. In life, it refers to the same concept of being ready to take advantage of an opportunity while the opportunity is available. If you wait too long you will miss out. 

What do you think about this thought, “a government that you make powerful enough to give you everything you want will eventually take everything you have.”?

Shame on us.

"What country before ever existed a century and half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve it’s liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure."

-- Thomas Jefferson

 

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.