Some Questions of Goodness, Intelligence, and Desire

 

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

-- Epicurus

How do you define success? Does it constantly change?

The only important success is happiness. The definition of “success” can change, as can one’s definition of happiness. But, happiness will still be happiness and success will still be a success. After all, change is the only true constant in the universe. It is what it is until it isn’t, and then, it is what it is… again.

"God is spirit and therefore has no limitations, no restrictions. He creates by thought, one thought that created all. He lives in an all-consuming present moment that sees the past and future in one unbelievably all-consuming present moment" Cool?

Only if you buy that God is “spirit” and not limitless energy that always was, is now, and forever shall be. Perhaps God is both. That, though, is the purpose of individual faith. The individual belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

Author's comment:  It is only about evaluating the quality of Logic within a particular claim. If the claim is properly logical according to today’s grasping of Reality, and what is most likely fictional fantasy.

My reply:  Logic dealing with the unknown. Interesting concept. Thank you.

The expression "a blessing in disguise" means an apparent misfortune that ends up being a good thing. For those who have lived this, how long did it take you to realize the misfortune really wasn't one at all?

A couple of years, when I figured out my divorce was a seriously good life lesson.

“Sometimes blessings come in ugly wrapping paper.”

-- Richie Norton

Is there any detailed advice for 18-year-old me?

Stay out of debt, go to college that actually teaches instead of indoctrinates, get a job, and then don’t get married until you’re at least thirty. Oh, and learn to shoot a rifle… maybe in the military. Plan to retire from your first job between 46 and 50.

So, you’re 18. The debt thing is self-explanatory. The college will take you to 22 or 23, and the military will take you to 26 or more. Meet a nice girl that loves the uniform. You won’t really be ready for fatherhood till you’re around thirty, so marry her accordingly. When you retire, have fun at your second job, as well.

What are the situations in which you miss the highest stakes action of all?

Being in the military as a planner/analyst and not on the battlefield.  There are no higher stakes I can think of than life or death.

I hear that telling people your goals will help manifest them, but I am scared of what other people will think. What should I do?

If the goal you want to manifest is immoral, I’d be scared of what others think as well. I’d make certain the goals I tell people are morally and ethically sound, and then not care what other people think. Have they told you theirs? Probably not.

“When people want success but visualize failure, they attract failure because they don’t know about the power of repetition/visualization.”

-- Hina Hashmi

How can I find what I am really good at?

Most people don’t have that many things they’re good at doing, much less, really "good" at doing, so it’s pretty easy to determine this answer. However, if you’re good at so many things that you can’t choose the one you’re really good at doing, start doing all of them until you find the one you’re so good at that the others don’t even come close.

Why does everyone desire wealth?

Because true happiness escapes them? They probably believe wealth will make them happy.

What are your "Five Whys"?

Why only “five whys”?

Why do people think there are only “five whys”?

Why am I so concerned because I have so many more than the “five whys” expected?

Why should anyone be very afraid if they have less than “five whys”?

Why do we ask this most important question of “why?”

“There is much asked and only so much I think I can or should answer, and so, in this post I would like to give a few thoughts on what seemed to be the overwhelming question: “WHY?”

And here is the best answer I can give: Because.

Because sometimes, life is damned unfair.

Because sometimes, we lose people we love and it hurts deeply.

Because sometimes, as the writer, you have to put your characters in harm’s way and be willing to go there if it is the right thing for your book, even if it grieves you to do it.

Because sometimes there aren’t really answers to our questions except for what we discover, the meaning we assign them over time.

Because acceptance is yet another of life’s “here’s a side of hurt” lessons and it is never truly acceptance unless it has cost us something to arrive there.

Why, you ask? Because, I answer.

Inadequate yet true.”

-- Libba Bray

How come if you are told not to think about something, you think about it?

If I’m told not to think about it, it must be something morally wrong. I’m sorry, but my mind will focus on that li’l tidbit until it comes to pass. I’m just that way.

What makes a great business strategy successful?

This kind of answers itself. Because it’s a “great” strategy. But, what makes the business strategy great? In my personal opinion, it must make nothing but good and logical business sense so it also paints a logically rosy picture for the future. It should be so easy to understand and implement that everyone will jump on board. It should also pay for itself in a reasonable length of time, which means it should be reasonably priced and cost-effective from the onset. This last is why most restaurants fail. No matter how good the food is, if they have too much overhead, to begin with, they've probably already failed before they even started.

Being a good person has not brought good things to me. What should I make from that?

Being a “good person” is about selflessness. If you were expecting “good things” to come your way, because of your actions, how selfless were your good intentions? I would make from this a lesson. Now, go out and do it all again with the “righteous” frame of mind, and be humble in your execution of the tasks. Do "good" for good's sake, not for yours.

“The world says: "You have needs -- satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more." This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.”

-- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

What is something psychology-related that you learned from your professor and found interesting?

The psychology of deviant behavior.

What is the most rewarding decision you have made?

Two-part decision: First, to join the military, and then to volunteer for the Intelligence field. I spent almost 23 years at it and would do it all again.

Are you aware that you are not smart? What is it like? Do you wish you were smart?

I’m aware that I’m not that intelligent. The fact that I’m smart, however, has gotten me through life, so far. I know intelligent people who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. Yeah, I can do that, as well.

“It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.”

-- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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