Questioning Strategy, Theism, and Success

“The description of this proportion as Golden or Divine is fitting perhaps because it is seen by many to open the door to a deeper understanding of beauty and spirituality in life. That’s an incredible role for one number to play, but then again this one number has played an incredible role in human history and the universe at large.”

-- H.E. Huntley

Do you believe in strategies?

Almost 23 years with military intelligence, of course, I believe in strategy as the impetus for planning. In the words of Miyamoto Musashi, concerning strategy:

“…what is essential is to overcome one’s adversary no matter what, on whatever field, whether it be in single combat or against multiple opponents…”

-- The Five Rings

How does this apply in all circumstances of life? To quote Musashi, again:

“There are, though, probably some people in the world who think that even if they learn the Way of Strategy, when the real time comes, it will be of no use. With regard to this opinion: To train so that it will be useful at any time, and to teach so that it will be useful in all things - this is the true Way of Strategy.” 

-- The Five Rings

Does atheism increase with prosperity? Does prosperity allow atheism to flourish?

If a deist is prosperous, do they attribute their prosperity to their faith in their god, or to atheism? I’d be willing to be they would attribute their good fortune to their god, and their faith would, then, flourish. If you put your faith in anything, you are likely to attribute any good fortune to your faith in whatever you believe. If this is true, then all faith would flourish as long there was evidence of prosperity.  But, we need to be mindful that faith is simply a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

If you are a believer, then you die, get to the other side and there is no Heaven, nothing, what is your reaction?

Like most of those who believe this way, I would, also, have no reaction because there is nothing. I’m am dead, and wrong in my faith in theism. However, if I get to the other side and there is something, I will reap the reward for having a faith in a higher power and another existence beyond this. For those who hold to their belief that there is no God, there will probably be no God. For those who hold to their belief in nothing, there will probably be the “nothing” they expected, though they won’t be cognizant of it… because they’re dead. Or, they will go back into their previous life to try again, because this is what God does. But, more’s the pity.

“Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning...”

-- C.S. Lewis

What does it mean to be 'successful'?

To be happy in life, regardless of your circumstances. If you aren't happy, how can you say you’re successful?

What do you regret wasting money on when you were younger?

I had no idea of the value of money, or what it would mean to me when I got older and looked forward to retirement. After my divorce, I got financially healthy again in just five years. I was in my late 40s at the time. Imagine how much I could have invested in the 25 years leading up to it? Of course, she, my ex, would have easily taken half of it in the divorce without a thank you, but I’m sure I would have received the usual “go to hell” for my efforts.

What's the key to happiness besides positive thinking and forgiveness?

Happiness is a choice, regardless of anything else. It is a choice you make, especially in the face of adversity, to simply strive to be happy always.

“If you’re unhappy or depressed, it might be because you're hanging around the wrong people. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress or worst in you.”

-- Jeanette Coron

Why do nasty people get mad when someone’s nice and happy?

Because they aren’t, and they can’t understand how anybody can be. It simply rubs them the wrong way. These people are usually perpetually nasty, angry, and, especially, perpetually offended at someone’s happiness.

I have rubbed everyone the wrong way for as long as I can remember, due to my seemingly perpetual happiness. I smile most of the time and usually hum, sing, or whistle. I’m always asked how I can be so damned happy? My answer had to do with the fact that the alternative simply sucks for me. I was only truly miserable once in my life, during my messy divorce. I didn’t enjoy the emotional rollercoaster.

So, when it was all over, I promised to never get angry with anyone, to take life as it comes and work through it, to understand that problems are simply lessons we need to learn, and that failure was the best way for us to learn. I strive to be happy always, and it makes many people scratch their heads. Maybe they’re wondering what I know that they don’t? Well, I just made a list.

What does “to draw the longbow” mean?

You’re going to have to make the hard decision. Longbows are harder to string due to length, and harder to draw the string back due to tension. So, in my view, saying you’ll have to draw the longbow simply means you’ll have to do the hard whatever it is.

What does this idiomatic phrase mean, “A broken clock is right twice a day.”?

“Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sooner or later.” Nobody can be that wrong all the time Even as off as a broken clock can be, or if the hands don’t move at all, the clock is going to be right, twice a day, as time catches up to it in the morning and at night, unless the clock delineates the time shown as AM or PM, then it will only be right once a day. Basically, nobody can be wrong all the time.

“Straw met camel's back. Breaking commenced.”

-- Jennifer Lynn Barnes

How can doing the opposite of what seems logical empower great decisions?

If your “great decision” is to run like hell from the consequence of the illogical decision you made, then yes. Doing the opposite of what seems logical can have dire consequences. Thinking “out of the box” is fine as long as it remains thinking out of the box. This kind of thinking doesn’t work so well in bomb factories, nuclear power plants, LNG processing, high-rise steelworking, and the like. The “great decisions” in these jobs are to follow the user’s manuals and all safety protocols. Thinking is reserved for a significantly higher echelon.

What is the difference between smart work and hard work? Which one do you follow, and why?

“Smart” work makes “hard” work a little easier. I always try to work smart. Why “hump” bricks from Point A to Point B by hand, risking damage to your back, when you can use a wheelbarrow?

Why do I desire good for those who desire bad for me?

Many philosophies tout this idea:

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…"

-- Matthew 5:44

"Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself. "

-- Lao Tzu

“It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy.”

-- Sun Tzu

What photos are you willing to share right now in hopes of making someone's day?

I’m almost 68 years old. Does “making someone’s day” include not being able to “unsee” things?

If I notice that you are overlooking a correction that could be made to better your life, should I discuss it privately with you, or publicly with others?

I’d do that in private, that way when the person told me their life was fine, and to mind my own effing business, I won’t be too embarrassed. You have to be pretty sure they want to hear what you have to say before insinuating yourself into their life.

How do individual, organizational, and opportunity factors interact to influence ethical or unethical decisions?

All those factors should influence any decision, including the “unethical” ones, based on financial health, who make up management and ownership, and what opportunities they see immediately or on the horizon. When the decision becomes “unethical” is when you really need to pay attention to what you’re thinking of doing. The ethical decision of a company drives investors to invest, just as the unethical decisions will drive them away. The factors that influence individuals or organizations is not as important as the actions they take based on those factors. Dance with the devil and pay the consequences, or do what’s right and smell the roses. Gardening takes a bit more effort.

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self.”

-- Aristotle

And... the short answers:


Why are some, convinced they need another?

Another what?

Why are you or not in a hurry today?

Hurricane Ida forcing us to stay out of the 60 mph wind.

How can a warrior become a pacifist?

“Hacksaw Ridge” was about an army pacifist medic of faith.

What happened when you finally celebrated who you are?

I woke up to the realization that I should strive to be happy always!

What will I do to get money and a girlfriend?

Get a job.

How do I get rid of my guilt knowing I shouldn't have it?

If you have it, there’s probably a reason. 

What is something you have learned that everyone should know too?

I will keep repeating it: Stay out of debt!

“Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six , result happiness.

Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery”

-- Charles Dickens

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