Questioning Who We Are, Again

 

“No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.”

-- Nathaniel Hawthorne

When life has no goals what to do to make it interesting?

Life, itself, is a goal, and it is always interesting. I strive to be happy always and this mitigates any boring moments in life. I write, read, cook, look after mom, rebuild our estate fencing, day-trade stocks, walk on the beach before visiting my favorite cigar bar for a bourbon and a fine cigar, and still find time to continually win at the expert levels of Majong or Freecell. Life, itself, is a goal… and, life is good.

I am very much a people pleaser and unhappy. I put my needs last and I don’t know what kind of person I wanna be. What can I do?

First of all, put your needs first. You can’t truly help others if you haven’t helped yourself. Once you’ve gotten on top of “you” you’ll probably see the person you really are. This is a starting point to deciding who you really want to be. Develop a set of morally ethical standards for yourself, and strive to be happy always. The rest will fall into place.

How can a person have a fulfilled life without being rich & wealthy?

Material crap doesn’t equal true happiness. If you’re looking for a “fulfilled life” try being selfless in all you do and strive to be happy always. If you can’t be truly happy always, how will you ever truly be fulfilled? When you’re finally rich, selflessly think of all the good you can do with your money. When you selflessly give back, now you have become truly wealthy.

We do not know — neither the sophists, nor the orators, nor the artists, nor I— what the True, the Good, and the Beautiful are. But there is this difference between us: although these people know nothing, they all believe they know something; whereas, I, if I know nothing, at least have no doubts about it. As a result, all this superiority in wisdom which the oracle has attributed to me reduces itself to the single point that I am strongly convinced that I am ignorant of what I do not know.”

-- Socrates

What's the most obscene thing you've seen at work?

A used Kotex stuck to the women’s room ceiling and crap smeared on the toilet seat. I thought only men could be pigs.

Which combination of unrelated, hidden talents do you possess, enabling a rather peculiar synthesis of all of them?

I excelled in military intelligence. I like to work on puzzles. I can see things in life other people overlook. I have an affinity for the paranormal. I can debunk bullshit. I can tell when a place is a bit “off,” haunted, or possessed. I aced the MUFON field investigator test. I tend to rush toward what others run from. All of this enables me to be a pretty good paranormal investigator.

I will take a business class seat on a flight for the first time. Is there any unspoken rule that I should be aware of?

Don’t stare at the work the person next to you is doing on their laptop. It’s rude and none of your business. Dress nice but comfortably, like you’re traveling business class. And, for God’s sake, brush your hair before you board.

“Any flights would be taken business class, since Roger thought that the whole point of having money, if it had to be summed up in a single point, which it couldn't, but if you had to, the whole point of having a bit of money was not to have to fly scum class.”

-- John Lanchester

How do you not depend on people?

If you depend on others, you’ve already failed yourself. Depend on yourself to manage those you should be able to depend on. You don’t have to micromanage, but you don’t have to put your life totally into their hands, either. It is always prudent to maintain a modicum of control. Plan for the best, but be prepared for the worst, and you’ll rarely be sorry for the effort.

Why does the place where I work affect my social status?

You work in sewer and waste disposal. How am I supposed to introduce you at the dinner party on the corporate yacht? Saying “sanitation engineer” doesn’t make it sound any better.

Do you know who completes us?

I know who completes me. If you’re a deist, it would probably be your god. Since God gave me everything I need to survive here, it would probably have to be me, just like you complete you. You can surrender that choice to others and let them complete you, but, in the end, it is your choice, not theirs. So, you still complete yourself, by proxy.

"You don't need someone to complete you. You only need someone to accept you completely."

-- Unknown

Is there any way to get lucky, or at least get what you want in the form of a simple something, or do I have to accept my fate?

Yeah, you can work for it. You can make the right choices and decisions to try and control the outcome. You make your own fate, Make the right choices and get what you want, or don’t, and get what you deserve.

Is it true that lucky charms have an effect on luck?

Indirectly. They give some people a “positive outlook” and that outlook may affect any potential outcome

What is the best thing to do to start your day? Think like a billionaire on success in life.

Regardless of your circumstances, always start your day by thanking God for the gift of another glorious day in paradise and another chance to excel in this life.

“Happiness is a choice. Peace is a state of mind. Both are free!”

-- Amy Leigh Mercree

What is the difference between faith and prayer?

Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. We have faith that our prayers will be answered.

How do I get someone to love me fast?

You don’t. True love is about knowing each other, and that doesn’t happen at a set speed.  You have to work at lliking each other, first.

Has your creativity given you rewards?

Many. I received many achievement awards, commendation medals, and a meritorious service medal, all for my creativity in the intelligence field. In my civilian job I was given bonuses, raises, and assigned a corporate car for my business and personal use.  But, the best rewards I ever recieved, was the opportunity.

“The end is not the reward; the path you take, the emotions that course through you as you grasp life - that is the reward.”

-- Jamie Magee

And... the short answers:  

 

What is the point in having relationships if they end?

Knowledge.

Are we supposed to be a winner in life?

Are you alive? Success! Be happy.

How do I know if a girl wants to date?

Ask her. You’ll know.

Do you give a shit about American politics? I don't.

I assume that means you aren’t complaining?

Are we made to be born or born to be made?

Really? Both.

Is believing the correct thing important?

More important than believing the wrong thing.

What is a good reason for time to exist? Has it benefited humanity?

Time is a human construct designed to give structure to this existence.

What should I do if I had an IQ of 65?

Your capability of doing anything is impaired?

“Are IQ tests sacrosanct? Or do you think there is only one kind of intelligence? What about creativity? Or intuitive or emotional intelligence?”

-- Abhaidev

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