Questioning Failure, Reality, and Success

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

-- Albert Einstein

Why is it an easy thing to fail than to win?

Anyone can fail, all they have to do is make the choice not to try. Winning requires a bit of work, a bit of trying. In order to succeed one has to make the choice to win.

Why did it take you so long to realize that you needed to be real?

Even the most intelligent among us must learn to realize who and why they are. For many, it is an “Aha!” moment that takes many years to recognize. When one finally has their moment, then they are confronted with unlearning who they pretended to be in order to be who they really are.

Do you know what you want, and do you want it now?

I always know what I want, and I always want it.

“I don't want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted just like that, and it didn't mean anything? What then?”

-- Neil Gaiman

The world is so full of a number of things, why are we not all as happy as kings?

Because true happiness comes from within. You can’t find it in a world “so full of a number of things.” You must make the conscious choice to be happy always, regardless of your circumstances, or how will you ever be happy?

If you had a LIMITLESS supply of whatever it is that you most DESIRE, would that be good enough to SATISFY you?

Oh, goodness, no. If I had an endless supply of chocolate chip ice cream, I’d get sick of it pretty quick. Life is about enjoying variety.

Can teamwork ever mean having to sacrifice individual excellence?

Yes. A true leader doesn’t hog the limelight when success is achieved. They step back and applaud the entire team and highlight those who specifically contributed to the success. So it is during the accomplishment. The leader steps back and guides. A good leader will let others take the lead in order to see who might be ready for more responsibility, or leadership of their own team. The “excellence” of the leader has already been determined, or they wouldn’t be the leader. Now is the time for them to show just how good of a leader they can be.

“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”

-- Napolean Hill

What’s the one thing you've always wanted to do?

It isn’t a thing.

What are your ideas in the quotation: “Everyone has something unique to offer and when we unite in a common goal our actions are powerful”?

This is the quality of putting together a well-functioning team. You don’t want everyone to have the same strengths. Each team member must bring their own strength to the table, and recognize the strengths of the other members. In this way, the team becomes a powerful and functional force for success.

What is understanding?

Uh... I’m not sure.

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”

-- Albert Einstein

How do you feel after realizing that as a grade 10 learner you now have an important role to play in your family and in your community?

If I’m a sophomore in high school, what idiot levied all that extra responsibility on me? I have enough drama to deal with dodging the bullies and trying to graduate. I’ll worry about this other crap when, and if, I make it into college.

You are camping inside a tent with your wife and your daughter. You walk outside then notice two large-sized lions are approaching your tent. What will you do?

You mean, after I soil myself? It depends on what weapon is available to me. Barring a weapon, I need to become a bigger threat than the lion by yelling loudly, waving my arms, and throwing whatever is at hand.

Why do some people promote good and some people promote evil?

The universe demands balance.

"Fairness is a human concept. Balance is a universal one."

-- David James Lees

Are 18-year-olds happier than children?

The drama and stress of impending adulthood do not contribute to happiness.

Which betrayal do you think is the least acceptable? Why?

Infidelity. Both parties are supposed to be invested in the relationship - for life. The betrayal of love is probably the most emotional betrayal. It is evidence of failure on many levels, and probably of both parties. Emotionally, it is probably also the hardest betrayal to recover from, if ever.

How do you value your time? How do you value your life?

My time is so much less valuable than my life. Without life, time is immaterial.

“In youth, there can be a feeling that time moves too slowly. But, as we age, the acceptance that our time is limited prompts the wise to cherish each and every moment.”

-- Wayne Gerard Trotman

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