Questioning Life, Importance, and Happiness

 

“Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.”

-- Ernest Hemingway

How do you explain why is it important for a business to be successful?

So they can stay in business. A successful business is only sustainable because of the constant business they do. No business, no success.

Could we be happy only by doing our best for the good of others? What do you think?

Nope. I strive to be happy always. Now, doing selfless things for the good of others is just the right thing to do. This will also make you exceedingly happy with yourself. 

Do we have people born without any talent at all?

I was born without any talent, except, perhaps, to learn what interested me. I barely learned the basics scool had to offer, especially how to read. Then I taught myself how to research. I almost didn’t graduate high school. The classes didn’t interest me. I had to, pretty much, teach myself what I know. Military intelligence taught me the rest. What I learned, ultimately, was critical analysis and how to write. I taught myself art and woodcarving, then I learned woodwork.  Technology escapes me, for the most part.  If I was born with any talent, it was how to learn what I wanted to know.  

“Yes, I hate orthodox criticism. I don't mean great criticism, like that of Matthew Arnold and others, but the usual small niggling, fussy-mussy criticism, which thinks it can improve people by telling them where they are wrong, and results only in putting them in straitjackets of hesitancy and self-consciousness, and weazening all vision and bravery... I hate it because of all the potentially shining, gentle, gifted people of all ages, that it snuffs out every year. It is a murderer of talent. And because the most modest and sensitive people are the most talented, having the most imagination and sympathy, these are the very first ones to get killed off. It is the brutal egotists that survive.”

-- Brenda Ueland

Is it normal when people put you down and you feel hate for yourself?

No, it isn’t. It might point out you have something you need to work on, though. If so, make sure you thank them for the critique. If they keep on doing it, make sure others hear them. This kind of constant “put down” says more about them than about you. Whatever you do, don’t get into a pissing match with them or you’ll both look bad.

Why would truth be better than ambiguity?

Truth is what it is. Ambiguity is pretty, well, ambiguous. You can never be really sure just what it is.

When you are born, are you in the process of living or dying?

Both. Once the spark of life is ignited, your clock starts ticking down. Your purpose is to live life, learn much, and be well prepared for the next “spark” when you’re reborn.

“Death is the destiny of every man. Why do people fight over power and material wealth?  We brought nothing into the world, certainly, we will take nothing out of the world.”

-- Lailah Gifty Akita 

What do you need that is not inside you?

That would depend on the who, what, and why of it. Who’s doing it, what “it” is, and why I need “it” inside of me.

What is one thing that amazes you every day?

Life! And I thank God for the gift of it, every day. Nothing is more amazing than watching the parade of such varied life, on this world.

Why do we all have a different perspective about happiness?

Unfortunately, yes, we do. Some people actually still think you can purchase it. Some people think it is fleeting and they always have to look for it. Some people think it’s sex until they get an STD, and then, not so much. Happiness is a conscious choice each of us must make for our lives. We have to make the conscious choice to strive to be truly happy always.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

Why is success so related to fame and wealth, and what is true success?

Society has linked success to those since forever, but true success is when you find happiness in life always. True success has little to do with monetary wealth or fame. The only thing most of these people truly are… is miserable.

What decision is most important in life?

To be happy always. It is a conscious choice each of us must make for our life. Strive for happiness, regardless of your circumstances.

How do you deal with life-threatening situations?

I don’t get involved with them. If I had to, I would do what would be expected of me. No greater gift is there than to give your life for your fellows, but, I much rather not, given the choice. “Yep! That looks pretty life-threatening, alright. I’ll be over here, watching. Yell out, if you need some help.”

I'm all about entertaining and keeping a reader on the edge of their seat, so to me, the social issues have to be meaningful and give the book what's really 'at stake,' but ultimately it's not about them - it's always a personal story of everyday people thrust into life-threatening situations and having to perform heroic acts. 

-- Andrew Gross

And... the short answers:

Why are people so reluctant in pursuing their dreams in life?

Fear of failure.

What are the responsibilities entrusted to all human people at home?

The same as entrusted to all non-human people at home?

Do you believe all you achieve is your effort?

Unless you’re very lucky.

What age is considered pushing 40?

Start saying it at 37, especially to your date.

When the friend that you’ve invited home slightly criticizes the food prepared at your home, will you feel offended?

I cook a lot. I expect honesty.

What do I do with my anxiety?

Don’t worry about it.

Is happiness by choice?

Everything in your life is by your choice.

What is something you had at 13 but don't have now?

Mahogany.

How can I realize the immensity of "I don't know"?

Make knowing nothing the only thing you know for sure.

If you had to disappear and start a whole new life, similar to getting a new life such as after squealing on the drug cartel, what would you want your new life to look like?

Secret, so you don’t know what it looks like.

“And why is it that it didn’t seem weird to pretend to be someone I’m not? Have I been doing that at every school I’ve ever gone to? With everyone, I’ve ever known? Heck, is there anyone who isn’t doing that?”

-- Jake Burt

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