Questioning Opinions, Wisdom, and Self

Why do you think that humans so often think those with a different opinion on an issue have not thought it through or are ill-informed rather than have a different life experience and environment which causes the different opinion?

Ego. Most people would like to believe they’re “all that” when they’re really not. I find this with intelligent people who see no difference between being intelligent and being smart. If they have both, they might have room to talk, otherwise, they need to focus on what they’re good at.

Which are more valuable to society, artists or businessmen?

To society, businessmen. For the communication of emotion in the world, artists.

How do you define "know thyself"?

Know your measure, or, in simpler terms, what you are capable of. The depth of your love, work, friendship, loyalty, honesty, faith, and other morally important ethics that define you. If you don’t know yourself, how do you know what, if anything, you are capable of? If you don’t know yourself, how do you dare stand in judgment of another master’s servant?

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

-- Lao Tzu

Let's share some wisdom pictures?

 

Why do most motivational speakers sometimes make reference to the lion in their speech when in fact, a lion is lazy and sleeps a whopping 16 hours out of 24 hours?

Ever seen a lion motivated? There’s a reason why big cats rest so much. The calories they burn up taking down prey are about equal to the prey they just took down, whether they actually take it down or not.

Is your life extraordinary?

My life has been, but I have opted for a more sedate retirement. My body suffers from the aches and pains of one's adventurous and misspent youth, and a military career that, fortunately, wasn’t all about the office.

“Wake every morning with the same feeling. Live up high and fly on top of the ceiling. I just know that I'm on my way. It doesn't matter to me if I'm chasing the clouds away. North or South, East or West I live my life to the fullest.”

-- Ana Claudia Antunes

Can you lend yourself to others?

That’s pretty much what you’re doing when you selflessly help others. You are “lending them a hand.” 

How do I do a personal philosophy?

Start by researching moral ethics, then develop your own personal code of them. Once you have a good foundation of ethics, it will be much easier to develop a personal philosophy based on them.

Do you want me to teach you anything about sex?

I doubt it.

“Let me give you some advice here: People who want to have the sex talk with you will act the same way as people who want to murder you. First, they get you in their car, so they're in control and you can't escape. Then they drive you someplace in the middle of nowhere.”

-- Flynn Meaney

Who is the biggest loser in 2021?

The American people. 

Is to understand how the problem works a sure way to become a part of the problem?

It is a much better route to solving the problem than becoming part of it. The only way you become part of the problem is if you understand it and do nothing.

Should I work in a job I don't really like as a start if there is no alternative?

Work is work. It is a paycheck. Work hard, don’t complain, and look for better. This is your choice, so complaining is not an option.

“When you're interviewing for a job, your job is to interview them. You are an equal.”

-- Richie Norton

How does making bad choices make us bad?

If you make the bad choice for all the wrong reasons. For instance, choosing to rob a bank. There is never a good reason to rob a bank since you are breaking a law and you know it. This makes you a bad person.

You make a bad choice looking for love; they’re a bank robber, but you didn’t know it. The bad choice was for all the right reasons, they were just the wrong person. You’re not a bad person, just a bit naive.

What’s the best choice you’ve made to improve your life?

I chose to be happy always. Life has never been better.

My 11-year-old son lashed out at me for making his PB&J "the wrong way." He's now complaining he doesn't want to eat cafeteria food. What should I do?

Disown him. He’s 11 years old, he can make his own damned sandwich.

"Parenting is a lot like the bar scene: Everyone's yelling, everything's sticky, it's the same music over and over again and occasionally someone pukes."

-- Unknown

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