Questioning Success, Happiness, and Values

 

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."

-- Charles Spurgeon

Do genius-level inventors like Einstein and Bell take time out for hobbies or do they single-mindedly pursue their goals?

As I understand it, Einstein made a hobby out of women.

What's truly surprising for you?

The current administration and American military commanders leaving all the military equipment in Afghanistan as we tucked tail and ran away from criminal terrorists without saving all Americans and our allies in the country.

Why does "getting richer" mean more greed and less sympathy for others?

It doesn’t. Greed is a choice. Someone has chosen to invite evil into their life.

“I find it odd- the greed of mankind. People only like you for as long as they perceive they can get what they want from you. Or for as long as they perceive you are who they want you to be. But I like people for all of their changing surprises, the thoughts in their heads, the warmth that changes to cold and the cold that changes to warmth... for being human. The rawness of being human delights me.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

Why do we all perceive life in a different way?

So we have an impetus for discussion.

Are you actively searching for the truth? If so, what are your results?

Yes, and I blindly stumble upon it quite often. I have found that most “truth” is really based on the best facts we have at any particular time. This means that we base our “truth” on faith that it is correct, faith being a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

Curious about the answers given, I wanted to ask what is your own life’s philosophy?

Strive to be happy always, because the alternative simply sucks.

“Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

How long is the road to success?

It is different for everybody depending on the work they put into it and the luck they encounter. More important, however, is the journey to get there. This is where the real-life adventures occur, and why so many people who we think are successful find new projects to involve themselves in. It is, for many, all about the journey, and the next, and the next.

How will explain this statement " If you are who you are, then who you are that makes you who you are"?

You are who you are until you aren’t, and then you are who you are again. Change is inevitable, but you are still who you are when the change is done.

What do you think of the term escape forward? Do you think that the term escape forward is a smart solution? Or just a theory to justify failure?

If you escape backward, you arrive where you are. If you stay where you are, you haven’t escaped. If you escape forward, you do so with your eyes wide opened. You see what is coming. What is coming is usually the consequences of what you escaped from. Better to just learn from the problem, the failure, and move forward with new knowledge.

“But if these years have taught me anything it is this: you can never run away. Not ever. The only way out is in.”

-- Junot Díaz

Is it inherently wrong to not be given a choice?

You always have a choice, whether you’ve been given one or not. You can either do or do not. It is your choice. Now, the consequences of your “choice” are an entirely different issue.

Do you agree or disagree with the following: "Labels limit. No one defines you except you."?

Agree. Everyone thinks they have the right to judge, but nobody can judge you, but you, and the court system, of course, if you really screw up. Calling someone a “fat ass” tells them nothing they don’t already know. It makes you sound like an inattentive idiot. You saw the fat ass and decided now was a good time to tell everyone you just woke up to it? And to what end? To embarrass the “fat ass” or to make yourself feel better about your own shortcomings?

It is not our place to judge lest we be judged. “Know thy self” is a good adage. I am very cognizant of my own numerous shortcomings, so I stay well back from thinking I have the right to judge anyone unless they ask my opinion, and, even then, the person asking may take umbrage at your honesty. Better that you define who you are than to leave it up to some other idiots.

How will you value the one that matters to you the most?

“I love you!”

“Who doesn't want to know that we notice them and value them? And who might respond to us better when they feel that they matter? It probably cannot be overstated – it matters...that people matter.”

-- Steve Goodier

How can you start looking at the bigger picture rather than the current moment?

Aren’t they the same thing? I suppose it's probably my military intelligence training, but when I hear something I immediately think of the bigger picture.

North Korea fires a missile test into international waters near Japan. The first thing one thinks is about Japan’s opinion and response. But, what about Taiwan? What of the U.S. and our involvement in the region. What about Russia and their units in Vladivostok, or our “Freedom of Navigation” in the East China Sea?

My “current moment” for the “big picture” happens almost instantaneously. This was the way I was trained. I suppose the answer to the question, then, would be to be always cognizant of the “big picture” and current events. Stay educated on how people and countries might respond to an issue. Read. When the news reports a situation is “no big deal” you can shake your head and think, “Standby for news.”

What are some things that have nothing to do with money, but can make you successful?

Good friends, a loving family, constant happiness, and most other things that money just can’t buy. This is true success. If you attain “monetary” success but aren’t happy, what’s the point?

What methods do you use to evaluate your life?

Self-critique. This is pretty simple for me. Each morning, when I wake up, I ask myself if I’m happy. Well, I woke up, and any day on this side of the dirt is a good day. I thank God for the gift of another glorious day in paradise and another chance to excel in life. I evaluate my life to see if I’m still happy. If I’m still happy, then I am successful in maintaining my goal. Happiness is an easy goal to sustain, as it is all about making the conscious choice to be happy always. The alternative simply sucks.

“Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don't belong. You will always find it because you've made that your mission. Stop scouring people's faces for evidence that you're not enough. You will always find it because you've made that your goal. True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don't negotiate their value with the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own. No one belongs here more than you.”

-- Brené Brown

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