Questions of Positive Thinking

 

“Optimist: someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s more like a cha-cha.”

-- Robert Brault

Do you agree that an enemy is somebody who is proactively working against your interests (by definition)?

I can agree with that, but I prefer this definition: “A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.” The enemy of my friend may, very well, become my enemy if I see no sense in their threats toward them or attacks upon them. They are not working against my interests, but they are working against the interests of those I care about. They may not agree that we are enemies, in which case they have the option to back off.

In this same way, a probable opponent, which I have tactically ignored, may have more interests in subjugating my “declared” enemy. The enemy of my enemy is now my friend. This is a way of keeping a “probable” enemy closer and learning more about their tactics and weaknesses should they ever think of attacking.

Who are you, and what's your value?

I am and, as such, I am valuable! I am the only one who can declare my value because I am the only one who knows what I am truly worth.

Generally speaking, do you think it is right or at least understandable to get an attitude with somebody because they gave you one first?

No. If someone gives you attitude for no reason, it says more about them than you. If they give you attitude for a reason, better you examine why before you cop an attitude back, or it may say volumes about you, instead.

"I don’t return anybody’s calls unless it’s going to mean extra money for me. And I’ve completely cut off all relationships with any friends that I had before the show. And I’ve copped an attitude."

-- Mike Judge

"If you teach a person what to learn, you are preparing that person for the past. If you teach a person how to learn, you are preparing that person for the future."? Explain and Expound the statement.

And, if you teach a person how to learn from the past, you are preparing the person for success.

What is the power of positivity?

Would you rather listen to a person bitch and complain, constantly, or listen to someone who finds a solution through positive thinking? People are drawn to those who just don’t bitch and complain, but actually come up with solutions. They see the positive solutions to “insurmountable” issues. They also tend to smile more. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Who is the most successful positive influencer of all time? Why?

In modern times, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale! He wrote the book, literally, and I have been reading it since about 1965 when I was able to understand “The Power of Positive Thinking” (1952). It has been translated into more than 40 languages, and you can learn more about it, here:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_of_Positive_Thinking

“If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving definitely isn’t for you.”

-- Steven Wright

What is the role of encouragement in everybody's life?

Teaching a “can do” attitude. If parents would spend more time encouraging children to succeed and how to be happy always, the world might move forward at a more rapid pace.

Why is it “easier to fool people than convince them they have been fooled” as Mark Twain said? What’s the psychology behind this, and can you see this happening in society repeatedly over time, or are things worse now?

Ego. Nobody wants to admit they’re an easy mark. This is proven daily by mass media as they tell us bullshit and we buy into it.

What used to be cool and isn’t anymore that you’re glad of?

Men wearing thongs. No… just, no.

“Any fool can do something cool and look cool, but it takes skill to make something uncool cool again.”

-- Criss Jami

To understand the goal of our life, do we need to talk with ourselves, discuss it with others, or get inspiration from others?

Discuss it with others for inspiration, then talk it over with yourself for validation. In the end, it is your life, not someone else's. You have to make the final decision and live with the outcome. Others may earn a pat on the back for being right, but you can never shift blame onto them if they’re wrong. It was your decision to go in that direction. 

What is the cure for anxiety from a philosophical point of view?

Focus, particularly on the moment. What’s done is done, what will happen is uncertain. Better to focus on making better choices in the “now” than worrying about what has already happened or on that which may not.

What is a wise thing to do before planning a wedding that has nothing to do with the money?

Make sure you really want to get married. Go through those vows and ensure you really plan to abide by them. If any of this is questionable, maybe you need to hold off… or find new partners.

“Kindness rarely costs anything, but its worth is immeasurable.”

-- Debasish Mridha

Without specifically thinking about sex, under what circumstances does your mind accelerate creating fantasies?

It happens when I “generally” think about sex, as well. But, sex notwithstanding, I’d have to say my dream state would probably have this effect. When you think of how long the average dream lasts, and how much is crammed into that short amount of time, it makes some sense.

Do you consider yourself as hot stuff?

I’m too humble to determine this. I’d have to refer you to the multitude of women I’ve dated.

Why do lecturers feel superior to their students?

Just offhand, if the student were superior to the lecturer, they’d be giving the lecture.

“There is no use in lecturing unless a class is listening. And they will only listen if you are saying something they think they can understand and seems relevant. If you pace up and down you can tell from their moving head whether they are following you.”

-- Herbert A. Simon

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