Questioning Leadership, Life, and Luck

 

“Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why does no one want to be a follower in life?

Because there are no selfless leaders. Take racism, please. People play at being perpetually offended and they choose to stoke the fires of racism. They do this because they make a very good living doing it. Ask any of them if they have refused funds or notoriety that come their way from the media or those who buy into their bullshit. Ask the congressmen, senators, the “reverends,” et al, and I’ll bet the answer is either no, or they’re lying. The “selfless” among us continue to look for a better way, and leading seems to be the only option.

What do you think about the following quote, "Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit"?

Probably true. In my day we learned about having a good work ethic and working to get ahead. This seems to have been lost on many in the new workforce.

What is the meaning of the following quote, "Successful people make money. It's not that people who make money become successful, but that successful people attract money. They bring success to what they do"?

If your "goal" for success is to make money, then this quote immediately sucks.

"Success isn't measured by money or power or social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace."

-- Mike Ditka

Does anyone agree with me that hard work doesn’t guarantee success? People say that if you work hard enough, you can achieve anything. There are sometimes people who want what you want and work harder than you. Sometimes your best isn’t good enough.

I think you’re confusing the issues, here. The question is whether hard work guarantees success. It doesn't. But, if you work hard toward a goal, you can probably achieve it. There are those who want you to work harder than you’d prefer, and if you don’t prefer to work harder, success will elude you. In this case, your “best” isn’t going to be good enough to succeed. Life is all about you making good choices, and being happy regardless of your successes or failures.

What modest advice would you rather give to a 30-year-old struggling buddy who is about to quit working on his or her dream?

Success requires sacrifice. Quitting is simply what you do. For some, success takes a bit longer. For these, the success is so much sweeter.

Is the saying "you never know" true in all cases or do we sometimes know?

I sometimes know. I usually make this statement to make others think about whether they really know, or not. It is easier for others to find out what they really know than to argue with them about it.

“You never know what you will find in your pants!”

-- Ken Poirot

How do you choose between which is your real passion?

I can’t. I just admit that I’m a quasi-renaissance man, and leave it at that. I’m kind of a “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Am I responsible for what I'm not aware of?

One might say it is our “responsibility” to be aware of those things we should be aware of. The question then becomes, “Why weren’t you aware of it?”

What are your hopes, dreams, and goals knowing that the future is uncertain?

What they are is not as important as why they are. We all need to have hopes, dreams, and goals, in life. It makes life interesting and worth living. Without them, life would simply be birth, death, and taxes. How sad would that be?

“I think it's much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong. I have approximate answers and possible beliefs and different degrees of uncertainty about different things, but I am not absolutely sure of anything and there are many things I don't know anything about, such as whether it means anything to ask why we're here. I don't have to know an answer. I don't feel frightened not knowing things, by being lost in a mysterious universe without any purpose, which is the way it really is as far as I can tell.”

-- Richard P. Feynman

What's important in life? Why are we here? Why should I want anything?

People who follow me know that I’m big on asking “why” rather than “what” when it comes to anything. If you can answer your “whys” you will probably answer your “what.”

Why we are here is a question for the ages. Personally, I think we’re here to learn what we need to know in order to move forward in this life and into the next, and so on. Why you should want, is a question only you can answer. For me, wanting is proof of life. It is a reason to be and, at this point in life, I strive to be happy always.

I wish I’d been told the importance of being happy always when I was younger. Parents forget to hammer this home while they’re wanting the “best” for us. Maybe the “best” is simply being happy always, regardless of our circumstances. 

Why are some people so lucky and have lucrative fulfilling careers that set them for life, while others work hard but cannot get a lucky break and are taken advantage of by person after person. Both sides work equally hard. Why is life so unfair?

Luck has less to do with "fulfilling careers" than education and hard work. Pay attention to education and hard work, for the sake of getting educated and working hard, and stop expecting a “lucky” break to change your circumstances. It is your life, and it is up to you to make things happen in it.

Being taken advantage of is an admission of gullibility. Gullibility is a choice, so choose not to be and learn when things sound too good to be true.

Life is unfair. It’s unfair so we learn lessons about life, attaining goals, and happiness. Having said all of this, both sides may be working equally hard, but there are subtle differences that make all the difference to attaining a goal.

Success is not about attaining a goal. Success is about being happy at all times, regardless of adversity.

How can I become an important and fit and role in someone’s life? Not every person, no matter how amazing they are, fits in your life. It’s your own recipe, I want to work to be a part of that recipe for a specific someone. How do I do it?

Be “selfless” in what you are trying to do. Don’t expect them to accept you as part of their life. Develop a "personal code of moral ethics" and never abandon them for any reason. Your "code of ethics" defines who you are to people. Mentor, but don’t push your “opinions.” Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one… and it usually isn’t as perfect as they’d like others to think.

“When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.”

-- Confucius

What are some clever tactics that an authoritarian regime uses to fool the people?

Own the media and take away access to outside information. The media spins the lies of the “authoritarian” regime into the truth the regime wants the people to believe. There are organizations that try to offset the propaganda these regimes force-feed their populations. A bit of history would be to research “Radio Free Europe.” I’ve added a link to make it easier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Free_Europe/Radio_Liberty

What is the difference between these two phrases, “I failed” and “ I am a failure”?

The first phrase admits you’re only human. The second phrase admits you’re truly an idiot for not recognizing you’re only human.  The first can be viewed as temporary, and the second as permanent.

For an aspirant, how to rule the world?

Selflessly, and with great understanding and tolerance.

“In framing a government, which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty is this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.”

-- James Madison

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

Questioning Love, Self, and Life

  

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”

-- Bernard M. Baruch

Is it more important to do what you love or love what you do?

For me, there is no difference. If I’m doing what I love, then I’m loving what I do. And, if I’m loving what I do, then, it stands to reason, I must be doing what I love.

Do you still have hope of earning from investing online?

SHMP

How can we prove that nothing is nothing (and not something)?

We have assigned it a name, therefore we recognize nothing as nothing. By this recognition, we acknowledge that nothing is, in fact, something we call nothing.

“It is easier to believe that there was nothing before there was something than that there was something before there was nothing.”

-- Julian Huxley

What gets you amped up for life?

Waking up. Every day you spend on this side of the dirt is a good day.

What are your thoughts? I have no words.

Ah! But you have thoughts. If you have thoughts, you have words. Change your thoughts into words.

How can I turn my dreams into wealth?

Money can’t buy true happiness, and if you aren’t truly happy what good is wealth? Strive to be happy always as you work toward wealth, and you’ll find you are already rich beyond your wildest dreams.

“If you want to change who you are, begin by changing the size of your dream. Even if you are broke, it does not cost you anything to dream of being rich. Many poor people are poor because they have given up on dreaming.”

-- Robert Kiyosaki

My boyfriend’s parents don't like me because of my past. What do I do?

If your past doesn’t define you, sit down with them and explain that it doesn’t. You can’t change your past, but you can sure try and change your present and, in doing so, change your future for the better. It starts with honesty and creating a good, moral personal code of ethics. Maybe his parents need to know this, if it is true, that is.

Where do you usually go to "get lost", and where would you go right now to get lost if you could?

Mexico, and Manzanillo.

What is the best way to propose to a military lady?

If she’s military, she is probably steeped in tradition. Try kneeling and asking her, and then, you might think about asking her father for his blessing.

“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me”

-- Winston S. Churchill

Is it important to be yourself in your life?

If you don’t, nobody will really know you. If they don’t know the real you, how can they trust or love you?

Why does quitting feel like the best option when things get tough in life?

Because quitting is so much easier than doing the right thing by trying to work through the issue.

What is the point of trying if you will never be enough?

Just a thought, but, maybe you can find a point by trying not to be known as a “quitter” by the people around you?

“Life has not been able to break me and it will not break you. Stand tall for you are loved, you are enough, you are able, and in the end, we will survive.”

-- Donna G. Bourgeois

As a consumer how can we handle our wants without sacrificing our own needs?

Don’t go into debt. Sooner or later debt becomes the reason for not being able to keep up with our needs. We usually go into debt due to unreasonable wants and desires by you, or by those around you.

What is the biggest break you can give yourself, and why?

Forgive yourself, after all, you’re only human.

What are your goals for 2022?

To secure the border by electing a new government full of patriotic Americans who love the U.S. Constitution and the Rule of Law.

“Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it.”

-- Mark Twain

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

Questioning Life, Dreams, and Failing

“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What's the hardest part of creating life the way you want it?

Finding someone compatible to share it with.

Can you name one thing you own but don't know you own it?

Well, how in God’s name would you like me to do that? If I can name the one thing I own, then I must know I own it. Is this another trick question?

Can positive thinking and reasoning change you from poor to rich, and fulfill the purpose of life?

Positive thinking can fulfill the purpose of life, changing you from poor to rich in happiness. Money, however, has little to do with life’s purpose and nothing to do with true happiness. Fulfill your true happiness and you will find that money is so secondary to it.

“Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What commitments have you made to become a future global leader?

None. I do not have the patience to be a “global leader” of this disagreeable, miserable, intolerant, ignorant, suicidal, and perpetually offended rabble. I’d rather strive to be happy always.

Which is worse, failing or never trying? What are you most grateful for?

Never trying. Failure is simply an opportunity to learn. I’m grateful for my children and my grandchildren. Children are our legacy.

What are the best ways to move on and forget about an unachievable lifelong dream?

If it’s truly unachievable, why would you waste time remembering it for anything more than the lesson it presented? You now have knowledge concerning your limitations. Good. Now, file the information in the basement five-drawer and press on to those dreams that are more achievable.

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

-- Paulo Coelho

Why do I need God to live a fulfilled life?

You don’t. But, now it’s too late to just be happy always. You’ve asked the question. Now it’s in your head and only you can answer it. If you deny God, will your life be fulfilled? Now you will always wonder, unless you completely shut it out, and forget you completely shut it out. But, sooner or later, you’ll pass a place of worship. The memory will return.

Whatchya thinking now?

How did you go about rising above your oppression?

I refuse to let myself be “subjected to harsh and authoritarian treatment” without my consent. I consented to let the military subject me to it in order to graduate from Basic Military Training. But, after that, not so much. Okay, maybe the occasional “role-playing” but, that's it.

What are the top 6 things that matter in life?

Air, water, food, shelter, clothing, and companionship.

“As one old gentleman put it, " Son, I don't care if you're stark nekkid and wear a bone in your nose. If you kin fiddle, you're all right with me. It's the music we make that counts.”

-- Robert Fulghum

What is one rule that cannot be broken?

Never violate your personal set of moral ethics.

Is life really as hard as people make it out to be?

No, it’s as hard as you choose it to be. Life is all about making choices. Make the right ones.

What are your top 14 rules to succeed in life?

Be happy always, don’t complain, be selfless, be humble, follow a personal moral code of ethics, get an education, read, learn your trade, focus, work harder than others, always be on time, live a simple life, stay out of debt, invest and save.

"There are two riles for success: 1. Never tell everything you know."

-- Roger H. Lincoln

Have you ever wanted something but didn't know why, and even if you had it, you wouldn't know what to do with it or what you'd hope to achieve having it?

Yeah, but I can’t even remember her name. 

Should we criticize our society or be grateful?

Criticize it when they’re wrong, praise them when they’re right. This is why we have freedom of speech, for the time being, and why socialism should never be allowed to flourish.

What are some life lessons you learned after age 30?

Don’t get married until age 30. Don’t ever go into debt. Start investing and saving when you’re young, like 18. You won’t be prepared to parent until you’re 30, so keep it in your pants. Find a job you really love doing well. Strive to be happy at all times.

"Everything I know I learned after I was thirty."

-- Georges Clemenceau

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

Questioning Life, Success, and Goodness

 

“It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness.”

-- Leo Tolstoy

 

******************************

Note to my readers:  I couldn't believe that so many people had similar questions for me concerning life, this morning.  Even more to the point, my answer was the same for each of them.  I have grouped the questions together at the beginning of this post, so you can see what I mean.

******************************

What is the greatest choice in life?

To live. Everything else is because of this.  The second greatest choice is to be happy always.

How can one relate keeping a secret to a fulfilled and successful life?

First, you need to understand a truly fulfilled and successful life. Then you need to ask, why anyone would not equate the secret to being happy always? If you think your life is fulfilled and successful, but you lack true happiness, doesn’t this say something about your supposed success and fulfillment? When you really consider it, the secret is happiness. Without happiness life simply sucks. And, since happiness is just a choice, we should be making better choices.

How can someone ascertain he/she is living a fulfilled life?

Are they exceedingly happy, all the time?

How can someone know he is going to be successful?

When he understands what true success is. We all have the ability to have success once we understand what it is. Are you truly happy in your life, regardless of your circumstances? Success! Everything else is just frosting on the cake. Strive to be happy always!

If you do everything right, will life turn out the way you want it to?

If what you want never changes, maybe. But, the change is the only true constant in the universe, so beware what you think you want, as it may not be when you get it. Better to strive for happiness at all times. When everything is said and done, what we really want is to be happy always. To choose to feel anything else is counterproductive to us reaching self-actualization. Make good choices, do everything right, and start with choosing to be happy always. The alternative simply sucks.

What is driving employee satisfaction?

Happiness. If they aren’t happy with what they’re doing, how can they be truly satisfied with their job or their life? This may not be the employer’s problem. Everyone needs to understand that happiness is the cornerstone of life. If they don’t have job satisfaction, if they are not truly happy with their choice of job, perhaps they should choose another job? We should all be striving to be happy at all times.

How do I pick a specific spiritual path to reach goals in life?

I put Catholicism on the back burner, early in life. I began studying other religions and philosophies. For me, it was a mix of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, and my own spiritual faith in a “higher power” that eventually propelled me through life. You don’t need a spiritual path to reach your goals, though. The “spiritual path” will keep you humble and happy while you strive to find the motivation to reach the goals you’ve set. Be happy always and you are successful, otherwise, “success” is just another word.

Very sincere question. What is really the point in living when you know you have nothing, never will have anything and people are waiting and watching you till you fail and fall flat on your face?

The point of living is life itself, and learning to be happy always despite your circumstances.

Having said this, considering the scenario you put forth, the point of living would be to keep getting up when you fail, learn from what you did wrong, and keep on trying until you succeed. When you finally succeed, you won’t have to say anything or rub their faces in your success. They will know, and, more importantly, they will know you know they know, and that, alone, is worth all the effort it will take to succeed.

Along with being happy always, strive to be humble in all things.

“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”

-- Robert Frost

Perfection is often, at times, an enemy to greatness. True or false?

If you strive for perfection you will never attain it, as perfection does not exist. However, if you strive for greatness, this is something you can achieve through hard work and knowledge.

What life experiences have you had that have led you to feel so passionately about this issue?

Uh… what issue?

How can you benefit from the past?

Knowledge of what doesn’t work, so we don’t repeat mistakes in the present or the future. History is a terrible thing not to teach our young. It is even worse when adults dare to deny it.

“If you want to fly on the sky, you need to leave the earth. If you want to move forward, you need to let go the past that drags you down.”

-- Amit Ray

Can people ever truly be satisfied with what others teach them in a world where one can design their own course of study?

I can see where an idiot might be more satisfied with their own course of study on the benefits of idiocy than, let’s say, a college-level psychology course that might consider the larger picture.

We can teach ourselves many things, but it is very beneficial to have what we learn validated as correct by “others” knowledgeable on the subjects.

Is human morality instinctive or learned?

It could be both. If we believe babies are born without sin, then sin, immorality, must be a learned behavior. If this is true, then babies have to learn to be immoral. If they learn this, it stands to reason they must, then, have to unlearn it, or learn how to be moral, again. 

Which of these is more important to a person, money or power?

I think this depends on the individual and what they want in life. If I had the power to create world peace, would I choose to be rich? Being a humble person, my selfless choice would be to create world peace. I truly think this plays to a person’s personal choice to be selfless or selfish in their choices and decisions.

“Money equals power; power makes the law, and law makes government.”

-- Kim Stanley Robinson

According to your experiences in life, how true is this statement "People linked by destiny, always find each other"?

For me, I can say I feel it is true. I have had people thrust upon me who, without my help would have taken a different path. I have had people thank me for mentoring them through issues so they could succeed, and find happiness.

I feel I’ve met people I have known before, and vice versa, in past lives, perhaps. I have met a beautiful young lady, half my age, who I know for a fact I have known in another life and been in love with, but the love was different then, in the fact that I have little desire to make love to her. Age difference notwithstanding, something about our history, our past life, forbids it and, yes, it confuses the heck out of me. She could be my sister, a daughter, my responsibility, or such.

Author's comment:  I also met a man this year, older than me too, I dreamt of him the first time 15 years ago I was still a student, then again twice (once some months before meeting him, and once some days before meeting him) When we saw each other in real, in a hotel, we greeted each other and we were happy, like if we really knew each other before and met after long separation. That was quite scary to see my dreams coming true, with all the details (the music at the restaurant, the clients there, a couple who were fighting and how they looked, so much details I saw before in my dreams about him) and then I didn’t know what to do. After that we looked for each other, we were happy to be around each other, at the same time we avoided each other, it was very weird! I was so scared that I left the hotel without telling him anything. But those days I spent there were like a dream! And even the reason why I went there, were not ordinary, I was “obliged” to take a trip to another city, there are circumstances that pushed me to go there, to that hotel, and to stay there. Sice then, I started believing in destiny. Why have we met? I don’t know!

My reply:  Beautiful story. Thank you, for sharing! 

How can you tell if you have foundation problems?

Walls are out of square and floors are no longer level, as they are constructed to be. A walk around the foundation might turn up a crack which would evidence possible settling. Inside and outside walls can also show stress from this settling of the foundation. There are people who specialize in determining foundation issues and mitigating further damage. 

Why are some goods not good enough?

The item we want is unavailable or the quality we obtained was not as expected. The taste, the construction, the material, and such, all have a bearing on whether the item is “good enough” for why we obtained it.

Back in the day, this was less of a problem since we could touch, taste, feel, and have first-hand knowledge of the time before we obtained it. Mailorder took this away from us. Now we purchase most things untouched, sight unseen, or without tasting. We purchase and then we hope it meets our needs.

“Another reason why simple is good, is because it forces you to do one thing extremely well.”

-- Sam Altman

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

Questioning the Path, the Past, and the Why

 

“Why do people kill themselves?

I think they do it when they can no longer find a reason to keep going. When nothing in heir lives is good enough to balance out the bad. And they do it when they no longer have the courage to carry on past some recent painful experience. They commit what is, in the end, a desperate, final call for help, that is hopefully heard in time by someone else.

And what if it's not heard in time? I ask although I know the answer.

Then they die.”

-- Mary Beth Miller

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Note to my readers:  Well, I just read my stats for this site I answer questions on.  Since the end of August 2020, my answers have been read 489,170 times.  Out of those, I've only garnered 1,033 comments.  Since the vast majority of these comments were negative in nature, that would mean that only about 1/10th of a percent, or about .11% of my readers, found it necessary to leave negative feedback.  I think my "ego" can live with that.  I'm certain my humility can  Just saying.

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Do you want to go back to the past?

No. It would be like watching another rerun I see every time I think about it. I’d rather stand in line for the current movie and be surprised by what happens.

Have we ever wondered why things don't go the way we expected?

How boring would that be? Hope for the best, but plan for “when things don’t go the way we expected.” Life is about learning to make good choices. If everything goes the way we expect, where is the learning?

Why don't all individuals get their character tested in life, by someone, or a situation?

I’m not all that certain they don’t. If your character is good it will withstand any test thrown at it, and you won’t find the need to brag about it, hence, a good character. If it isn’t, not many people would be honest enough to admit their character was lacking, hence, their less than adequate character. The rub is, every time we interact with others, everyone’s character is being tested by everyone else, so honesty is kind of a moot point.

“The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do.”

-- John Holt

I don't know if I want to start university because I want it or feel obliged to or pressed to. I can't figure out what I want since I have been living a schedule up until now. What should I do?

Go out and get a job. Take some time to really get a feel for what you want to do in life; whatever will make you happy. There is no reason to just jump into university and waste good money learning what you won’t use. In a way, this is why I joined the military. I ended up making a career of it.

What are the major reasons people fail in life?

Poor planning, lack of incentive, and a poor work ethic?

Can one achieve success without the help of others?

Yes, but it is rare. It is really helpful to have a backboard to bounce ideas off of. Many people would dent they ever had help, but most would also admit to good advice along the way. That is help, whether they admit it or not. Education, reading up on the subject, and failure, is all considered “help” to reach a goal.

“A fine glass vase goes from treasure to trash, the moment it is broken. Fortunately, something else happens to you and me. Pick up your pieces. Then, help me gather mine.”

-- Vera Nazarian

Who has tried to stop you from achieving your greatest goal? Why have they done so?

No one. I learned, early on, not to pay attention to naysayers. If I failed, it was all on me.

Who is a successful person?

Who is exceedingly happy with life and who they are?

What is the most useful tip you've ever heard and had made an integral part of your principle in life?

No matter what happens to you in life, always be happy.

“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”

-- Will Rogers

What is something that you tried so hard for but couldn't achieve?

Intelligence NCO of the Year. I was put up for it ten years in a row and was always runner-up. A friend of mine got stationed at headquarters and told me to stop letting them put me up for it because I was never going to win. It was all political. He knew, as well as I, that kissing that much ass was never going to happen. It just wasn’t what I was about, and had nothing to do with job performance.

How do I love the things I do?

If you know “why” you’d know “how”.

What can we do when we face many defeats in life but don’t want to be defeated?

Persevere.

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

-- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Do you know anyone who leads a simple life and is non-materialistic, uninterested in owning property, a vehicle, or lots of possessions? Why do you think they are like that?

I’ve met several elderly people that fit this description. They have learned what true happiness is, so they do more for others than they do for themselves.

How do you feel content on the right path? I am good at many things, successful, and have many unique dreams, but fail myself by feeling idle, useless, and less than what I’m capable of. Sometimes I feel like Caesar—chasing greatness or prestige.

Right offhand, I’d say you’re not on the “right” path. Perhaps you should consider another, “more right” path. 

Author comment: I own two successful construction companies, I’m a former Marine sergeant and combat veteran, I’m also a professional musician and artist, I’ve written two books, and I’m about to finish my masters. I’ve been single for a while and still just feel as though I’m just sort of floating without a purpose, doing random pointless things no one cares about, even though my time is always full of very “productive” things. I don’t know that I’m on the “wrong” path, I just want to feel like I’m working towards something meaningful. Maybe I am just alone. I don’t know. I was looking for an intelligent perspective.

My reply: My "perspective" is that you sound like you’re not on the right path. have success, a military career, you’re a musician, an artist, an author, and you’re going for your masters. A full life. You’re busy. But, you’ve yet to mention it, has all of this made you truly happy?

How do you handle doing something for a living that you don't love?

I don’t do it. I always find a job I will be exceedingly happy doing. It is why my first career lasted 23 years and my second one lasted 17 years. Always be happy in what you do, otherwise, you are miserable. Who chooses to be miserable?

"Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar." 

-- Drew Carey

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

Questioning Knowledge, Teamwork, and Choices

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

-- Phil Jackson

When it comes to failures, why do team members blame somebody for the unfinished goals?

This is evidence of a poor team and even worse leadership. If the team fails, the TEAM fails. Blame is the purview of leadership, not the team members. A good team member willingly admits their shortcoming and asks the team, and leadership, for assistance. Leadership needs to find why the team failed and work to solve the issue by replacing or counseling the lackluster member. The rest of the team needs to hang tough and learn to cover a struggling member, as does leadership. The members are supposed to be chosen for the team for their skills, but mistakes can be made.

Can you say you're doing exactly what you were created for?

Well, since we assume God doesn't make mistakes, and that each of us makes our own destiny, I must be doing, and have done, what I was created for. Who is qualified to judge me, but myself?

Someone I live with is extremely ignorant as in he’ll say something that is wrong and when corrected still act as if he was right to avoid admitting to being wrong (it could be something extremely minuscule). How do you cope with people like that?

Confront them with what you know. Advise them that their hard stand on their obvious error defines the kind of person they are to others and that they might what to think about that. Who they are seen as is a choice they must make. If they choose to be seen as ignorant, there is nothing to do for them. If they are a good roommate, then “coping” would be to stop asking for their poor opinions.

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”

-- Daniel J. Boorstin

Life is all about choices. Choice defines us and sculpts us. What will your choices say about you?

I tout this about choices, all the time. Life is all about making good choices, and those choices and decisions help to define who we are to those around us. My choices, unfortunately, say I am perpetually offended by those who are perpetually offended. But, I offend myself all the time, so this is no surprise. I strive to hold to a set of morally ethical values, which is very hard to do.  But, what is so very much more important is that I constantly try.

What happens when you lose your hope?

I have never "lost" hope. I don't think anyone can.  You can choose to forget about hope, to ignore it, but it is still there.  I came very close to ignoring hope, only one time, but I made a better choice to hold onto hope instead of giving up. It worked out so very well for me, as I am still here and doing better than I ever hoped. Never give up. Never surrender. There is always room for undying hope. Hope is another choice each of us must make in order to try and survive situations in life.

Do you think being poor is a mistake? Why?

No, I think being poor is a choice. If your choice makes to exceedingly happy, how can it be a mistake? The mistake would be sucking from the public teat, as an able-bodied person, simply because you can, and giving nothing back to society in return.

"Poor people have been voting for Democrats for the last 50 years and they're still poor."

-- Charles Barkley

What do you do if you feel like nothing in life is worth living for and there is nothing more you want to do?

Committing suicide would be a poor choice, as life, itself, is a great reason for living. We know what we’ve been through, and we know where we are, but it is up to us to determine where we will be in the next moment and what tomorrow will offer us. Nobody is a waste of oxygen until they choose to be. Make better choices.

Why do problems persevere?

Ignorance, and laziness. We don’t have the tools to solve them, and even if we did, would we? It is a choice each of us must make, and life is all about making choices. Solving problems is why we exist. It is why we are here, to learn, to be creative, to build, and to solve problems that show up in life. It is a choice, and we should all be making good ones.

Have you ever had a moment where you stopped and said, “so this is what it feels like”?

Yes! But, propriety prevents me from discussing it.

“The "aha" moment is a validating experience for your efforts and at the same time changes your paradigm of the world in favor of a more accurate one. Campbell simply says “it wipes out the ego.”

-- Roumen Bezergianov

I don’t want to grow up. I just want to live school life forever with my friends. How do I convince myself to keep going?

Your friends will move on. You will grow up, regardless of what you want. You don’t really have to convince yourself to “keep going” as you will anyway unless you want to be looked at as a peculiarity in society and, most probably, not really be happy. You will have to support yourself unless you’re committed, I suppose. But, how people view you is totally up to them. How you view yourself, or how you want others to view you, should be what matters to you. If you think that never growing up will make you exceedingly happy all through life, so be it. When you reach the ripe old age of 88, let us know how it worked out. 

Why do people say you can't get married in your 20s?

I wasn’t “mature” enough to get married in my 20s, but I did it anyway and suffered through trying to be a parent and trying to hold together a failed marriage for 25 years. Most of us are too busy to consider the responsibility involved in it, and the responsibility can be a lifetime. Better to wait until both of you are mature enough to understand the ramifications of the decision.

What is it like to have your life figured out?

What is it like to think you have your life figured out? Life constantly changes, so trying to figure it out is a crapshoot.

"I have finally figured out the meaning of life: there's no such thing. And that's a beautiful thing, because that means that WE get to choose it ourselves. Life has no meaning besides the meaning you give it. You are indeed the author of your destiny. So why not write a book worth reading?" 

-- Dean Bokhari

What do you find solace in when everything is wrong with the world?

Nuclear deterrence.

Is success a matter of luck and genetics, or a matter of how hard you work?

Success is a matter of hard work. It can be a matter of good luck, but when that good luck runs out, the sustainability of success will be a matter of hard work.

What don't you know for sure, but wish you did?

What I know.

“The Only Thing I Know For Sure Is That I Know Nothing At All, For Sure”

-- Socrates

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