Questions of Life, Success, and Control

 

“The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. ...We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society. ...In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons...who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.”

-- Edward Bernays

What is the secret to having the doors open in life?

Knowledge, or blackmail. Maybe both.

How do you choose one path over the other in life when both look equally good and you are not sure about the outcome of either?

You choose. One’s path changes all the time. We learn, we change, usually due to some unforeseen outcome. I went from studying psychology to a career in military intelligence, to another career as a corporate liaison, to pastor and chaplain. My path is now being retired and mentoring others. I’ve enjoyed all of them.

How do our values and responsibilities shape our interactions in life?

It depends on how serious you are about your values and responsibilities. Some people think values and responsibilities are something they can turn on and off, but they really aren’t. Your values, your personal sense of moral ethics, defines who you are to those around you. And, how you take care of your responsibilities does this, as well.

As an intelligence analyst with clearances up the wazoo, I took my sense of ethics as a responsibility not to be trifled with. I took my strong sense of ethics into the civilian sector and flourished. Now, retired, I am responsible for taking care of my elderly mother, and my ethics are still pretty solid.

The way in which you want people to view you shapes how, and who, you interact, and with whom. Make good choices for your life.

“That is the ultimate question for all of us: do our actions reflect our values? Do our traditions reflect our beliefs? Do our purchases reflect our ethics? After all, what’s the point in having values if we don’t manifest them in our behavior?”

-- Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

What two characteristics will be most crucial to your success as a nontraditional student?

Considering how socialism is infecting the halls of education, I’d recommend an independent mind, a strong will, and an uncompromising sense of good moral ethics.

What is the easiest strategy in problem-solving?

How easy the strategy, depends on the problem. I’ve always found that the easiest part of any strategy is to, first, define the problem.

How dangerous are sudden success and winnings?

If you aren’t prepared for it, it can be a short success and an even shorter win. All one has to do is look at the toll success takes on overnight stardom, or how many people who wing the lottery still have the bulk of their winnings, if any.

“One of the most painful realizations in life, is to all of a sudden discover that you had possessed things all along, that you were busy looking for somewhere else.”

-- Sunday Adelaja

Why are things falling apart very easily?

Everything is made of plastic, with built-in obsolescence. We live in a “throw-away” society where repair of an item is more expensive than just buying a new item.

Does being successful take away your problems?

No, but being happy sure does. If you strive for success, first you need to learn how to be happy always.

Why is it not possible to give someone 50% of yourself, even though we're advised to give 30% and the remaining 70% is supposed to be yours in case of anything, So why is it hard to give half/half or how do you go about it?

This question is situational to how valuable you feel you are. Some of us can give very little of ourselves and accomplish so very much more than others. As far as what I reserve for me, in the event I need it, I will reclaim all 100%. No one tells me what I can give or not.

My dad had a stroke and I left my job to take care of him and mom. I was asked how “sustainable” that was going to be. My answer was that it would be as sustainable as family demanded. It was an ignorant question. I owed the employer nothing compared to what my ethical responsibility to family demanded of me.

If you give more than you’re willing to give, you have resigned yourself to being an indentured servant. I will not give up my freedom to not “give” more than I’d like.

“The belief that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish are misguided. It's more selfless to act happy. It takes energy, generosity, and discipline to be unfailingly lighthearted, yet everyone takes the happy person for granted. No one is careful of his feelings or tries to keep his spirits high. He seems self-sufficient; he becomes a cushion for others. And because happiness seems unforced, that person usually gets no credit.”

-- Gretchen Rubin

You don’t get what you wish for. Do you get what you work for?

Most of the time, yes.

Can fear terminate success?

Not if you control the fear and not let it dominate. A healthy dose of fear will keep you on your toes if you can control it and put it to good use as part of your plan to succeed.

How can you make a difference in your life?

There isn’t much more I can do, now that I strive to be happy always. I got rid of all my debt. I learned how to invest in dividend-bearing stocks. And, I live a simple life. Done, done, done, and done. I’m a happy camper!  Now, I look forward to helping others discover what I know.

“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said,

"It made a difference for that one.”

-- Loren Eiseley

Do you think the decisions made by central authorities are better than those made by individuals in their own interest?

Oh, hell no. In the U.S. we vote for our “central authorities” and then we wonder why, as power seems to make them forget who hired them. Letting “central authorities” make decisions for you is to invite socialism into society and to give up all freedom. Occasionally, as Thomas Jefferson once wrote, we have to shed the blood of patriots and tyrants to remind ourselves of how valuable freedom really is.

How has your life changed from 20 to 40? What are your top three pieces of advice for people at this age?

Work hard, stay out of debt, and live life to the fullest. Oh, and while you’re doing all this, strive to be happy always!

They say not to blame others, but I see many successful people that frequently blame others. Is this in fact a good strategy?

If you’re an ass, then yes. What they do most often is to shift the blame they should be owning. I’m not sure that having poor personal ethics is a good strategy for the long run.

“An important decision I made was to resist playing the Blame Game. The day I realized that I am in charge of how I will approach problems in my life, that things will turn out better or worse because of me and nobody else, that was the day I knew I would be a happier and healthier person. And that was the day I knew I could truly build a life that matters.”

-- Steve Goodier

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