Questioning Technology, Assistance, and Suffering

 

“Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weaklings or damaged goods. To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness, it is the trademark of the truly alive and compassionate. It is not the empath who is broken, it is society that has become dysfunctional and emotionally disabled. There is no shame in expressing your authentic feelings. Those who are at times described as being a 'hot mess' or having 'too many issues' are the very fabric of what keeps the dream alive for a more caring, humane world. Never be ashamed to let your tears shine a light in this world.”

-- Anthon St. Maarten

Which is more important, one's moral code or ambition?

One’s personal moral code of ethics. At the end of the day, everything being equal, one’s moral code defines who they are, not only to themselves but to those around them. Ambition can be insidious and make the weak forget their moral code.

How can you help a person if you can't give them money or material goods?

Yard work, a hot meal, conversation, help come in all forms.

Can pride lead to destruction?

I would think so. Pride is considered one of the seven deadly or cardinal sins.

“Pride is considered, on almost every list, the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins. Out of the seven, it is the most angelical, or demonic. It is also thought to be the source of the other capital sins. Also known as hubris, it is identified as dangerously corrupt selfishness, the putting of one's own desires, urges, wants, and whims before the welfare of other people.”

-- Wikipedia, “Seven deadly sins”

This is the year I want to “declutter” my life and become more of a minimalist. It will be a long and difficult journey for me. How do I begin this process without becoming absolutely overwhelmed?

Wrap your mind around it. If you don’t use it, toss it. If you have more than one, keep the best of the two, or three. I have a dresser and a small closet, a 1400 SF house, and a live-in significant other. The military taught me minimalism, and her father was Navy. You obviously see too much crap in your life, so get on with it, mentally and physically.

Is consistency more important than talent?

Would you rather be “consistently” poor at your talent? It is important to have talent, but, for the talented, it is important to be consistent in their talent. I wouldn’t want to buy a musical artist’s album not being certain if it will be as great as their last one.

How much of yourself would you give up to please someone else?

Not much. When did pleasing them become my responsibility? This is an endless racetrack I’d rather not be on. It’s their life, so they need to deal with it.

“You strive to please others, to fit in, and feel accepted. In spite of that, you still don’t feel accepted, and not because others don’t accept you, but because you haven’t accepted yourself as you are.”

-- Dragos Bratasanu

Is going good or not?

It depends on what you’re going from, or to.

Why do I always feel like something is wrong and I'm just settling for a career?

Pay attention! You’re trying to tell yourself something.

Why do good people suffer to get good things in life?

Good, or bad, we have to work for everything we get. When we work for it, we tend to appreciate it more. Friends and lovers are no different. I would like to think people are smarter than to suffer for something they don’t really want, like a bad job, or an abusive relationship. I’d rather suffer whatever it takes to get something good, like a triple chocolate vinegar cake. I’d almost remarry my ex-wife… almost.

“We all have scars; both inside and out. Use your experience to support those who are going down the same road of destruction you once went down. Know that your past is worth more than the pain you once carried because it can now be used to comfort and give strength to another soul who is suffering. Cherish your trials and tribulations as gifts; embrace these opportunities to share the grace you have been given.”

-- Katie Maslin

How would you overcome something when you are always being underestimated, underappreciated, and always getting the short end of a stick? It’s like no matter what you do, it will never be enough.

You are always enough, for who you are. What other people think has nothing to do with you being strong enough to overcome something. Ignore the naysayers and get on with being who you really are.

What is the best definition of maturity?

Culture. Culture will probably expect good sense, self-reliance, and responsibility to fall in there somewhere. Maybe even patriotism and faith.  But, I would look to the particular culture for a definition.  It can differ. 

How much percent of yourself do you give at work?

When I was working, I gave 110%. I loved all the jobs I ever had. I loved to stay late and ensure we met quotas and timelines.

"I face every project the same way - do it right and give 110%. 100% isn't good enough."

-- Debra Wilson

What are the things that are available to you (e.g., money, parental support, opportunities, abilities, and the like) which you think and believe will enable you to become what you want to be?

Opportunity, ability, knowledge, and perseverance.

What are your values? What do you represent? What do you want to embody?

Honesty, loyalty, patriotism, faith, hope, pretty much everything in my personal code of ethics. It is what I embody. It is what defines me.

You're either the one that creates the automation or you're getting automated. — Tom Preston-Werner. What do you make of this statement?

Being a closet Luddite, I have to say that Tom Preston-Werner is delusional. I give anything to have my “flip” phone back. As a matter of fact, if it weren’t for my aging mother’s safety, I wouldn’t carry a phone at all. leave a message at the “beep” and I’ll get back to you.

“If automating everything makes people lazier and lazier, and laziness leads to stupidity, which it does for most people, judging by the current content circulating the social networks everywhere, except North Korea, where they don’t have any internet to speak of - at some point the Japanese robots, for which a market niche is currently being developed, with no concerns on how they should be designed to act in society or outside it - will have no choice, but to take everything over, to preserve us from ourselves…”

-- Will Advise

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