Questioning Value, Learning, and Decisions

 

“For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that gets you.”

-- Neil deGrasse Tyson

What does it mean when a Colleague says "you are worth my time"?

You have a value that giving a little time to is worth the effort.

Why is it so great to be part of a team, even when you lose?

Comradery. Many people don’t have the opportunity for the “team experience” in life, which is a shame. There is a lot to be said for working together toward a common goal, win or lose.

Is the foundation of success really hard work or grace?

Hard work. If you’re relying on “grace” for the sustainability of success, good luck. Hard work teaches you much on how to sustain what you earn.

"Luck is what you have leftover after you give 100 percent."

-- Unknown

What would life be like in the United States under an authoritarian government?

We’re going to find out if the current administration has its way. We’ll go from two parties to choose from down to one, which is no choice at all.

Can we all conclude by saying “what's well ends well”?

As long as nobody screws it up.

Many professional scholars preach that a degree is the ability to discover the truth, so as to stifle the great discoveries of amateur scholars. Can this cover up the ignorance of professional scholars who do not think hard?

Are we discussing degrees given out by today’s universities, indoctrinating their students, and stifling free and constructive thought that might just lead them to the truth the universities would prefer to stay hidden? It would seem ignorance and non-professionalism run rampant in campus classrooms as they push their narrative.

Author comment:  Although school education is the absolute force to maintain human civilization and promote the development of human civilization, the situation you said does exist. The problem is that those who are opportunistic and actually have little knowledge often climb to the throne of academic authority. They only pursue interests and not only ignore the truth, but also turn black and white upside down and trample on the truth. It is really disgusting.

My reply:  Indeed.

“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.”

-- Galileo

What strengths have you gained from your unique life experiences?

Self-confidence, perseverance, a moral code of ethics, and an enviable ability to ignore the perpetually offended.

What are your motivations to achieve ambition in life?

Uh… ambition? My motivation to achieve ambition is... ambition. If I have no ambition, what motivates me to succeed?

What kind of person do you want to become, and how did you come to that conclusion?

A gigolo, but, that ship sailed years ago. I have lived a full and exciting life. I leaned on my personal code of ethics and have become, to my dismay, who I am content with, mild PTSD notwithstanding. I am a simple man with simple wants, though my tastes run a bit exotic. I smile constantly, anger seldomly, and strive to be happy always.

“I am merely at the midway point in the novel of my own life. On around page 250 of a 500-page tale and, given future medical advances, maybe even 200. There’s no reason why the next 250, 300, or even 350 pages will not be far more exciting than the first half.”

-- Ray Smith

Trying hard to make it in life in the best possible way. What are your best quotes for single people striving to make life better for themselves?

Strive to be happy always and in everything you do, regardless of your circumstance. The alternative simply sucks.

Does philosophy seem more profound and reality-based after one goes past 50 years of age? Or does it seem to be more obscure and removed from what is real?

At 50, I found more respect for the philosophers - ancient Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, European, and the more modern American. I saw some validity in what they thought. At 60, I began to critique what they thought and formed my own opinion about it. As I approach 70, I have been accused of having wisdom, and of being a philosopher.

I consider myself a “bathroom” philosopher, spouting quasi-wisdom I learn from the books I keep on the back of the toilet. This is why I came up with the humble title of Semi-Ancient Pie Hole Philosopher, so nobody takes me too seriously. So what I offer up is, really, Bathroom Quasi-Wisdom from a Semi-Ancient Pie Hole Philosopher.

Does success need to be vocalized?

If you talking about reaching a goal, only if you feel the need to brag about it. If you’re talking about the real success of true happiness, there should be no need to vocalize what others should feel just by being around you.

“What organized dating sites fail to understand is that the people are far more interesting in what they don't say about themselves.”

-- Nassim Nicholas Taleb

What are the consequences of making a poor decision in your early 20s?

For those who own their poor decisions, learning from the poor decision and, then, trying to turn them around would be consequences. The important thing is to own your poor decision-making and try to make better choices and decisions in the future.

What is the parent of all virtues by your own personal standards?

Honesty.

How did people who had 0 knowledge at the age of 16 become successful?

No one has zero knowledge. Even before we’re born we begin to learn. By the time you’re 16, whether you know it or not, you have knowledge. Knowing what to do with the knowledge you possess is the trick. At 16, I was a mess. My thought processes originated, for the most part, below the waist. I didn’t break out of this cleavage-oriented mindset until I majored in psychology and found out why I was. Life, from that point on, taught me the lessons that would ultimately make me strive to be happy always - true success.

“It is not that I'm so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer.”

-- Albert Einstein

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