Questions of Self, Ability, and Success, Success, Success

 

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

-- Edward Everett Hale

Do you like yourself?

Absolutely! I know me, and this is a good thing. I have shortcomings, as does everyone, and I know what they are, and why. I try to hold to a good personal code of ethical conduct. I’m no Adonis, but my personality makes up for what I lack in looks.

I have led a good life and never used someone to get where I wanted to go. I’ve worked hard, supervised fairly, and managed people to get the jobs done on time and with accolades for the team. I have left no reason for me to look back and question anything except a failed marriage. I consider my life, so far, to have made me a pretty good person. I have no reason not to like me.

What are you actually good at?

Many things, but I am a master at none of them. Well, maybe nuclear deterrence, but that's about it.

What is the most important criteria in choosing personal? Why?

Personal what?

“The frame, the definition, is a type of context. And context, as we said before, determines the meaning of things. There is no such thing as the view from nowhere, or from everywhere for that matter. Our point of view biases our observation, consciously and unconsciously. You cannot understand the view without the point of view.”

-- Noam Shpancer

What professions would you not be proud of your child for pursuing?

Anything illegal. All I ask is that my children be the best they can be at whatever they choose to be.

What is your biggest regret in life, and how has it affected you?

Marrying the wrong person. I wasted 25 years of my life on someone who never loved me. I could have done so much better.

How does one live a moral life without becoming overly sanctimonious?

What you choose to be is what you choose to be. Strive to be happy at all times and in all things, but your life isn’t for you to push on others. There is nothing moral about pushing your views on someone else and making them feel less if they don’t accept them. The fact that someone thinks you’re “sanctimonious” should raise a red flag for your humility to deal with. The fact that you’ve made someone think you’re overly sanctimonious would be a reason to hang your head in shame, as you are no longer humble.

“The word 'religion' has acquired a very bad name among those who really love truth, justice, charity. It also exhales the musty odor of sanctimony and falsehood.”

-- Luther Burbank

Does passion come with time, or do I feel it in an instant I start doing something?

Define “instant” and “time” in your question. Before you finish your first climb, you’ll know if you have a passion for mountain climbing. Will you have that passion when your hand first grasps the rope? Probably not. You’ll probably be too busy not crapping yourself.

Which commands more respect, the title "a successful entrepreneur" or the title, "a professor"?

I haven’t met either of them, yet, so I will withhold my opinion until I do. A title isn’t what garners respect, the person does.

Do you feel your work experience influences your life?

Everything I’ve done in life influences my life. Work is simply another aspect.

"Nobody should be whipped. Remember that, once and for all. Neither man nor animal can be influenced by anything but suggestion."

-- Mikhail Bulgakov

What is the one factor that has resulted in success for you?

Perseverance.

What do you reflect on this quote: “At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security”?

It’s about a dangerous business that deals with a proprietary product.

What is the likelihood that you will succeed at something if you never give up?

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sooner or later.

“If you don’t give up on something you truly believe in, you will find a way.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Should people be allowed to break the rules for the greater good?

No. Rule are in place for a reason.

Having said this, rules are also in place to be broken. Permission would be advisable, but owning the consequences of breaking the rules without permission is also paramount, and there will be consequences, the greater good or not.

I'm (15) in love with a student in my class (14). I only have one class in school with them. What's an effective way to tell them that I love them?

Give her a rose and smile. She’ll have a clue, but, if she doesn’t, her friends will certainly clear it up for her.  Don't get teenage lust confused with love.  You have a few years to go, yet.

What is failure? What is the point where you should recognize the point of failure?

Until you choose to quit, failure is nothing more than an opportunity to learn why you failed, to try again, and again, until you succeed, and then move forward with the knowledge that will allow you to mitigate similar failure in the future.

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

-- Truman Capote

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