Questioning Money, Happiness, Goals, and Life

“It`s not how old you are, it`s how you are old.”

-- Jules Renard

 

If a person becomes more successful over time, will those close to them become more resentful and jealous of their success? If so, how should they deal with resentful people who do not support their personal and financial gain?

Only if those close to them are small, resentful, and jealous people. Otherwise, they would be happy for the person’s personal and financial gain. Whether they show support, or not, should make little difference to those who attain their goals, since they attained them without the support, to begin with.

What would be considered a peculiar habit among politicians?

Working across the aisle.

Why is a simple lifestyle better than a lavish lifestyle?

I have lived a simple lifestyle since my divorce in 2000, when I lost everything, including my kids. I thought I would miss my lifestyle, but I never really did. Having crap is just begging for someone to deprive you of it. I downsized and started buying guns, instead of knives. I got too old for close-in combat and hurt too much to chase anyone down. I’d rather shoot the sucker and be done with it.

What is the lesson of “give and take” in life?

In everything, there must be an ethical balance. 

Do most people tend to get your sense of humor or not?

Some do, some don’t. Sometimes, a certain look is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, a certain word means more than the look.

“Everyone has a sense of humor. If you don't laugh at jokes, you probably laugh at opinions.”

-- Criss Jami

What hits harder as you get older?

Approaching 70, muscle aches and cramps.

Is there a fear of the future?

If you fear the future will it not happen? Each moment is the precursor for the next. We can fear it but it will still come, one moment after the next, into infinity. We can’t stop it, so why fear it? Better we should endeavor to embrace it. 

Why don't you stop giving opinions and advice?

People keep asking me for them. They stop asking, I’ll stop giving. That simple, really.

Is it fair to politicians that their personal lives are scrutinized and judged by the public?

They are “public” servants. We vote them into office, we pay their salary, they lie, cheat, and steal from us, yes, I think it’s fair for us to know if they’re honoring their oath to us, or not. 

Can you explain your short goal, medium goal, and long goal?

Happier, happiest, and to move on into the next life. Any more explanation seems unwarranted.

“Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing.”

-- Sylvia Plath

What is the most effective way to inspire the masses and open their eyes to the inner workings of global tyranny?

Let them live under socialism or communism. Hell, we’re almost there now.

Why do you feel guilty if you sleep late even when you know that sleep is good for you?

I have people to do and things to see, even while retired. Besides, I’ve existed on about to 5 to 6 hours of sleep for the past 48 years, anyway.

What is another way of saying what happens when it is one day, like a Wednesday, but you think and feel it’s another day like Sunday?

Oops.

What is the secret to happiness around the world in every society?

Making the conscious choice. True happiness is simply a choice. Choose to be happy always and in all things, regardless of life hands you, regardless of wealth or poverty. Choose to be happy, just like some choose misery. If you don’t choose happiness, the ones who’ve made you miserable, win, every day and in every way. Don’t let them.

What are the top three things that contribute to your personal happiness and satisfaction in life?

Friends, family, and attitude.

“Being happy is something that each of us determines, it is not something that we find outside of yourself, it is within us and our choice.”

-- Catherine Pulsifer

Who in your life has been a blessing?

Those who helped me, emotionally, after my divorce. My good friends, and family. Especially my very good friends, David and Mary. David who, literally, saved my life, and Mary, who gave me much support as I recovered from the turmoil. I love them both, dearly.

What is something you are proud of about yourself?

There are two definitions of being proud.

“Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.” This one makes a lot of sense to me.

“Having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance.” This one is egotistical, to say the least.

There are many things I am proud of in life, not the least of which are my children. But, recently, On this site, I’m on track to garner over 700,000 views for just this year. I am truly humbled and I find myself happy that so many people read my opinions. But, I am happier I can, for over the last two years, count the number of negative comments as under .003 percent.

I feel deep pleasure and satisfaction in these achievements, especially since this was not a goal I was working toward. I just like to answer questions. I like to try to be of some help, if possible, and if people really want to listen. A few choose not to like what I have to say, and this is fine. It is a choice.

I’m not here to force an opinion, I’m here because someone asked me for my opinion. If you ask for an opinion and don’t like it, why did you ask for it? If you didn’t ask for it and don’t like it, that is your right. Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one and most of them stink. It is the nature of opinions.

Do discovered potentials guarantee fulfillment, achievement, and success in life?

No. Potential has nothing to do with having the desire to achieve a goal. If you don’t have the desire, of what use is the potential?

Do I have the moral obligation to help people who are academically weaker?

I would love to say yes, but you’re already doing well, so what’s the issue? You have no obligation, but morally, put yourself in their shoes. Would you like someone to assist you? Of course, you would. And wouldn’t it be great to cheer someone, you helped, as they graduate. Even better, if they end up working for you, you helped to train them! How great would that be?

This all boils down to doing what’s right. If you have to ask the question with “moral obligation” in the sentence, the answer is to do the right thing.

What is a quote you enjoy that you feel more people should hear?

It Is What It Is

“Reality is what it is, and what it isn’t, it isn’t.

Sometimes, what it is it isn’t, and what it isn’t, well... it is.

Other times it is nothing, and then it isn’t anything.

But, if it is nothing, it isn’t, and if it isn’t anything, it is.

Acknowledging nothing gives nothing existence;

Therefore, whether it is or it isn’t, it must be,

Because even nothing that isn’t, already is.” 

-- Frank A. Villari

How can you be happy in life when you’re a small-time loser and failure?

Be happy you’re not a “big-time loser and failure.” Maybe it’s time to make the conscious choice to be happy always and change your direction, take another path in life and stop following this one. 

What money principles work for you?

Stay out of debt.

Can money buy happiness and can happiness buy money?

Money can buy temporary happiness, but not true happiness. If you are truly happy, you wouldn’t want to waste your happiness on money.

My boyfriend still talks to his ex even though he says he is over her. He has cheated on me multiple times with her but says it’s nothing to do with feelings. Does he love me?

Not the way you want him to.

Can you define "love" in one sentence?

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,

And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”

-- William Shakespeare

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