Questioning "Why?"

"Sakichi Toyoda is also famous for development of the concept of 5 Whys: When a problem occurs, ask “why” five times in order to find the source of the problem, then put into place something to prevent the problem from recurring. This concept is used today as part of applying LEAN methodologies to solve problems, improve quality, and reduce costs. Sakichi Toyoda died on October 30, 1930, at the age of 63."

-- Toolshero, "Sakichi Toyoda"

How old were you when you began pondering the ‘why’, meaning, and fulfillment questions? I’m seventeen and read and think about this enigma often.

That’s the right age. I began about the same time. If you haven’t yet, read the “Tao Te Ching” by Lao Tzu. But, always ask “why” before any other question. "Why" will usually help to determine what, or who. I live by the “5 Whys” technique. It really works: 

5 Whys: The Ultimate Root Cause Analysis Tool

“Sakichi Toyoda, the Japanese industrialist, inventor, and founder of Toyota Industries, developed the 5 Whys technique in the 1930s. ... The method is remarkably simple: when a problem occurs, you drill down to its root cause by asking "Why?" five times.” -- Mindtools.com 

5 Whys: Getting to the Root of a Problem Quickly

5 Whys, or 5Y, is a powerful tool for getting to the root cause of a problem, and an effective way to expose weaknesses in your systems or processes.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_5W.htm#:~:text=Sakichi%20Toyoda%2C%20the%20Japanese%20industrialist,Whys%20technique%20in%20the%201930s.&text=The%20method%20is%20remarkably%20simple,%22Why%3F%22%20five%20times.

What does it mean when a person agrees with everything you say, from hobbies to political views, to life views, and then changes their opinion as soon as you disagree with them?

A suck-up.

What’s one thing about a woman/girl that a man/boy should definitely know?

They have cooties, you know, that imaginary germ that one can catch by touching a person who should be socially avoided? You catch their cooties and they get pregnant. You can’t make this shit up.

Should I get back with my girlfriend if she broke up with me twice for someone who didn’t like her, but then asked to get back together with me?

You are her “go-to,” and her “fallback,” when everything else turns to crap. So, you’re basically a step above the crap that dumped her. Lucky you, a step above crap. What do you think you should do?

What is the best bit of philosophy you've picked up from a movie?

Try this:

“Do… or do not. There is no try.”

-- Master Yoda

How can I believe my wife?

Why did you marry her?

When a male is looking to buy panties, is it best to look for a young salesgirl or an older understanding woman?

What does the “older woman” have to understand that the young salesgirl won’t? He wants to buy panties. It isn’t rocket science.

Is it not better that you get hurt with the truth than being comforted with lies?

Yes.

Can distance-learning yield better learning outcomes than traditional classrooms?

As with traditional classrooms, it all rests on how hard the student is willing to work and study, and how proficient the teacher is at teaching. Indoctrination, however, is a different issue that rests completely on how weak-minded the student is.

Should I confront someone who bullied me?

What a unique way to try and turn someone around.

“What if the kid you bullied at school, grew up, and turned out to be the only surgeon who could save your life?”

-- Lynette Mather

Do you have an alternative but colorful way to say "faster than shit through a goose"?

Faster than water through a sieve. Faster than a turd down a toilet. Faster than a bomb technician running.

Why won’t my boyfriend take his shirt off around me? We’ve been together for nine months and we have sex on a regular basis. He refuses to take his shirt off around me, I’ve asked him why and he refuses to tell me. Should I just let it go?

No. Relationships are based on honesty, not secrecy. You’ve been together this long and he still hides things from you? Not a good sign.

How long is a day in Antarctica?

24 hours, just like everywhere else.

What's the right way to argue?

Only argue if you’re right, and then argue to win. But, if you’re right, there is no need to argue, so state the facts and, if the dumbass can’t understand and insists on arguing, that isn’t your problem. Walk away and save yourself the effort of teaching someone who doesn’t care to learn.

Reader comment: Agreed. Someone who just wants to argue is looking for a fight and nothing else. I'm in one here, right now, and wrapping it up.

My reply: Good luck! If they're a member of the “League of the Perpetually Offended,” it won’t be much fun.

Reader's reply:  Eh, she devoted about 1,000 words based on an incorrect assumption. She's faster than a speeding donut. Far cry from a “turd down the toilet.” About to be flushed anyway, thanks for the useful metaphor.  Now, she can go back to her main hobby, which is apparently giving advice to the lovelorn.

If most people agree on a lie, does it become the truth?

A lie is still a lie no matter how many people think it is the truth.

“If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.”

-- Walter Langer

You’re given 1 billion USD but you can only buy 3 things. Whatever money is left is taken away from you and you can’t resell the things you bought. What would you buy?

A nice house on a lake, a good truck, and an investment account that pays a hefty dividend each month.

Why do I get so nervous when people I don’t know talk to me, and how can I get better with it?

Don’t wait for them to come and talk to you, go and talk to them. Let them know your issue. Many people will be happy to help.

I don’t say thank you when getting off a bus. Why should I? They get paid and it’s not like they put themselves out for me.

Wait for the day you need them to “put themselves out” for you, and see if they give a shit. It’s not as though you were ever polite to them, right?

Is doing the right thing hard?

It can be, but, more importantly, it’s the right thing to do.

Do you look better in real life or in a mirror?

I’m damned cute in either, and humble, as well.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

-- Rick Warren

I really want to start farting casually in front of my boyfriend, both of us never farted in front of each other before. Do you have any advice for me?

Farting “casually” is really no fun. If you want to loosen up, then you’ll have to rip one off that you can be proud of. One that will make eyes water for several feet around you, make flowers wilt, and old men laugh. Dare your boyfriend to beat that one.

How should I tell my boyfriend that I need to focus on my studies?

Try this: “I need to focus on my studies.”

Is cheating a violation of trust?

Ya think?

How do you entertain yourself while at home during Covid?

Freecell and Majong. I never lost a game and became a Gold Level Grandmaster.

Which is more beneficial, showing the poor how to make money or giving them money?

"If you give a man a fish he is hungry again in an hour. If you teach him to catch a fish you do him a good turn."

-- Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie

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