Questioning Ethics, Mistakes, Life, and Work

 

"A musk ox horn is short and it curls upwards on each side of their head. These horns play an important role both in defense and in showcasing dominance during the mating season. These animals are dark brown or black and this Arctic tundra animal has long, coarse outer guard hairs on its body. A small tail is concealed beneath their fur. These Arctic musk ox tundra animals possess soft and strong qiviut wool under their thick fur. This qiviut wool is even more refined in cows (females) and young calves. These animals are closely related to goats and sheep..."

-- https://kidadl.com/animal-facts/musk-ox-facts 

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Note to my readers:  My answers have garnered 12,358 views over the past week.  Again, I accept the appreciation I get back for my answers, with due humility.  I continue to build a following and am eternally grateful to all those who take the time to read my humble offerings.  At this rate, over the next 12 months, I will receive 642,616 views.  If I reach 1,000,000 I may just publish the collected works of "Bathroom Quasi-Wisdom from the Always Humble Semi-Ancient Pie Hole Philosopher."  Yes, I am aware that many of you wait with bated breath.  I will try to get over myself.

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Why is a group of muskoxen called a herd?

Because they are “hoofed” mammals that migrate and live in a group called a “herd.”

What are the benefits of behaving ethically?

Nothing to be ashamed of. No lies to keep track of. No hostility to bemoan. Everything is honest, respectful, legal, and above board. T’s are crossed, I’s are dotted, and there is no need to watch you back. You can actually shake hands and part knowing that fairness was achieved.

How do you handle a boss that doesn't like you?

I find a new job where I am appreciated for the work I do. No one should have to “handle” a boss who acts like an ass. Better to be happy always and in everything you do.

How do you get paid to make sex with my wife?

If I’m getting paid, I’m a gigolo, a whore. If she’s paying me, the better question is where the money came from. Is it her money, or is it yours? If it’s yours, then you are the one paying me to make sex with your wife. But, then, why do you not know all of this? Is she not your wife? Is it not your money?  I would be concerned.  Either way, if you are concerned, why are you married to her?

Do you take revenge?

No, and that in itself is the sweetest “revenge” one can taste. Karma is the only revenge we should seek, and it will visit upon them in its own good time.

“Karma comes after everyone eventually. You can't get away with screwing people over your whole life, I don't care who you are. What goes around comes around. That's how it works. Sooner or later the universe will serve you the revenge that you deserve.”

-- Jessica Brody

What is one thing you would love to do openly if there were no judgment from society?

I’m not sure how a loud, wet, smelly fart in an enclosed elevator full of people rates being on “Find Love and Spouse” so, I’ll keep it to myself.

How do you talk to a friend knowing that the best friendship is over but you want to stay friends in some way?

I explain that I understand that we all make mistakes. I hope they will see where they went wrong and try to change for the better in the future. Even though being “best” friends has been tested by their actions, I hope to keep our friendship, such as it is, and look forward to them working hard to become better than they think they can be. In this way, we can both move forward from this little setback, and, perhaps, find that “best” part of our friendship, again.

Do you buy into any of this?

What "life teaching" would you like to share with people?

Stay out of personal and monetary debt, and learn to be happy always and in all things. The alternative simply sucks.

For those who believe that there's no such thing as mistakes, why?

Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone fails. These are the best way we learn. Those that think they’re “perfect” don’t realize that perfection doesn’t exist. They think they’ve never made a bad choice or decision in their life. They may be better than others, but the fact they think they are above mistakes and failure is more evidence of how not perfect they really are. Delusional, maybe, but so not perfect. 

What is the difference between proving that something is true and demonstrating the underlying reason why something is true?

There is no difference. Both are proving the truth and, to do so, an underlying reason will probably have to be demonstrated.

“Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get.”

-- Robert A. Heinlein

How did you gain your ethical values?

I learned many of them in the military being a supervisor and a manager. Ethical values are simple rules for the right way to act and treat people. You can look them all up online. Some are business, some are personal, and you pick and choose what best works for your own personal code of ethical values. Once you decide why and what they are, you have the responsibility to stand by them, no matter what.

What does it say about a man who loves cats?

He is independent and loves those who are also independent.

What should I do if I don't like my course? My parents just forced me to take it.

Is this your parent’s life, or yours? Are you an adult, or a child? Will they also choose your wife, what child you keep, what happiness you can have? If you are an adult, who dares to force you to do anything you don’t want to do? You have freedom of choice. Your choice, not someone else’s. Stand up for yourself, or you will never be in control of your life. 

Is it better to talk to a professional or ask family and friends when making important financial decisions?

Professional, definitely.

How do I make myself happy so I can make others happy?

Happiness is nothing more than a conscious choice you must make for your life. Choose to be happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstance. In this way, your happiness is sustainable because you choose to be always happy. Until you choose not to be, your happiness will sustain itself through your will for it to be so. It is, after all, your free choice.

Keep unwanted drama and debt from your life. You choose what to let in, not others. It is your life, not theirs. Ask of everything, am I comfortable with handling this drama? Will I be able to sustain happiness while doing it? If you are happy to take it on, then so be it.

“If there is a reason to be sorrowful, then there is a reason to be happy. You have only one lifetime, don't live your life in sorrow! Be happy! Be happy no matter what, and only mind the lessons life teaches each day!”

-- Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

Why is Word of Honor so good?

“Word of honor” is only as good as the person uttering it. If you have no honor it means very little to anyone. I someone you know has great honor and gives you their word, you can make the assumption they will keep the word they gave because their honor demands it. Those with honor usually have a good personal “code of ethics” they stand by.

What would you do if you had a finance-savvy neighbor who was always ready to give you good advice?

Sincerely thank them every time their advice paid off. I would also hope they never moved.

How do you trick a boss into firing you?

The “trick” you use to get fired is the same kind of “trick” your boss will use when he “doesn’t tell” a future employer what an ass of an employee you are. Unemployment offices are getting wise to this BS as well, from what I understand. More to the point, your employer may make life hell for you until you simply quit.

I have severe tardive dyskinesia. Why do people judge me so negatively before even knowing what's wrong with me? Why won't people even give me a chance to explain it to them?

They shouldn’t. What they do to you says more about them than anything about who you really are I have little patience for people who act this immaturely.

Has it always been this hard to make it in life in the past, or is it just getting harder recently?

It was so much harder in the past, we have just had it so easy recently that our definition of “hard” really has lost its meaning. Most of us think “manual labor” is the name of the Hispanic kid down the street. Where the kid’s parents might have actually taught him what hard work really is, our parents have wished for us an imaginary life, instead of preparing us for reality.

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself-and be lenient to everybody else.”

-- Henry Ward Beecher

What is the difference between proving that something is true and demonstrating the underlying reason why something is true?

There is no difference. Both are proving the truth and, to do so, an underlying reason will probably have to be demonstrated.

Is putting yourself first selfish or necessary?

Putting yourself first is a necessity to assisting others. How can you assist anybody if you are not 100%? Airline safety briefings state this clearly: “Put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting the passenger next to you.” If you’re gasping for breath, how effective will you be assisting others? Always ensure you’ve taken care of yourself before you go out and try to save the world.

What are your thoughts about the quote, "safety is more important than convenience"?

Very true. I have a friend who is a “safety guru” and professional witness for the court system. He is constantly in court testifying against some “convenience” that costs somebody a life or a limb. His clients always win.

Why should respect have to be earned when it's something basic and expected as human beings?

Coming from a military background, those people who think they deserve respect usually don’t. Those who think they need to earn respect usually do, even before they get started. As a sergeant, I was “due” respect, but it didn’t stop me from earning it every minute I was with my people. The more rank I achieved, the harder I worked to earn and keep their respect.

I’ve had civilian medical professionals introduce themselves as "Doctor" So n' So. I introduced myself as Master Sergeant. They asked for my first name and I’d answer, “You first.” They’d say “Jim” and I’d say, “Tony. Nice to meet you, Jim.” They’d smile and say, “Sergeant, what can I do for you?” I’d respond, “Well, Doctor, I’ve got this boil on my butt…” and we’d get along great. Tentative mutual respect, started with humor, would build over our time together.

What are some of the biggest dreams and goals we have yet to achieve as a species?

An end to war, world hunger, human trafficking, nuclear proliferation, drug cartels, and greed. The beginning of world peace, extending human life, the habitation of another planet, and interstellar travel.

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”

-- 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