Questioning Indecision, Humility, Talent, and Repetition

 

“I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men.”

-- Lao Tzu

What’s wrong with people who can’t make decisions?

They might be confused, or afraid they’ll make the wrong decision. Most of them can make decisions that have little effect, just not important ones.

I have worked for people who were like this. It amazed me that they ever reached a position of responsibility and had held it for as long as they had. Their reign in the job was short-lived.

What is the difference between the principle of good argument and the principle of critical thinking?

An argument requires two or more people. Critical thinking requires only one. 

What is the flexibility of perspective?

You have your own perspective. You have it because you have heard all the evidence and made an opinion, your "perspective" of the situation. Then, someone brings up a salient point. You can pooh-pooh the point, or you can remain open-minded to new evidence that might change your perspective. If you actually listen to alternate viewpoints, you have shown your own “flexibility” to remain open-minded, regardless of the other evidence before you.

Is it just me or am I the only one who has practically almost no faith in humanity’s kindness?

Nope. I think you’re in the company of millions of others with almost no faith, but still hope.

I have done something that I know deep down is really bad and I want to move on and not do it again. How do I learn and move on from such a thing? Can I change my thoughts?

You need to confront what you have done. Knowing what you did is not making it right. If you want to change your thoughts, change the wrong you have done. You have to own it to learn from it. This might mean embarrassing yourself by admitting wrongdoing, but having respect for yourself, and those around you, demand it. Developing a “strength of character” is how you change your thoughts.

“When people show you who they are believe them.”

-- Bianca Frazier

How do you remain nice when people exploit your niceness?

Because I refuse to be used. You remain nice in the face of their attempt at exploitation because it just pisses them off. People hate to admit they’re that transparent. 

Why do many people walk with their heads down?

So they don’t trip. Many walk with their head down as evidence of their humble outlook toward life. Being humble is not putting yourself above others. I will sing, hum, smile, and laugh, always as a humble servant of life. You can trip more ways than stumbling while walking. Most people trip by simply opening their pie hole and speaking their minds. Better to keep your head down, combat or not, and consider your actions before you act, and consider what you’re going to say before you show your ass.

 Has anybody been mean and negative to you for trying to be nice and positive to them?

No.

Can people sense what is real and what is not real? For example, if someone says that you won the lottery, do you feel that it's real or fake?

I try not to judge. One can hope it is real, but it is better to see the hard evidence before arriving at a conclusion. Besides, how the hell would they know if you’ve won? And, this should be your first question to them. 

Do you have any unusual strengths/special skills? What's that?

A holdover from military intelligence. I’m very analytical. Show me the money, or say nothing.

“Schooling doesn't assure employment but skill does.”

-- Amit Kalantri

What is a way to stop, before an argument?

Learn to walk away from the League of the Perpetually Offended. Learn to recognize that, no matter what you say or how obvious the right answer is, they are not going to buy into it. In a nutshell, theirs is finding a reason to excuse the mass slaughter of the innocent who cannot defend themselves. Better to leave them to their own hell, since only they can save themselves.

Why should managers conduct a talent inventory?

How else would they know what they have to work with? 

How do I act when going to practice with a volleyball team when I know no one? I am trying out for volleyball in august on my high school team and I will be a freshman. The coach invited me to practice with some other players trying out.

Don’t “act” at all. You are there to play volleyball, not to act. Do the job you’ve been invited to do, and you might just get offered a position. 

When do good character traits outweigh bad character traits?

Always. It makes one wonder why people exercise the bad traits, but they do it constantly.

Have many lost comfort or interest in answering your own questions by repeating the same topics and asking the same questions?

I would never lose comfort, but my interest would wane in the face of answering the same question being asked more than once, especially if it’s being asked by the same person.

“There are some questions that shouldn't be asked until a person is mature enough to appreciate the answers.”

-- Anne Bishop

How likely is it that a billionaire would lose everything?

It depends on if they have very good people advising them, and if they pay attention.

How long does it take to forgive yourself for hurting others?

Forgiveness is not required if you live life not hurting others. Forgiveness, however, is only valid if given by the person who was wronged. Forgiving oneself is a sham perpetrated by those refusing to own their mistakes.

What is wrong but has been accepted by many because it can't be changed?

Abortion. But, it’s being worked on. (I’m waiting…)

Is it bad to ask a question if you don't know what the answer is?

What is the point of asking a question you already know the answer to, other than to bait the person giving you an answer? It is bad to ask if you already know the answer. It accomplishes nothing but letting others see your ass. The League of the Perpetually Offended is great at this. 

Where should I start to understand people and the world?

Start where you are, and work your way outward.

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

-- Søren Kierkegaard

What do good questions lead to?

Good answers, and a font of knowledge from common people who care to answer from their heart and their own knowledge, and the knowledge from mentors which might otherwise never be heard.

Does New York need a "stand your ground" law?

Everywhere need a “stand your ground” law. It puts assholes on notice.

Is asking for a raise too soon bad?

No, but you out yourself as being “wanting” and you just won’t get it. It makes for humorous discussion during management meetings.

What would you wish for someone who doesn't want to retire?

A job position with legs. It is hard to let go of quality people, so if you don’t want to retire, be the quality they don’t want to let go of. I was called back off of retirement because I was the only one they could trust to be “boots on the ground” for a long-term project.

Why do we repeat ourselves out loud? 

Usually, because I can't believe I've said something that stupid or that wise.

"Between repetition and forgetting, it is a marvel that new thought ever struggles into existence."

-- Mason Cooley

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, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western 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 the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com