Questioning Plans, Smarts, Evil, Good, and Ethics

 

“Sometimes we see other people as a genius as we feel they are smarter than we are. They have more education, they can talk a good talk, but many times education and real-world experience - what some would call "street smarts" - can make all the difference”

-- Catherine Pulsifer

Which comes first from plan and planning?

Understanding. 

Is it necessary to have a plan in life?

No, but it does help. The first thing we should learn is to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of our circumstances. If we are taught this, we start life with sustainable success. Once you have this success, attaining any goals in life becomes an exercise in learning, as it should be, not in pursuing some fleeting faux happiness.

Should I be rejoicing knowing that I am the chosen one?

Only if your ego needs stroking. Personally, I’d be humbled to be chosen.

Reader comment:  Isn't there a such thing as rejoicing and still remaining humble at the same time? Are you saying to yourself right now, yeah, I didn't think of that? We.Should be rejoicing in the Lord. No ego involved. 

My reply:  Rejoice because you are alive, not because you have a title.

Reader reply:  Isn't there a such thing as rejoicing and still remaining humble at the same time? Are you saying to yourself right now, yeah, I didn't think of that? We.Should be rejoicing in the Lord. No ego involved.

My reply:  Rejoice because you are alive, not because you have a title.

Reader reply:  But I never said that I had a title Mr. Villari. What in the hell are you even talking about Tony?

My reply:  “Chosen one” is a title. Pay attention to your question.

Reader reply: No it is not . If I'm chosen, than I am chosen, simple as that. No ands, buts or maybe's. No title, im just chosen my friend. One day, you will get it. I hope, or maybe naw.

Note to my readers: The League of the Perpetually Offended. He finds himself above admitting he has assigned himself a "title," as I don't think he really understands the definition. Continuing this will accomplish little, but give him something to do.

Is it ethical to buy someone's product for their idea without telling them? For example, a friend who has created an organization and you buy the domain name for this organization without telling them.

If you know you’re doing it, no, it’s not ethical. Any time you lie, by omission or not, you aren’t being ethical. 

How is wisdom gained?

Living life and understanding the knowledge you glean from it.

“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.”

-- Albert Einstein

What is the thing that smart people don’t know?

The difference between being “smart” and being “intelligent” comes to mind. If you’re talented enough to have both, you have the world by the gotchas. If you don’t know the difference, don’t claim to be both.

What are the disadvantages of learning?

You’ll be “rewarded” with more responsibility. 

What is a lot of things that smart people don’t know?

Most stuff that intelligent people might. Like, the "is" in your question is supposed to be "are."  Not that I'm intelligent, but I am smart enough to pay attention to the "grammar check" program.

Is there any more sound advice than "don’t f**k with it"?

If you have no idea what you’re thinking about f**king with, it is great advice. Married women come to mind.

What do people who are considered "smart" believe in?

I consider myself “smart” and I believe in God. Most of the atheists I’ve run up against think themselves more intelligent than I am, but I never claimed to be intelligent, only smart. When I point this out to them they tend to shower me with unflattering, yet colorful, metaphors. It would seem their intelligence only goes so far, and then their ass finds the need to rise to the occasion, for all to see. Being a spiritually humble person, I simply smile, and let them have the day.

Spock: Your use of language has altered since our arrival. It is currently laced with, shall we say, more colorful metaphors, “double dumb-ass on you” and so forth.

Kirk: Oh, you mean the profanity?

Spock: Yes.

Kirk: Well that’s simply the way they talk here. Nobody pays any attention to you unless you swear every other word.

-- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

How can one guide his or her heart from thinking evil?

Pay very close attention to what you think, and correct it before you open your pie hole.

Do smart people not know anything but understand?

That’s a pretty good description. I know very little, but I understand more than most. I suppose that would mean most other people are either dumber than a sack of rocks or more intelligent than they are smart? I watch out for people that are both intelligent and smart. I carry concealed protection if people claim to be intelligent and smart, but are really a sack of rocks. I find this dangerous.

What unusual skills can be useful to you at the right time?

Firing a semi-automatic long gun, for effect.

Do smart people not know anything?

Smart people can balance a checkbook and chew gum and walk at the same time. More than enough if you know intelligent people who live paycheck to paycheck because they stare at check registers like a pig stares at a wristwatch, and they find chewing gum “quaint” because they’re one of the “walking challenged” of society. I live happily considering myself to be smart.

 What does being an enemy of the people mean?

Charles Milles Manson.

“The most dangerous enemy of the truth and freedom amongst us is the compact majority”

-- Henrik Ibsen

What do you call someone who has a way with words?

A smartass.

Who gets paid for doing good deeds?

If they get paid for doing good deeds, the deeds are not selfless. You shouldn’t get paid for doing the right thing in helping others. Their job is to help others, it’s what they get paid for. If they don’t get paid, would they find another job?

What are the effects of being too confident and intelligent?

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Watch out for failure.

Why am I starting to do random good deeds for people out of nowhere? I don't think about it nor try to brag about it I just do it.

Don’t worry about the “why” of it, just keep it up and do more of it. We need more selfless people in the world. God bless you!

What are the consequences of not listening to your boss?

Job hunting.

"First things first, a word of caution: In the vast majority of cases, it’s in your best interest to listen to your boss. Even if you disagree or think things could be done in a better, more efficient way, the respectful and professional thing to do is to heed your boss’ advice and follow his or her orders."

-- When Not to Listen to Your Boss

Why is the American work ethic unhealthy?

What “American” work ethic? For the most part, that ship sailed years ago. To your point, whatever it is we do have, is unhealthy or, at the very least, not conducive to attaining goals.

How can I stand up for myself when employees of a store are being rude to me?

What would be the point of standing up for yourself if they were being kind to you? Ignore them. They’re being rude because they suffer from their own shortcomings. They hide behind this facade of rudeness without realizing they’re throwing stones at their own glass house. They are sad little people, Better to feel sadness for them. You stand up for yourself simply by understanding they are the ones with issues. The next person who is rude to you, I would smile and tell them, “If you’d like to talk, I’m always a good listener.”

Or, you can take the “in your face” tact, but you have to use your “stadium” voice, “Who in God’s name do you think you are being rude to me, you little shit? Come closer so I can punch you in the head and adjust your attitude, or… you can go get me a manager. Your choice, butt-munch.”

What does it mean when someone says "what do you mean by that?"

Explain what you mean by what you just said. 

Do smart people not know anything but imagine?

Smart people are idea people, it’s up to intelligent people (and a steering committee) to bring the idea to fruition. If you’re smart and intelligent, you come up with the idea and also bring the idea to fruition.

Why is determining the personality traits of people (The Five Factor Model) important in the field of psychology?

It helps to explain a person’s behavior unless they’re undercover and trying to be someone else, in which case the model falls apart. The psychologist might have a handle on who you are trying to be, but they might have no clue who you really are unless you slip us a few times or the psychologist is really that good. 

“Is evil something you are? Or is it something you do?”

-- Bret Easton Ellis

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