Questioning Reason, Evil, Fiction, Humility, and Robots

 

The Three Laws of Robotics:

1: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm;

2: A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law;

3: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law;

The Zeroth Law: A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.

-- Isaac Asimov

What do people mean when they say robots can't think, they calculate?

Actual “thinking” requires the ability to consider the abstract by using emotion. Machines simply consider this or that. People consider this, that, or, perhaps, maybe. People might feel guilt over whether the “maybe” was the right call, especially if things go wrong. If a machine considers “maybe” it would simply be a programmed response, no feeling involved, and it could be catastrophic. But, what the hell. It is just a machine. It calculates, without emotion, and arrives at the programmed response.  I would start worrying when one autonomously says, "I think, therefore, I am."

Who is the most reasonable in an argument?

Usually, the person who is in control of their temper and their voice.

Can a person be too successful for his own good?

Can a person attain too many goals? Not if this is their goal. Can the goal they attain be too good for them? Maybe, but this is for them to decide. As far as success in life is concerned, that is, being truly happy, I don’t think you can be too happy for your own good unless you forget to take care of yourself. 

When doing something you love, is it easier to understand and almost instinctual to solve the problems in that certain subject?

Absolutely.

 Is time the most valuable finite resource that people take for granted without even realizing it most of the time?

The concept of time does not define time as a “finite” resource. Time is infinite. If you take the concept of time for granted in this life, try not to in the next… or, the next.  People that say time is "finite" believe that if no one is here to witness times passing, it must no longer exist.  The fact that the rules for time are a human construct, makes this true.  But what we think of a time will continue, despite our finite definition

“The Universe is very, very big.

It also loves a paradox. For example, it has some extremely strict rules.

Rule number one: Nothing lasts forever.

Not you or your family or your house or your planet or the sun. It is an absolute rule. Therefore when someone says that their love will never die, it means that their love is not real, for everything that is real dies.

Rule number two: Everything lasts forever.”

-- Craig Ferguson

Is it true that one gains magical energy by doing evil things to others, such as human sacrifice?

If this were true, Adolf Hitler would be ruling the world.  But, no, good still rises triumphant.

They say that you should surround yourself with successful people, but what do you do if there are no successful people around you?

There are people who have found success in life, and those who constantly attain their goals. You can surround yourself with people who have found true happiness or those who attain goals. Personally, I’d like to find a group that has done both. But, if I can’t surround myself with goal reachers, then people who have found true happiness, and success in life, will suffice.

Is it true that the more skillful you are, the less likely you are to be ignored and not replaced?

It is a very good reason to think twice about letting them go.

What are some of the greatest sacrifices others made for you to be where you are and who you are today?

My parents sacrificed the time to raise me, but it was up to me, it was my choice, to pay attention and make the most of it. 

What are your goals for the 2nd half of 2022?

Wrest the control of our country from Joe Biden before he completely destroys it. Yeah, it is only one goal, but it reopens the door to freedom and for so many more goals to come.

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

-- Sylvia Plath

Do you ever study fiction for ideas and alternative perspectives for your profession?

Military intelligence spends most of the time in fiction, looking for just that. This is how I imagined the alternate use of a fast-food plastic knife as a motivator.

What have you learned that deserves a lot of upvotes?

Given a chance, just about all women are beautiful in some way. 

How do you compare and contrast the intellectual traits of critical thinkers and uncritical thinkers?

People who don’t think critically are constantly operating on “maybe” as an outcome. Critical thinkers have a better chance of proving “yes” or “no” than arriving at a “maybe.” People who believe and always operate on blind luck aren’t really critical thinkers.

How do you know if you are right or wrong in any situation?

When I attain the goal. Any outcome is a crapshoot until the finish. At the finish, you’ll know, one way or another, whether you were right or not.

What percentage of the stuff that the average person says is true?

80% is my guess. People are usually full of shit unless it’s important, and even then…

“One percent of people will always be honest and never steal," the locksmith said. "Another one percent will always be dishonest and always try to pick your lock and steal your television. And the rest will be honest as long as the conditions are right - but if they are tempted enough, they'll be dishonest too. Locks won't protect you from the thieves, who can get in your house if they really want to. They will only protect you from the mostly honest people who might be tempted to try your door if it had no lock".”

-- Dan Ariely

Why do I start to become arrogant when I do something difficult, like fake self-confidence?

The simple fact that you think you can “fake” self-confidence is, in itself, arrogant. I’d have to assume you don’t “become” it, but that you actually are what you question.

Why does Ja Morant call himself humble when he’s the total opposite?

He’s full of shit?

What is the basic concept of atheists' thinking that makes them not believe in God?

They require concrete proof. Because there is no proof, they have an undying faith that they are right. Theists would like to have proof, as well, but they settle for an undying faith that they are right. Neither one can provide proof, and both rely on their faith that they are right. Personally, I like the thought that, perhaps, there is something greater than us steering the ship. My faith in this gives me hope.

I await the League of the Perpetually Offended.

Is it arrogant to believe in God?

No more than it is not to. Whether you believe in God, or not, you have faith that you are right. Faith, by definition, is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. There is little or no proof that God does, or does not, exist. But, both sides of the discussion have faith they are right.

Again, I await the League of the Perpetually Offended. 

What's the meaning of "try your hardest"?

Do your best.

“Today is all you have. Don't worry about tomorrow. Just do the best you can right now. One day, one moment at a time.”

-- Akiroq Brost

Does continuing education after 60 make sense?

It does if you love learning. As I approach 70 years of age, I have met many retired people who find the social atmosphere of a classroom of kindred spirits quite satisfying. Old and young. learning together, kind of levels the playing field. Kudos to those who continue to love to learn.

How can a person without goals achieve them?

They can’t, or they would have a goal.

Does shouting loudly help in motivating a person?

Only in the military. It is expected, at times, especially when training for combat. Otherwise, all the shouting does is motivate people to hurt the person shouting. It is an aggravating trait. Some people think that if you say it loud enough and long enough it will be accepted as the truth. This may be true for people with weak personalities, but it is so wrong for anyone with a brain capable of thinking for themselves.

How are people who consider themselves smart, thinking of the economy these days?

If they aren’t, are they really that smart? I can see “intelligent” people not really giving the economy the time of day, but “smart” people are endowed with more good sense.

 What are the other ways of saying if fate should step in?

It is what it is.

“It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.”

-- William Ernest Henley

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