Questioning Life, Sex, Debt, Integrity, and History

 

“Have we learned nothing from history? A tyrant only fears overwhelming military force.”

-- Ken Poirot

Are you satisfied with where you’ve ended up in life or would you change your life if you could?

I’m satisfied. My life was overcome by drama beyond my control. Regardless of what change I would wish for, the drama would still occur. It is what it is, and this is fine. I still strive to be happy always and in all things, regardless.

If you wouldn't know any language, how would you think and structure your thoughts?

Pictures. Thank God, we live in a “point and click” world. 

In order to have a good life, must we as humans systematically conceal the fact that life is not good?

So, lying to yourself makes life good? Better to keep negativity from life. In this way, life becomes better for not having to deal with the drama we would, otherwise, invite into our life to muddy it up. What your life is, is what you make of it. If you put a mask on crap, the crap is still there, smelling up the room. You are better served to keep those things, you have no control over, out of your life.

What cult would you have of your own?

The “Cult of Tony” makes a lot of sense. A cult of one, me. If I had more than me, I’d be tempted to dole our spankings.

Is demanding people to do the right thing make you smart?

I’m not sure I’d want to be seen as a “smart” tyrant. All demanding does is alienate people. Better to find a kindler, gentler way to convince people to do what is right. This is how you evidence to people you are smart.

“If the road is easy, it’s probably easy because it’s not a road and you’re not on it.”

― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Is it a natural state to imagine a lot about sex?

I certainly hope so.

Do you enjoy life? Would you not rather just have never existed at all?

Yes. With all the issues, drama, divorce, good and the bad, if I had not existed at all I would probably be put through it all, anyway. Sooner or later we must exist, it is what we do. When you exist you will have to deal with what life throws at you. You can be a coward and sidestep your lessons, but you will have to face them, eventually, so you can move forward. Better for you to put on a brave face and learn to enjoy the ride. It is your life, after all. You have the freedom of thought to pick your path.

What is the proper way to react to applause at work?

“Thank you. Thank you, very much. I’ll be in the area all day for autographs.”

Why did Jesus separate people by race?

Did he? Or, did the writers of biblical scripture say he did? I haven’t read anything written in the hand of Jesus that evidences this supposition.

What is the best way to gain knowledge about life and its values?

Live life to the fullest.

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

-- Albert Einstein

If it wasn't for sex we all wouldn't be here. If there was no sex there would be no life right?

Back in the day, this would be true. We now can breed without interpersonal sexual interaction. If there was no interpersonal insemination of genetic material, (i.e., sex) there would be no life, but there would also be no kinky fun, either. Having a narrow tube inserted into your nether regions misses the point... unless you “get off” on that procedure.

What are some good assumption puns?

To “assume” makes an “ass” out of “u” and “me.”

 What are the effects of sexual immorality?

One would have “wood” in perpetuity. We learned when developing a cure for erectile dysfunction, that prolonged priapism can be fairly painful. One probably wouldn’t wish for a perpetual “woody” in life.  Just saying. 

How do you really know if a person is rich or just in debt?

Frugality is probably a good tell.

Did you do anything for your elderly neighbor?

I have always been one to look after my elderly neighbors. Recently, when the elderly couple across the street had their mailbox fall over on the sidewalk, I told them it was no problem for me to fix it, as I had an extra four-foot length of 4x4 and an extra bag of concrete.

“Age On Purpose. Be intentional in your journey. You define aging. Don't allow aging to define you. It renders helplessness.”

-- Macie P. Smith

What work advice would you give to a greeter?

Smile, be cordial, and be helpful. 

Would you set your life aside for 90 days to help someone in need?

I’m already setting aside my life to assist my aging mother and her dodgy memory. I can’t even take a well-deserved vacation, much less consider helping someone else for 3 months.

What are the 7 places on the website where users wait for your creativity?

That there are actually 7 places to cool your heels while waiting for some numb nuts to be creative, is unbelievable. If people are waiting for my “creativity” they are not being very creative. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but, if they have a question, how about just sending me a message? 

What are the key attributes that combine to produce integrity?

These are a good start: Gracious, respectful, honest, trustworthy, hardworking, responsible, helpful, and patient.

What is an opinion exactly? There's a blurry line regarding what's true. If someone I trust told me something I can't verify to be true, but I believe to be true anyway, is that considered an opinion, even if what they stated is 100% true?

An opinion is simply someone's personal thought on a particular subject. It can be an informed opinion or an opinion lacking any credible information whatsoever. Opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one, and they usually stink.

“You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.”

-- Harlan Ellison

How can I provide self-love and care when I am always in a zombie-like state mentally?

That particular state is the antithesis of self-love and care. So, the first thing you need to do is make the conscious choice to not be a mental zombie. The fact you asked this cogent question is evidence that you are not “always” in this “zombie-like” state. Choose to not be, more often.

What non-monetary compensation can you request for overtime at your work?

Time off.

Why do the majority of people forget all the interesting and creative stuff they had in mind when they were children? Is it because of their busyness or because they don't believe in those ideas anymore?

Yes. We no longer see our invisible friends. We no longer fight the dragons and, for the most part, rescue those in danger. Love, like life, becomes more complicated because, well, we make it so. Our heads are supposed to be screwed on straight, so we let go of notions of fairytales, God, and little green men, to our detriment as freethinkers.

What are some sobering psychological realities about humans?

We are inherently selfish, but we can learn. 

Do people who are fascinated by history have a feeling that people never change?

People fascinated by history know, for a fact, that people, as a whole, always change. If we don’t learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Sooner or later, we learn. We change. Change is the only true constant in the universe.

“The Only Constant in Life Is Change.”

-- Heraclitus

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