Questioning Merit, Ethics, Evil, Desire, and Hope

 

“Getting fired, despite sometimes coming as a surprise and leaving you scrambling to recover, is often a godsend. Most people aren’t lucky enough to get fired and die a slow spiritual death over 30-40 years of tolerating the mediocre.”

-- Timothy Ferriss

Is there a sustainable alternative to meritocracy?

Sustainable excellence. I dealt with sustainable mediocrity for the first eight years of my military career, watching as the Intelligence Division settled for “satisfactory” inspection ratings. 

Oh… “Meritocracy”… Ha! I misread it, silly me. The answer is simpler: No, there isn’t. 

Does job security make people depressed?

Probably, if the job sucks.

Are there terrible people or people who just do terrible things?

People who do terrible things are terrible people. If they weren't terrible people they wouldn’t do terrible things. Don’t let them lull you into complacency by being nice, lest they choose to do something terrible to you.

How is understanding gained?

A mutual open-minded willingness to communicate.

If you want someone’s vote, you must answer that person’s questions. Also if you want someone’s vote on anything, you must answer that person’s questions. Even though I am a hypocrite, people should not have to suffer alongside my wrongdoings.  Yes?

I am also a self-proclaimed hypocrite. But, I also believe you have the right to your own “informed” opinion. If I’m going to open my pie hole and spew unsubstantiated bullshit, I let everyone know it is unsubstantiated bullshit. Like you, I see no reason they should suffer for my “uninformed” opinions. Even if I’m going to be wrong, I try to do right.

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

-- Harlan Ellison

What is the pointless expertise that you have?

I excel at counting yeast cells. Since I have never considered biology as a career choice, becoming an expert “yeast cell counter” in high school biology was pointless.

If you were to add another ethical consideration from what given here, what would it be?

I’m not sure of your context. “What” was given here? If we’re discussing this site and answering questions, I’d have to say, “honesty” should be an important ethical consideration.

Why do many people hide their talents? Do you have a hidden talent you now wish to let us know about?

No, I think I’ll keep that between me and the ladies.

How can I explain how bluntly honest and brutally honest are two different things?

To be bluntly honest is to be short and concise. To be brutally honest is to put it out there no matter how much they may not want to hear it. To be bluntly and brutally honest is to not beat around the bush with your honest opinion. “Yes, a beautiful tune, but dear, you are not a piano player.”

Why would I risk my own life to save the life of a community of people?

Because it is the right thing to do. Or, you can cower in fear. It is a choice each of us must make.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." 

-- John 15:13

How can I learn to think deeply?

Read philosophy, poetry, and quantum theory, and consider what you read. It isn’t enough to read or to hear, you must try to understand. You aren’t entitled to your opinion, you are entitled to your informed opinion. If you truly want to think deeply, keep your mouth closed and your eyes and ears opened.

Why does everyone claim to be creative when all they can do is clone the ideas of others?

Not everyone has a good and moral code of ethics. Not everyone even knows what being ethical is all about.

I asked my boss for a raise, but he said I didn't deserve it. Should I send him my resignation letter?

If you continue to not deserve raises, I’m not sure what changing jobs will accomplish except to have another boss turn you down. How about finding out what is required and rising to the occasion?

Will any good be achieved by evil means?

If any good is being done, it is not the intended consequence, it is more by happenstance. 

How can I avoid a validation trap?

Make certain everything you do or say is valid. The best way to avoid validation is not to lie and to be able to back up what you say with facts. If you make a statement you aren’t certain of, explain that you heard but have not yourself, validated it.

“All bad behavior is really a request for love, attention, or validation.”

-- Kimberly Giles

What are we supposed to appreciate the most about existence?

Life. Any day on this side of the dirt is a good day.

Is cheating on a test an ethical dilemma?

If you have cheated, there is no dilemma. Thinking about cheating, on the other hand, presents a dilemma for those struggling with honesty.

What isn't real, but should be?

Neverending life.

What are some ways to know if your desire is wrong?

Is it unethical? If so, it is probably wrong. For instance, using someone is wrong, unless they want you to use them. Their simple giving of permission makes what would be seen as wrong, right, as long as it breaks no rule of law to the contrary. A good pant-down spanking would be an example of this. Doing it in public would probably be breaking the rule of law, however. 

What are some ways that society enforces norms and standards?

The Rule of Law. 

"You can't expect to have your rights respected if you allow the government to treat whomever it pleases with disrespect and an utter disregard for the rule of law."

-- John W. Whitehead

How do I quickly get wealthy?

Are you of age and sexually promiscuous? The “oldest profession” might fit the bill.

Why would someone keep fighting for a cause when they know it’s hopeless?

No fight is hopeless until it’s lost. Ukraine rebuilt my respect for patriotism. Is all lost? Probably, but to go down fighting sends a message to the rest of the world about evil and combating it. It reminds all of us about faith, hope, and patriotism. What is happening in Ukraine has shaken Europe to its core. Russia is the new Nazi on the block, and they should be ashamed of it.

What does everyone deserve in excess of their human rights?

What they work for.

In your own words, how can a person refuse responsibility for their actions or decisions and justify such refusal?

Have you ever known anyone to get away with this? Everyone knows who is at fault, and their refusal to take responsibility explains the lies they tell trying to justify why they aren’t at fault. Me thinks they protesteth too much. I would love to tell you how they can, but once they start to speak the cat will be out of the bag. Bullshit just doesn’t hold up to scrutiny, as the FBI is about to learn… again.

Is it okay to ask someone to pay you back?

If they owe you and they said they would, absolutely, and do it publicly if they’re late. People need to be held to their word and need to know there are consequences in default.

“What does jealousy indicate? Jealousy is love manifested in the physical world. If you are jealous you have a debt to pay; if someone is jealous of you, he has a debt to pay to you.”

-- Peter Deunov

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