Questioning Truth, Fear, Snot, and Honor

“The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor.”

-- George Bernard Shaw

Should something be true because it will hurt the feelings of some people if it is false?

If it hurts their feelings it doesn’t make it any less false. Some people ally need to learn how to deal with reality.

My new neighbors have been outside shouting at each other the entire day without stopping, and this has occurred for the past few days before this. Would it be rude of me to walk over and ask them to be quiet?

If you don’t live in New York, call the police. They’re breaking a noise ordinance and it’s domestic violence. Tell the police you’re concerned someone is going to get hurt.

Is 21 too late to fix your life? I'm so lost.

No, 21 is the start of screwing up your life. Go with the flow, it happens to most of us. You usually have a handle on it by the time you’re 30. If you really want to screw up, get married before you’re 30. You’ll wish you were lost.

What does it mean when someone points to their head when talking to me? Are they telling me they are crazy?

Ask them. Why are you pointing to your head? Are the “voices” talking to you… again?

Why are there many people thinking that I have problems? Is it because they want to solve it?

Are you admitting that you have problems for them to solve? Sound like they might have the lion’s share for themselves. If you’re okay with life, ignore them.

“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.”

-- Bertrand Russell

Are you afraid of or disincentivized from changing your mind?

Nope. I change my mind all the time. The only true constant in the universe - is change.

Is there anything wrong with me going on walks and smiling to myself?

I smile at myself all the time. I also talk to myself. It helps me think out problems. It’s that second voice that causes issues.

What is the relationship between the desire to stand out and the desire to fit in? Do some people have one more than another? If so, why? Do people have both but in different situations? Again, if so, why?

Being humble, I have no desire to stand out. I’ve never found it a chore to fit in, and if I did, I’m obviously with the wrong crowd. I can see how certain people might care about both in different situations, though. Ego is a terrible thing.

I am going to a festival with my friends at the end of the month. What are some things I should know before I go?

Don’t go anywhere alone, especially in restrooms. Monitor your drinking. Don’t leave with a stranger.

What is the difference between honesty and kindness?

Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave it to the poor. He was dishonest because he stole, and, yet, he was also kind as he gave what he stole to those in need. The honest have the right to work their ass off and give some of what they earn to those in need.

"Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway."

-- Kent M. Keith

Should you care if people judge you for things that are none of their business such as things in your personal life? How should you react to them?

Their judgment says more about them than me. I ignore the purposely ignorant. Oh, damn… a judgment.

Can I let my snot run down my face in public?

Of course, you can. It’s nasty and no one will want to touch you or interact with your snotty self, but it is your right to let your snot flow. It is also your right to run naked through the streets. It is against the laws of most cities, but it is your God-given right to exercise your free choice. It is also law enforcement's right to arrest you for doing it. Snot running down your face, however, is simply uncouth and may be a sign of mental illness. But, what the hell, just don’t try to kiss anyone.

Why do some people overcome depression & betrayal, while others don't? What is the factor that makes the difference?

Understanding.

Why do we pity the poor but turn around and mock the naturally slow (stupid if you will)?

You do? I pity both, but the poor are there for lack of trying. The “naturally slow” can try, but it is a “slow” road to immediately attain speed.

What are the attributes that contribute to integrity?

I could go into a long and boring dissertation, but this sums it up:

“Integrity, said author C.S. Lewis, “is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” Integrity is a foundational moral virtue, and the bedrock upon which good character is built.

Acting with integrity means understanding, accepting, and choosing to live in accordance with one’s principles, which will include honesty, fairness, and decency. A person of integrity will consistently demonstrate good character by being free of corruption and hypocrisy.

Integrity is revealed when people act virtuously regardless of circumstance or consequences. This often requires moral courage. Indeed, integrity is the critical connection between ethics and moral action.”

-- Integrity - Ethics Unwrapped

Do argumentative people bother you?

Yes! I prefer to discuss things, but the League of the Perpetually Offended won’t hear of it. They insist on an argument they can’t win, and they don’t care how it makes them look. I ignore them as I can.

How did you transform yourself from coward to courageous?

I almost beat a kid to death, with a tree limb, in high school.

How should I deal with my friend? Please read my answer for details.

It is what it is until it isn’t, and it isn't going to be any time soon. She is on her own path, and she wants nothing to do with any other path. For me, I think she harbors a wish for death that she can’t vocalize to anyone, including herself.

What can you do? Nothing.

You have tried, again and again, and been rebuffed. What will be, will be, but you have a life to live, so live it. If she wants to change she will seek out advice to that end. As it stands, she doesn’t really seem to care. Be her forend, but don’t let her suck you down ing to her pit of despair. Strive to be happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances and despite those around you.

Am I being manipulated by anybody or anything?

Is there a reason you ask this question? We know nothing about you, but you must have asked the question for a reason.

“There are those whose primary ability is to spin wheels of manipulation. It is their second skin and without these spinning wheels, they simply do not know how to function. They are like toys on wheels of manipulation and control. If you remove one of the wheels, they'll never be able to feel secure, be whole.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

How do you connect your ideas and thoughts? (Let's say, you want to act like a cool, genius, or kind person, or a TV character. But when you are suddenly put in a situation and you need to react fast, but, you also keep that in mind.)

It takes practice and a mindset. Actors can slip in and out of different characters, and different roles, but they have to practice, and be very good at what they do. The more roles they have the easier it becomes for them. This ability is especially important for undercover agents in law enforcement and the intelligence service who also have to learn to slip in and out of character, or they might be killed.

Is being “woke” just another label for practicing self-righteous narcissism?

Bingo! I think we might have a winner! All you have to do is add to that a charter membership in the League of the Perpetually Offended.

What are some of the main psychological differences between someone born into a rich family and someone born into poverty?

Stress and confusion, come to mind. There is stress in being poor, and confusion about how to get on top of it with little money and questionable education. Ego comes into play, as well, I am sure. The “haves” and “have nots” of status. All of this is probably multiplied if there is family to consider. The rich, on the other hand, have things pretty well laid out; schools, sports, tutors, money, etc., are at the ready. Ego comes into play, as well, I’m sure. The “haves” and “have nots” of status.

What is an example of honor that surprises people to this day?

I find that exercising a “personal code of moral ethics” surprises more people than I would have thought. It would seem the use of ethical conduct, i.e., honor, is situational for many.

I don't know what's going on with anything. What do I do?

You’re “situationally ignorant” in the moment. Been there and done this, more than once. What do you do when you find yourself ignorant? Ask questions. Ask as many questions as it takes for you to be knowledgeable of everything you need to be. There are no stupid questions, save those asked more than once, but there are plenty of stupid answers. Ask questions of people who know will give you good answers.

“A prerequisite to progress on the path is to realize that you are ignorant.”

-- Sheng Yen

 

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