Questioning Trolls, Life, Respect, Tricks, and Validity

 

"Faith is, by definition, a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Atheists and theists believe in two contrary outcomes. Neither of them has the proof to back up their claim, yet they go at each other as if they do. The outcome will make itself clear at the end. One will be right and the other will be wrong. I choose to pad my bet."

-- F.A. Villari

Why are humans eligible for punishment if they don't believe in Allah when all they do is what they have learned/got from the environment/genes (including their behavior, personality, decision-making, and knowledge)?

What we do here in life is, if nothing else, punishable by our own honesty when we cross over. We have no choice but to be totally honest with ourselves. Things you may have forgotten will rise up from that forgotten file in the dungeon of your mind.

However you want to define the omnipotent power in the universe, it is really all the same. Allah, God, the Great Spirit, etc., are all names for the same power. That power gave us everything we need to exist and learn on every plane of existence, and when we pass over, between lives, we also have to come face-to-face with everything we did wrong. It is a part of the learning process, and we have no choice, at that time, to ignore it and to own it.

Atheists and theists will find their truth when the final bell tolls. They will have no choice but to accept the truth, either way. Is “God” as defined by organized religion? Some would hope so. For myself, I see God as the omnipotent power in the universe. The energy that created everything, and holds everything together. A “being” to be worshipped? Maybe not, but certainly a power to be thankful for the life, the order, the chaos, the yin, and the yang, and so much more, that it gave to everything.

I am not a troll, I am an imaginary being, who is a comedian and entertainer, do you understand?

You have issues. Welcome to humanity.

Why do we call ourselves names? How does this behavior affect our self-image and how we look at others?

“HEY, YOU!” We all turn around to look and see if we know the person yelling. If we recognize them, they might be yelling at us, but we really don’t know unless they call us by a name we recognize or they look directly at us. 

A name is just a name unless you are named for a specific reason, then it carries more significance. I was named Frank Anthony, after a relative I never met.  I’ve never gone by Frank, and they shortened Anthony to Tony for whatever reason. Personally, I see “Frank” as something one eats at a ballpark, so I was happy they chose to call me Tony.

But, I also fall victim to “HEY, YOU!” and turn to see if someone is calling me. I am, after all, very popular, albeit deaf. You would think more people would know my name. Just saying.

I find it interesting that so many people turn when someone yells, "HEY, ASSHOLE!"

Author's comment:  I mean degrading names, such as “I'm such an idiot!” Or, “Wow, I'm a dork!”

My reply:  Ah! Context. I knew I was missing something you forgot. 

Is meeting expectation a need?

If your need is to keep your job, like your employer expects, yes. 

How can you win by being evil?

You will win at the cost of your eternal soul. Being evil is only a benefit until karma comes to collect your soul. Hell on earth is when you find yourself right back in this life because you didn't learn the lesson life set before you. Better you win by being good so you can move on.

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

******************************

Note to my readers:  I reposted the following question so you can read the author's comment. 

What did you lose when you were wrongly accused of something that you never did?

My 25 years of marriage. Word to the wise: One needs to be wary of the person who pitches the loudest fit.

Author's comment: He professes he has changed but it still feels like “lifeless intimacy". That's ALL you will get is “lifeless intimacy.” Love a rock instead. You'll get more out of it. At least you know what you'll be getting out of the rock, hardness, or you can go the other way and continue to try endless conversations that will go nowhere.  You will be hurting and will hurt more, be frustrated with no resolution in sight. Another night lost to the cold disregard. What do I get every evening on the porch and in the bedroom… talk talk talk talk talk. It could be about yarn and knitting? 

Where's the intimacy? It left out the window with the deception in his life somewhere right back where we were. That's how I see life with the narcissist you'll never get anywhere never grow you will do a 360 and end up right in the spot where you began with the same problems, and frustration. They will find another way to deceive you so they can, and will, give their love to somebody else again. Run! 

I'm in a constant state of disarray, never knowing which version of my husband is going to walk in the door at the end of the day. I never feel safe simply being me. One of the reasons why I am so confused, right now, is that I thought I had married the perfect man. He was everything I’d ever wanted in a man and, in the beginning, he presented himself as my biggest fan and supporter. He was charming, loving, passionate, and attentive to my every need, both emotional and physical. Until he wasn’t.

A side of him popped up every so often that threw me off balance, he started to cheat, he was so protective of his phone.  Yesterday I got in contact with a hacker here who helped cloned his phone and gave me access to his text messages and social media without touching his phone, I wanted to be sure if my suspicion was right or wrong.  I still can't believe what I saw today.  He's cheating with several women. I've made up my mind not to be with him anymore because this is the height of it all, I'm sure so many women are in a similar situation and you deserve to know if you're being cheated on.

My reply: I ended my marriage about 20 years ago. You sound like the female version of me. Glad you’re ending it before you waste the bulk of your life like I did.

What is the funny part of our life?

If you look at life the right way, all of it is humorous, because most of it that we think isn’t humorous is usually our own fault. I have found that laughing at my own stupidity, my mistakes, and failures, allows me to critique why I went wrong, correct it if possible, and move on down the road ready if the issue comes up again. It keeps me busy... and laughing. 

Are there any factors that cause someone to become out of touch with the world, its expectations, and its lifestyles?

A psychotic break.

Why do I, irrationally, agree with everything others say, even if I disagree with them? I feel like my mind is forcing me to agree with others. If I have a fact, I'm more likely to, automatically, disbelieve it, because someone just said otherwise.

Oh, you are so easy. Is being this “easy” okay with you? If not, then stop being so damned easy! The Jews walked into the “showers” at Aushwitz like lambs to the slaughter, even when they knew they were going to their death. Don’t be “easy” for anybody to convince. Question everything!  And, if you feel you are right, fight back.

I can't make decisions and people's words affect my decisions. What should I do?

I just answered a question very similar to this one. I think the answer still fits:

“Oh, you are so easy. Is being this “easy” okay with you? If not, then stop being so damned easy! The Jews walked into the “showers” at Aushwitz like lambs to the slaughter, even when they knew they were going to their death. Don’t be “easy” for anybody to convince. Question everything! And, if you feel you are right, fight back.”

“The psychological fact of suggestion is that if statements are made again and again in a confident manner, without argument or proof, then their hearers will tend to believe them quite independently of their soundness and of the presence or absence of evidence for their truth.”

-- Robert H. Thouless

What type of thinking is needed to analyze other people and how to be open and access others, of course when they want to?

Analyzing people is tantamount to judging them. I endeavored to stop analyzing when I retired from the intelligence field. The only way I found to try and explore someone is to put yourself in their shoes. You can make suppositions of what a rebel commander might do, but if you put yourself in their shoes, with their concerns, and their desire to win, the possibility of being right about them magnifies exponentially. Getting to know people is the best way to analyze them.

Being “open” is a choice you must make to let people see the real you and be accessible. If you’re accessible. other people might open themselves up and be accessible, as well.

Trying to stop analyzing, after 23 years, is a constant struggle. “Opening up” so people can see the "real" you is just as difficult for those in a field where you can’t discuss anything of substance except your belly lint.

Why can't parents respect us like we are supposed to respect them?

They get what they give, as do you. Better you should have this discussion with them, and let them know your concerns. 

What is a good way to become incredibly funny?

It is difficult to really become an artist. It is a natural gift if you can become a fantastic artist. If you have the “gift” you need to develop a fantastic “interactive” sense of humor. I think most comedians become funny because they are naturally funny, to begin with. They simply bring their humor to the forefront. If people think you already have a great sense of humor, you might be a natural. Robin Williams was incredibly funny.

How do I learn from the people I admire?

Watch what they do. Listen to what they say. Read what they write. Do all of this with a critical mind. We learn by using our senses to great effect.

Would it be fair to say that no matter what someone tries to do, if they live long enough they'll always be seen as a villain in someone else’s eyes?

Only if the person judging the “saint” is covering up for their own inadequacies. No one is perfect. Not even Jesus was perfect 24/7/365. But, there are those who make the least infraction, the least “molehill,” into a mountain of negativity. Again, usually to make themselves look so much better than they really are.

“Heroic ambition seemed to have been the cause of much of the world's pain then - quite like it is now. No villain ever saw himself a villain: he only saw himself a hero; and this goes just as no hero ever saw himself a hero: he simply did what he had to do. No true hero initially sets out with intentions of being deemed a hero.”

-- Criss Jami

Can questions truly be trick questions if we all have the ability to craft an intelligent answer?

They‘re still trick questions, you’ve just thought beyond the “trick” of it. Trick questions are there for the express purpose of seeing if you not only “have the ability to craft an intelligent answer,” but also come up with the correct answer. Just a note: If you come up with an “intelligent” answer that is wrong, you’re still wrong, so how intelligent was the answer? 

There is a person who says he doesn't swing in a fight. Does that mean he's weak?

It might mean they’re a pacifist that, if they wanted to, could snap your neck. A twig, falling from a great height, can do measurable damage if it hits properly.

Did you become a successful person by doing something you didn’t want to do? How did you motivate yourself to do it every time?

I became a successful person by doing something I didn’t know was good for me. I made the conscious choice to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. I motivate myself to do it always because, as with life, the alternative simply sucks. 

What can you do if you live with a relative who is always in competition and no matter what you do, they want to be on top even if they do sneaky stuff aiming towards you?

Don’t “compete” against them. Live your life, be as good as you can, and ignore them.

If you're heavily respected (famous) in a field, can you talk to anyone you'd like?

Only if they want to talk to me. If I wrongly think they will, simply because I’m famous, they should refuse the meeting until I came to them, hat in hand, asking for an appointment. Ego is a horrible thing that makes one think they’re all that they really aren’t. Humility is much more productive for interpersonal communication.

“So you want to be famous? You want to inspire large groups of people? You want to be recognized and appreciated by thousands or even millions? Stop trying to do it by speaking to the masses. Do it by speaking to individuals. If what you have is truly amazing and unique and worth sharing, individuals will share it. It is always about the individual, no matter how big you get. Remember that.”

-- Dan Pearce

How do I remove stupidity?

Unfortunately, the government is a necessary evil that people vote into power. Which “stupidity” do you wish to focus on?

How can I prove to my family that I can do anything that is impossible, like success in something that counts as impossible?

Success is simply choosing to be truly happy in life always and in all things. What you seek to do is attain a goal that people think is impossible. Just a thought to chew on: Being truly happy in life always and in all things is, pretty much seen as impossible for most people. Almost no one is truly happy always, even if they try.

What do people mean when they say "you are valid"?

They are judging you, and since you probably didn’t ask them to, you have the right to ignore the comment or inform them that their own validity is in serious question.

My mom and stepdad always say that people nowadays and “My Generation” are too soft and that it’s okay to hit or punch me. Why do they say this? Why do they think it’s okay to do this to me?

They want you to learn the lesson they are teaching. Personally, I would probably learn faster than you and hit and punch them back while advising them to stop before you totally lose control and can’t hold back. The downside of this is getting the crap kicked out of you by your mom and her new significant other who probably has no reason to hold back.

There’s an old adage: “Don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.” It really doesn’t mean using a knife or a gun, but it does mean being prepared to escalate the encounter if need be. But, so much more important than violence on top of violence, is being prepared to talk to them about what they’re doing, that it’s wrong, tantamount to child abuse, and that they can stop because you understand about not being soft, and really don’t want someone to get hurt if they continue down this road.

What is your best quote on seeking respect and admiration?

“Make improvements, not excuses. Seek respect, not attention.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

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

  

Questioning Words, Virtue, Norms, Trust, and Liars

 

“When a child first catches adults out -- when it first walks into his grave little head that adults do not always have divine intelligence, that their judgments are not always wise, their thinking true, their sentences just -- his world falls into panic desolation. The gods are fallen and all safety gone. And there is one sure thing about the fall of gods: they do not fall a little; they crash and shatter or sink deeply into green muck. It is a tedious job to build them up again; they never quite shine. And the child's world is never quite whole again. It is an aching kind of growing.”

-- John Steinbeck

Do you agree that teenager should never have been invented since it's caused trauma over the 12/13 division for cutoffs for the age of being exempt from legal responsibility? Drawing the line at 12 instead of 13 doesn't cut it, so why not 11yrs/364d?

“Teenager” is a word. It is only a word. If we choose to change the cutoff for legal responsibility, so be it, but let’s not lay this rap on a simple word. All the word did was make the choice easier for someone too lazy to make it harder to remember. Uninventing a word is like reinventing history, or unseeing what you just saw. Some people in our society think it is appropriate to charge history, to unsee what has been seen. There are words for them, as well.

If we feel the need to redefine when responsibility comes into play, let's look at 18.  We can die for our country, we can vote for a President, we can get married, and we can pay taxes, but we can't handle drinking alcohol until we turn 21.

Do we sometimes not like to brag about ourselves because it's overbearing?

We brag about ourselves because we like to think we’re more than we really are. “Bragging” kind of bears this out. 

What is respect according to you?

When I feel a deep regard or admiration for someone because of what they’ve achieved and/or who they are as a person. I also tend to respect a position due to what it takes to hold it. More times than not, in business, I tend to respect the position more than the person holding it, because the person holding down the position is usually an egotistical ass. 

What was the moment you realized the seemingly normal person you thought you were dealing with was anything but?

When I took a position with military intelligence. Deviancy was not normal but was an accepted attribute. Who knew? 

Author comment: I really wish you could elaborate on that.

My reply: So do I, but, unfortunately, what we do in the shadows, stays in the shadows. Sorry, Doll.

Spot quiz: If you could save many allied lives by threatening to peel an enemy’s face off with a plastic butter knife to access needed information, would you do it? 

This is very extreme, but you, hopefully, get the point. 

How does my words affect my greatness?

“How do my words affect my greatness?” This is the appropriate grammar. Not using correct grammar, especially when we have a “grammar check” app, might affect your greatness because you don’t pay attention to minutia. If you ignore minutia, what else are you willing to ignore, and how important does it have to be in order for you to pay attention?

“It is very useful when one is young, to learn the difference between "literally" and "figuratively." If something happens literally, it actually happens; if something happens figuratively, it feels like it is happening.

If you are literally jumping for joy, for instance, it means you are leaping in the air because you are very happy. If you are figuratively jumping for joy, it means you are so happy that you could jump for joy, but are saving your energy for other matters.”

-- Lemony Snicket

If being blunt and honest is a virtue, why don’t our politicians, management, and monarchs who are leaders that manage our nations' resources and wealth exhibit blunt honesty?

Politics. Honesty and virtue escape them.

Why do people subject themselves to societal norms and traditions rather than finding their own path?

Societal norms and traditions are the basis for their “rule of law” which, even following your own path, you would be smart to recognize. If your path runs contrary to the “rule of law” you would be well served to find a country that has none, and good luck with that.

Can you admire someone or something that would dehumanize you?

Not on a bet.

If you want to call me a Troll then do it now and then no one ever again may call me a Troll or stupid?

Actually, my free will allows me to repeat myself as many times as I require, and then some. However, I am not one to call people trolls or stupid so, assuming you aren’t with the League of the Perpetually Offended, you are safe.

What is the same thing about acting freely and morally?

If you’re acting “freely” you can be acting morally or immorally. It is your “free” choice. If you’re acting “freely” you can act any way you choose.

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”

-- Coco Chanel

What does the state of consciousness look like in a human if he, she, or they are told they are back to their normal consciousness?

Their “normal consciousness” is a state of consciousness. If you look at them and they aren’t in a coma, they are conscious. Is this another trick question?

How nice are you? (Quiz)

I am sickeningly nice. It’s all I can do not to go home with every woman I meet. Just saying.

If you have a problem (however, you want to define the word problem that is up to you) The problem is now indomitable? What do you do? Do you stop? Do you continue? Do you pause and at some time start again? Do you pass it on to someone else?

Well, you have already defined “problem” by making it “indomitable.” This definition pretty much screws the person by making the problem impossible to subdue or defeat. So, it doesn’t matter what you choose to do, the problem will still be there. Personally, I’d shake my head and go have a bourbon. There’s nothing to do about it.

Why should I care?

About what?

Is it common to be bitter, cynical, critical, and miserable when you have no money?

Only if money is your goal. Try striving to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It takes so much less effort than being bitter, cynical, critical, and miserable, and you might find that you have some money, as well.

“I have noticed there are far more destitute people begging for money on street corners in the USA than in the past and they are younger.”

-- Steven Magee

My psychologist thinks I have depression, but I don't have a problem eating or sleeping. Is that possible?

If I were depressed, I’d be eating like there’s no tomorrow, especially ice cream, and eating would make me want to sleep. Just saying.

Should you still associate with people you don’t trust?

Only if you can watch them the entire time, I’d find new people to associate with.

Have bad/mean people continuously wasted their time trying to make you suffer for disagreeing with them?

Yes. I have gone out of my way (only a step) to make myself a waste of their time by not giving a shit about their opinion. Their ability to persevere, in the face of someone who cares less, needs work they seem too lazy to initiate. 

Does complaining work?

Depends on your goal.

Can you be kind, compassionate, and respectful to someone without becoming his/her friend this way? What's the difference?

Meet a complete stranger that is in need of kindness, compassion, and respect. You can give them all of this selflessly, which means you have no expectations for friendship because you are simply doing what is right.  

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”

-- C.S. Lewis

Why do people claim you have said something when you have not said what is being claimed?

They are liars, probably trying to shift blame for something onto me. The fact they are involved in gossip says volumes about the kind of people they are. People who know me can immediately confirm their claim as a lie or o truth because, well, I have no filter. Having no filter means I speak my mind, you know, the open book.

What are some general effects of an obsession (video games, studying, sports, love, etc.)?

Unsolicited touching.

Is it healthy if we feel grateful for everything we have and enjoy our life even in a less luxurious lifestyle?

Very healthy. Never feel like you shouldn’t be grateful, or that you shouldn’t enjoy your life. Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Don’t allow another person to drag you down into their pit simply because they've made the choice to be miserable. 

How do we fix politics?

Only if we can fix broken politicians. The French used a guillotine. It seemed to do the trick.

What should we do When we do good and in return, people give us evil When we trust people and, in return, they break the trust, A lot of my friends hurt me so much that I tried to recover through positive quotes but still it hurts at night?

What they do does not reflect on you unless you allow it to. Continue to do good in the face of evil. This is the true test of selflessness. By the way, these “friends” you mention, would not be hurting you if they were really your friends. I’d be looking for new friends with more supportive attitudes.

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”

-- Bob Marley

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

 

Questioning Love, Ratings, Projection, Lies, and Security

 

“Perhaps we shall learn, as we pass through this age, that the 'other self' is more powerful than the physical self we see when we look into a mirror.”

-- Napoleon Hill.

How do I love myself? What's the meaning of loving myself?

Oh, I so wanted to answer this another way, but it was a bit “off-color.” The meaning of loving yourself is the same meaning of loving others. What makes you fall in love with someone? The same applies to you. If you love everything you are… Ta-da! If there is something you don’t like about yourself, change it. Looking at the whole picture of me, I think I love that the most of myself, and this is a good thing. Even when we find someone we really love, they might have some oddities we are willing to overlook.

Why do some politicians resent being asked pertinent questions that make them think?

Politicians and thinking. Think about it.

Why are all my thoughts, feelings, fantasies, and emotions not 100% clear especially to me, and how can I express all of my thoughts, feelings, fantasies, and emotions 100% clearly?

I’m not certain expressing everything clearly is the best idea, especially when it comes to fantasies. thoughts, and feelings. I know that mine would be the topic of conversation, in my own circle, for some years to come. As much as I think my own is 100% clear, I can state without hesitation that the “exotic” flavor is probably the only clear aspect.

I took a class in college psychology called “The Psychology of Deviant Behavior.” Let me just say, I passed with flying colors and rarely cracked the book. It is best, at times, to leave some things a mystery, even to yourself.

When was a time someone faced harsh judgment or consequences, but they were actually right about something?

I’m opening myself up to ridicule by the League of the Perpetually Offended, but… this would be the entire last Presidency as perpetuated by the liberal hacks in Congress.

What is the psychology behind gang stalkers?

That’s a difficult concept to get behind. “Stalking” is to pursue something stealthily. Hard to use stealth when in a gang. However, I can see how it would be very useful in harassment and intimidation tactics. The only problem I see in this is that there is no honor among thieves, so the larger the gang involved, the more apt some milk toast is going to be beaten down by the police and forced to rat out their gang. I think that stalking, in its purest form, is meant to be a solitary “pursuit” of a target.

“I think the very word stalking implies that you're not supposed to like it. Otherwise, it would be called 'fluffy harmless observation time'.”

-- Molly Harper

How can I stop mooching off my parents? I'm 25 years of age and I need to be more independent.

Move out, get a job, and work on a bit of self-respect. Just saying.

How can you tell if something is wrong with you?

Easily. I always assume something is wrong with me, if not physically, then mentally. No one is truly happy with their life, but I seem to always be, even when it’s a bitch. It is what it is, so revel in it.

If a person is overrated by no fault of their own how do they change people's perception of them and do you agree it's a necessity for everybody to respect you because it shows people you are a high-value person?

I think this would depend on the true humility possessed by the person being overrated. If they are humble, they might express that the rating is appreciated, but that they are simply doing the job. For these few humble, but very capable people, a pat on the back and being told they did a good job is more valuable than all the accolades others might want to heap upon them.

How can one put themselves in someone else's league when that other person is better than them at almost everything?

They can’t, and if they think they can, they won’t. They are delusional. They have their own “league” they should pay attention to being better than.

What is the main purpose of them/society needing to control one’s mind?

You’ve answered your own question - control. Control means you have no real freedom of thought. You do what society tells you to do, even if you don’t know they’re pulling your strings. Socialism is based on this concept, and many weak-minded people buy into it. I would advise reading the works of George Orwell (1984), and Aldous Huxley (Brave New World). or Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451), for a clearer picture of control.

“The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. ...We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society. ...In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons...who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.”

-- Edward Bernays

How can I get a strong, clear, and powerful voice for speaking?

As a public speaker for almost 23 years in the military, I went to each venue and projected my voice so the person in the back of the room could easily hear me. In short order, I was able to gauge the projection of my voice without someone in the back of the room.

Another tactic was to simply ask if everyone in the back of the room can hear you, then adjust your volume so they can. I also would pretend I was James Earl Jones and recite Shakespeare, projecting in his booming voice. For a guy with an average build and a timid voice, this took many people aback. My timid voice soon was replaced by typically Sicilian bravado - loud.

How do you stop obeying?

Grow a courageous pair of steel balls, and just say no.

Have many people felt tired of you for asking too much about the topics that you want to know much about?

Two, my mom and dad. I wanted to know more about UFOs and Sasquatch. I was 12 years old when I ended up contacting government agencies and asking them for the information. At the age of 13, I had a complete set of the Project Blue Book study and maps full of tacks where UFOs and sasquatch had been reported in the United States

I’ve never seen such a high degree of paranoia in today’s society, where just walking in a park today solicits strange stereotyping behavior. What do you feel is the cause?

A serious lack of law enforcement.

How do I get rid of resentment and bitterness towards nature for giving me life?

Nature didn’t give you life. Your mother and father had a larger hand in the process. Nature simply made the most of their "wet" work. If you need to resent someone for giving you the chance to make the most of life, then resent your parents for not using birth control. 

Personally, I’d learn to piss off the world by choosing to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances, and go about working toward bettering the circumstances with a smile plastered across my face. But, that’s just me, Mr. Happy. Any day on this side of the dirt is a good day, so make the most of it. The alternative simply sucks.

“As smoking is to the lungs, so is resentment to the soul; even one puff is bad for you.”

-- Elizabeth Gilbert

Why do people who are a little bit right act as if they are all the way right? Have they not had good enough practice opponents to challenge them and inform them of their errors, or have they just planned it to debate only less knowledgeable people?

People who are a “little bit right” are operating without the entire knowledge to be a whole lot right. They are, in fact, the “less knowledgeable people” you mention. The people they debate with will be without any knowledge of the subject and have absolutely no reason to be in a debate with people who are a “little bit right.”

Can two lies make something true?

No, but it can make something significantly less true. You initially have to wade through one lie, but now you have to fight your way through two.

When you disagree with people who always think they know best, should you discuss it with them or just ignore it because they're narrow-minded anyway?

Never assume your disagreement is “all that” simply because they are know-it-alls. They might, for once, be right, and you’ll be the schmo thinking they know best. Better you should discuss the options they put forth, and they might just learn to do the same.

Do people think before they speak or do they just say whatever comes to mind?

First, we have to agree on whether “think” is shallow or deep. “Whatever comes to mind” would be evidence of shallow thinking.

Why do people think you'd be happier outside of India?

One needs to travel outside of India, and experience a multitude of reasons for themselves. Words cannot paint a complete picture. Having said this, there are good and bad everywhere. It is what you make of where you are that makes it a happy home. What other people think is worth the listen, but may not have any bearing on what you choose.

“India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.”

-- Shashi Tharoor

How do you deal with an insecure and arrogant boss?

Be secure when you tell them you don’t appreciate their arrogance. Their insecurity will rise to the occasion.

What inspires you to be more vigilant in enhancing stability throughout your life?

Advancing age. As I get older, I worry about “enhancing stability” in my fixed income for what is left of my life. Thankfully, dad left mom and me fairly well off, so I don’t have to be so concerned about my retirement and social security alone in these tougher times.

Why do people respond to persuasion?

Not all people have such weak personalities. If you’re one of those people who don’t like to be taken advantage of, you listen with a critical ear and respond appropriately.

A quick perception of the feelings of others, and a gracious tenderness for these feelings, are gifts to be coveted and cherished?

As a question, this reads more as a statement, which it should be, as it rings very true.

Can a person be externally arrogant but internally insecure at the same time? If so, how would they act?

Yes. Arrogance can be the external denial of their internal insecurity. Bullies, for example, are usually so much less mature than those people they pick on.

“There are two circumstances that lead to arrogance: one is when you're wrong and you can't face it; the other is when you're right and nobody else can face it.”

-- Criss Jami

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

Your Personal Path (Updated post from 5/15/2016)

 

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, I wondered this when I saw these two similar quotes. The one above would seem to be from a gentler age, like before radical Islamic terrorism, whereas the one below would seem to be more in line with the world of today, especially in third-world countries and areas of conflict.

"No matter how good or bad you think life is, wake up each day and be thankful for life. Someone somewhere else is fighting to survive." 

-- Anonymous

No matter how bad I might think my day is, I always try to remember how great it is to live in a country where I don't have to fight for survival.  In most developed nations, fighting for survival is a choice or a consequence of a choice, we have freely made.  Our destiny is what we make of it.  If we choose to live in poverty, we will remain poor.  If we choose to run with gangs we will be arrested or die.  If we choose to be homeless, we will be homeless.  All the consequences of our lives can be traced back to a decision we freely made that put us where we currently are.  Your misery is of your own making, and you have a choice to remain in misery, remain in misery and shift the blame onto someone else for your stupid decisions, or climb out of your pit of despair and find a meaningful path in life.

Nokuphiwa Phiwe, a new friend in South Africa, follows my posts and shared the anonymous quote, below, on her Facebook page; I feel the sentiment has much meaning:

"I've seen better days, but I've also seen worse.  I don't have everything that I want, but I do have all I need.  I woke up with some aches and pains, but I woke up.  My life may not be perfect, but I am blessed."

If you are working and have everything you need, you are blessed on your path.  However, welfare is not a constructive path.  Welfare, for the great majority, is tantamount to taking the money you haven't earned from those that have, simply because you can... because your government encourages it.  It gives you an excuse not to work and not become a meaningful, productive, member of the society you bilk for a livelihood.  Taking the money you haven't earned is, well... stealing.  Taking money as part of an endless, out-of-control, "leg up" program, and not working toward getting off the program is, well... like stealing, and usury.   For you to accept this program as your definition of "life path" is a waste of the life God gifted you and, unfortunately, not unexpected.   To teach your children that this is all society expects of them is child abuse.  Some folks choose not to understand this which, unfortunately, is also not unexpected.

"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."

-- Buddha

I have had people ask me what they're supposed to do to end this cycle of welfare for themselves when there are no jobs available.  This is where you separate those that seriously want off the merry-go-round from those that look for an excuse to stay on the ride and abuse the system for life.  I tell them to pick up and move where the jobs are.  The answer usually starts out the same, and goes downhill rapidly, "Yeah, but...."  The sure indicator of someone that has no intention of giving up free money provided by others is the much overused, "Yeah, but..."  Reminding these folks of the depression era when fathers left families and found work to send money home, or when the entire family would hit the road and look for work on farms while living in tent cities, would fall on deaf ears.  We don't teach history in this country, and you don't have to wonder why - keep them fed, keep them stupid.  Our personal path is all about making choices and living with the consequences.

"I don't know what my path is yet. I'm just walking on it."

-- Olivia Newton-John

I often talk about the League of the Perpetually Offended.  Perhaps the proper title for folks on perpetual welfare might better be the League of the Perpetually Dissatisfied.  This league is all-inclusive of the intelligent and the ignorant, the dissatisfied and the offended, the entitled, the angry, the antagonistic, belligerent, etc., etc.

A man that attended one of my recent meetings had an unusual approach to life; he was a member of the League of the Perpetually Angry, Tempered by Antagonistic Belligerence; an uncomfortable personality combination for the rest of humanity to cope with, to be sure.

Anger, tempered by antagonistic belligerence, is not a constructive life path.  Nothing perpetually negative is good for the individual, those around them, or society as a whole.  God bless them, these folks are, unfortunately,  seen as the bothersome gnats of society, the "no-see-ums" in life that fill dead air time on our news networks to remind us of their less than useful existence in a world fraught with more important threats than they are offering.  We swat at them to little effect and try desperately to ignore them.

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."

-- Henry David Thoreau

Your personal life path should be constructive.  Your life is fairly insignificant if it isn't constructive.  If you find you must criticize, make it constructive criticism.  If you find inequities, sit down and offer equitable solutions which don't include just disrespecting the other viewpoints.  You have the God-given right to fart; we have the God-given right to ostracize you for it.  If you think the singer on stage can't sing, get up there and show us how it's done, or... shut the hell up and sit your talentless ass down so the rest of us can enjoy the endless parade of life.  Be the moral compass, the voice of reason, and the "go-to" person for the good sense that is so much less than "common" in society today.

“Sometimes God will place a wall on your path to force you to go in another direction.” 

-- Suzy Kassem 

A good personal path should be smooth and free of obstructions.  The rough path we experience is of our own making.  The obstructions we encounter, we ourselves put there.  Our path is all about the choices we make and the consequences we, then, have to deal with.  Better for us to make good choices and let the consequences be the constructive evidence of our passing.

“While you'll feel compelled to charge forward it's often a gentle step back that will reveal to you where you and what you truly seek.”

-- Rasheed Ogunlaru

So, what really is a positive life path, and have we been programmed by society to define our path in societal terms?  Does debt equal happiness? Some may feel being entitled to things they haven't earned is happiness while others may feel being filthy rich can buy that happiness.  The truth is, none of this may have diddly to do with a person's life path.  Your positive life path is what you do with what you have; the positive impact, impression, and effect you have on the lives of others in order to better their lot as well as your own.

Everyone has a path to walk, whether they know it or not.  You may not know what your own path is, yet.  A life path is a journey we take between when we are conceived and when we reach the end of our journey.  Our journey does not end at death, nor does our life path.  Our journey will continue until we reach the final destination.  You may not know what your own path is until you gather enough puzzle pieces and have that "Aha!" moment.  Your path in this life might just be to peacefully gather the pieces so you're prepared for what comes next.  Your path might be just being, which, in itself can be meaningful to those looking for what you don't know you have; what they see in you that you haven't discovered, or are too humble to admit.  Even this humility can be an unknown attribute you bring to your path.  Throughout our lives, we learn, we shape, and we morph, as we search for - something.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson  

God made the universe with only one constant that can be assured - change.  The gift of change is a double-edged sword.  Change can be good or bad depending on the variables.  For each of us, those variables deal mostly with the choices we make and the ensuing consequences.  We can live with the consequences of bad choices or we can choose to step back and try again.  We have been given the ability to learn from our mistakes, refine our skills, up our game, keep trying, and constantly strive for something better.  To sit down and give up, to surrender your pride and your integrity for rewards not earned is a disrespectful waste of God's gift.  I find the notion of disrespecting an omnipotent being a tad arrogant.  For most humans, sadly, arrogance is also not unexpected.

"Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment."

-- Morihei Ueshiba

Perhaps we should all take a step back and look at our personal path.  You may not know what that path is... yet, but you can judge whether the path you are on is constructive or not.  You can determine if the current path is a suitable path to follow, or if you have to make adjustments in order to find happiness. "You are here to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment."  Or, you can always go back to pissing off God.  

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), once wrote, "L'enfer est plein de bonnes volontés ou désirs" (Hell is full of good wishes or desires). But, it is also said, heaven is full of good works!  When do we stop wishing and start doing?

Ensure your path is headed in the right direction, and then... take the first step!

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