Questioning Submissiveness, Bribery, Compliments, and Ego

“Our world is full of submissive activities. Shopping is submissive. You wander around buying the things the controllers have placed in front of you. Watching TV is submissive. You watch fictional lives rather than live your own life. Playing video games is submissive. You sit there shooting up the world (in virtual reality), while having no impact at all on actual reality. It’s easy to be a virtual hero, hard to be a real one. One involves no work, and the other is as hard as it gets. Video games are an avoidance of the real world. Voting is submissive too – you delegate your authority to one of the puppets of the controllers. Dominants are active, not passive. They DO. They ACT. They MOVE. They CHOOSE. They DECIDE. They are NOT CONTROLLED by the system. They are FREE. So, what are you?”

-- Adam Weishaupt

 

Is there a limit to how much a person should obey?

Is there a limit to the punishment they’ll have to endure if they don’t?

Why are gifted children immature?

There must be balance. You get a little of this, you give back a little of that. I try to remember this when I order a large double-pepperoni pizza.

How do I know if I'm a cynic?

Consider the definition, it’s easier: “Believing that people are motivated by self-interest and/or distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.”

Does this sound like you? If so, you’re a cynic. If not, you’re the other political party.

You're thinking...

How often should I give constructive criticism?

Until people get it right… or, punch you.

They say all anger is rooted in fear. Can you think of a situation where anger exists without underlying fear? What is it?

My anger with my son certainly was not rooted in fear. He simply pissed me off. What they say sounds like an excuse a psychologist might use if he slapped his wife. “Sorry honey. I lost control because I’m afraid of you. No, seriously. You frighten me.”

Doctor, prepare to get your ass kicked by the woman who knows you’re full of shit.

"Fear, anger, and hatred essentially come from a lack of perspective as to what life is all about."

-- Sadhguru

What are the main reasons for bribery?

Greed. The only important one.

Should we celebrate failure the same as parties?

It depends on how you view it, but failure is nothing to get upset about. Failure and mistakes are life's way of providing us opportunities to learn. We learn why we failed or made the mistake. Always remember that it isn’t failure that matters, it’s what we do with the failure that will move us forward or kill the dream.

If it were me, I crinkle my brow, bite my lip, think about why I went wrong, correct it, if possible, and remember what I should have done for when the next opportunity raises its ugly head. Then, I’d go have a bourbon and a nice cigar. Such is life. Celebrate it.

When you’re the boss, what are the best ways to give criticism?

Constructively.

Do people regret working so hard when they get older?

Yes. It takes a toll on your body. I can tell stories about every scar, ache, pain, broken bone, or other maladies I suffer from. I know the reason for all of them, and all of them, but the bone, is work-related. The bone had to do with misspent youth and a motorcycle. My bad. 

Is there such a thing as too much perfection?

There’s no such thing as perfection, so you can’t have too much of it.

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

-- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Why do people always tell me I am "well-spoken" and "eloquent" when in my eyes, I sound different?

You don’t take compliments well. There are times when what we think about ourselves runs contrary to those around us, and we can be so very wrong. When people pay us a heartfelt compliment, it is probably good for us to listen. If you disagree, you might let them know that you don’t see that in yourself. You might ask them why they think so. They will, then, validate why they have stated the compliment.  You need to listen and weigh what they say against what you think you know. Gee, you might be wrong. 

Do some people choose to learn the hard way just out of stubbornness?

Pretty much.

Why do some people view a particular thing or situation differently?

Different backgrounds, different schooling, different cultures, there are so many reasons why we view the same thing differently. We need to be careful when labeling someone for what they say they view when the only valid label might be Italian, Chinese, or American.

Is it possible to be an introvert, be charismatic, and possess great social and people skills?

Probably, but, by the end of this great social moment, they’ll be a thumb-sucking, weeping, nervous wreck.

Do cats know that I am trying to help them?

It takes an animal a lucid moment to put two and two together, but they usually arrive at the answer. Even wild animals, if they can work past the pain, will usually allow someone to help them. I adopted a feral cat that showed up for a meal. We got along pretty well until I did something against his nature and he bit me to the bone. It took me one more incident to get the message, and one more slap to the head for him to understand being was not a solution. Now we have an understanding and he is content with love nibbles which, at times, can get a bit painful, but, now my voice gets the message across, not a slap.

Animals know we’re trying to help, they just need to work passed their nature to allow us the opportunity. They get there, though.

By the way, if you’ve never had an 18-pound cat that can fit your lower arm in its mouth, don’t judge me for the slap. It hurt like hell… twice. Now, he sleeps on my chest. I can’t breathe, but he sleeps on my chest.

“One of the most neglected areas in the philosophy of perception concerns animal senses. It is surprising how many philosophers write about perception in the apparent belief that humans are the only perceivers in the world. Human senses evolved through the natural process as other animal senses, so there is no reason to regard human senses as special, or better than other animal senses.”

-- Rochelle Forrester

How do I become a kind person?

Stop being an unkind person, that would be a good start. Think before you speak; before you open an offensive pie hole. Think before you act; before you do something unkind to others. Basically, try thinking before you do anything.

Wear a bracelet that reminds you to “BE KIND” in large letters. Put it on the hand you use, so you’ll always see it as a reminder. If people ask you about it, don’t be coy, tell them. “I’m a habitual ass, and this helps me to remember sugar catches more flies than vinegar.” Okay, so maybe not equating them to a fly might be set better, but you get the point.

Why do I want everything to be "5-star" luxury, and cannot just be happy living within my means?

You have expensive tastes and enjoy the “good” life. I wouldn’t be surprised that in a previous life you weren’t either rich or spoiled, or both. This might bite you in the ass, however, if your “means” don’t support it.

Does the word actually, actual, and in truth mean exactly the same thing?

“Actually, what I believe is this…”

“In truth, what I believe is this…”

“My actual belief is this..”

It means the same thing, but, in truth, don’t get “belief” confused with the real truth. In truth, what you’re saying may not be the real truth, just your personal belief. Just saying.

What is the difference between being articulate and being a good communicator?

When one speaks fluently and coherently, but they make absolutely no sense whatsoever, they may be articulate but they are lousy communicators. 

Do you value honesty or should I choose to be nice to you and hide my opinion if you are just an acquaintance, and why?

First of all, whether I value honesty, or not, has no bearing on if you choose to be nice or hide your opinion, whether I’m an acquaintance or not. You should be who you are, and the repercussions of you being you will unfold naturally. For certain, however, I value honesty. For you, making the wrong call might get you a punch in the nose. It is what it is, until it isn’t, always and forever.

“It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.”

-- Noël Coward

Why should people stop being arrogant?

It’s rude. Why stop being rude? Because it’s arrogant. As you can see, being an ass is nothing but a vicious circle. Oh, and they need to stop being an ass, as well as vicious. The delicate sensibilities of society will thank them for stopping all of it.

What determines how generous a person will be?

The person. Only they can determine this.

If you need the threat of eternal damnation to be a good person, are you really a good person?

No. But, if you’re a bad person that dies and goes to hell, wouldn’t you wish someone would have clued you into the consequences of being a total ass while alive? Now, if you don’t have faith in heaven or hell, this is no big deal, at least not until you die. Personally, I prefer not to be blindsided. 

Can a person have too little ego?

Do you mean, being too submissive? Probably.

Do you tell lies to make yourself look better?

Telling lies isn’t going to help. To wit:

“I have hair!” Liar.

“I’m a handsome devil!” Liar… well, you’re half right.

“I’m a woman magnate!” Okay, maybe, but I’ve seen some of the women. Woof!

“Hey! Now, wait a minute…” The clock is ticking…

“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.”

-- Fyodor Dostoevsky

 

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