Questioning Dogs, Smarts, Humility, Fears, and Criteria

 

“There are no bad dogs or bad humans, just inappropriate behavior.”

-- Shannon Riley-Coyner

What does it mean to behave like a dog?

You go around sniffing butts, humping legs, or instigating a fight.

Can some people be born without a complete personality?

Pretty much that’s the way we’re all born. We start completing it once we’ve landed.

Author's comment:  Thanks a bunch for answering sir Tony! I appreciate it!  My other question is: How does one become self-aware of his/her personality traits?

My reply:  How do we become aware of other people’s traits? We watch and listen. Only now, instead of watching other people, you need to pay attention to yourself. Judge the good and the bad, and work to make the bad better.

What is your strength to have a good reputation?

My strengths are my children, and my good reputation is my example of how they should live. Do right, for no other reason than it is the right thing to do. To do anything else is simply counterproductive.

Does the exercise of power often involve decision-making? Why?

Uh, yeah. Because you’ve made the decision to exercise power. Is this another trick question?

Is being honest and upfront with people the best way to get what you want?

Being upfront and honest is simply ethical. It may not get you what you want, but you have stood by your principles and your moral code of conduct... if you have one. If not, you might want to look into developing a morally ethical code so you can be expected for it. It is, in the end, what defines us to others.

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters”

-- Albert Einstein

What would you rather be, Intuitive, intelligent, knowledgeable, intelligent & educated, or just oblivious to it all?

I really enjoy being smart. Not one of your choices, but it should be.

Why do I think that I am not that smart, but people around me think I am brilliant?

I don’t know you, and if I did, it is not my place to judge the servant of another master. Only your master has that privilege. As I shall have to answer to my God, so shall you have to answer to yours.

Which actor portrays grief the best?

I always thought Jennifer Love Hewitt brought emotions to the screen.

How do you take a decision in huge discomfort?

Humor helps deaden the discomfort. A friend of mine in the intelligence field asked me once, how we’ve been able to survive the stress, as long as we have, without losing our minds. Humor was my answer. We make jokes about the most serious of issues. We were called down for that, shortly after, and I had a “moment” with the commander. When I was done, we had an understanding, and the humor continued. Six years after my retirement, I was diagnosed with PTSD. You don’t have to be in combat to suffer. Humor staves it off, but, sooner or later, the piper wants to get paid.

Would you accept a claim to be real because not doing so would upset others?

I’m always real, so I really don’t care if what I am upsets others. They need to grow up and worry about themselves.

“Share your weaknesses. Share your hard moments. Share your real side. It'll either scare away every fake person in your life or it will inspire them to finally let go of that mirage called "perfection," which will open the doors to the most important relationships you'll ever be a part of.”

-- Dan Pearce

Why does failure to follow through on promises foster distrust?

I'll use you as my example. If you fail at following through on promises, why should anyone trust you to keep a promise? If they gave you their trust, knowing your record of not following through, they deserve what they get. You should be ashamed for not following through, but they were absolutely stupid for ever trusting that you would. It makes you look bad, but it makes their decision-making look even worse.

So, I went to a store and a security guard kept staring at me, thinking something was suspicious. As a matter of fact, he kept standing near me and I got a bit hesitant. I left the store immediately. What could be the possible reason?

Next time, grow a set of balls and politely ask him.

How can you convince your parents to stop making decisions for you at age 20 and make your own decisions?

Are they supporting you? If so, maybe it’s time to be your own person and accept responsibility for yourself. If they aren’t supporting you, tell them to knock it off. If you want their sage advice, you’ll ask them for it.

Why is it that humility is considered a desirable quality, whereas arrogance is repellent on a base human level?

Being truly humble offends nobody, but being arrogant simply rubs people the wrong way.

What does “You may not be responsible for who you attract, but you are responsible for whom you entertain.” mean?

If you attract child molesters and decide to entertain them, what will people think of you? Well, maybe not so obviously, you are a fellow child molester. We tend to judge people by what they eat, how they dress, what they do, and who they hang around with. It may not be right, but, I think, we must judge this way for a reason. Just saying.

“Share your weaknesses. Share your hard moments. Share your real side. It'll either scare away every fake person in your life or it will inspire them to finally let go of that mirage called "perfection," which will open the doors to the most important relationships you'll ever be a part of.”

-- Dan Pearce

Why do I always win? Even if the person is smarter than me, I always outsmart them.

Don’t confuse their intelligence with your smarts. Sometimes the intelligent can’t see the forest for all the trees. I’ve known some very intelligent people who simply can’t grasp the tactical concept of chess.

What is a sign that someone isn't a good person?

They are outwardly rude, belligerent, and selfish, and they act like they're a total ass.

Anytime I see pictures of people who hurt me, I don't feel happy at all, especially those who didn't admit or apologize for their wrongdoings. Does this make me a bad person?

Nope. It makes you a “hurt” person. What I do is accept the apology I know that I’m never going to get and forgive them for being assholes. Take the higher road. If they ever do apologize, thank them, but tell them they’re a day late and a dollar shot. You already accepted the apology they never gave.

I want to become a psychologist, however, I am afraid that I might not give the best advice or I might be a good one. I do enjoy helping people and listening to them though. What should I do?

Welcome to the “practice” of psychology! The fact you worry about it means you’ll do fine. Listening is a large part of it.

How would you deal with your group mates if they are resisting because of a fear of failure?

Tell them to suck it up. Failure is simply an opportunity to learn why they went wrong. You critique what you did, find the issue, correct it if possible, and press forward to the next lesson. If you don’t fail, you can’t move forward with confidence that you can get on top of the issues. Pretty soon, failure and learning will have you mentoring others on how to attain their goals.

“Fear is a notification of some weakness that needs to be cleared.”

-- Aagam Shah

Is there a general criterion for judgment?

If it’s bad, unless you’re asked, keep it to yourself.

When do you need to give a reason why you cannot attend an R.S.V.P.?

It is no one’s business why you can’t attend, unless you feel compelled to give one.

I am 26 years old and feel like I have done enough mistakes. What are the success secrets that you would like to share with me?

Secret #1: Have you taken the opportunity, life presented, to learn from your mistakes?

What are the differences between those who feel sobriety is overrated or not worth it, and those who feel sobriety is either great or the only option?

Unencumbered thought.

What is the importance of determination as a student?

Graduation.

“When someone tells me "no," it doesn't mean I can't do it, it simply means I can't do it with them.”

-- Karen E. Quinones Miller

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