Questioning Respect, Age, Logic, Values, and Self-respect

“The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who'll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself. Things occur to you. If you're sitting around trying to dream up a great art idea, you can sit there a long time before anything happens. But if you just get to work, something will occur to you and something else will occur to you and something else that you reject will push you in another direction. Inspiration is absolutely unnecessary and somehow deceptive. You feel like you need this great idea before you can get down to work, and I find that's almost never the case.”

-- Chuck Close

What do you think is detrimental to a person's success in society today?

Lack of perseverance and a good work ethic. I mean, you really have to work to develop a good work ethic.

Should we give people what they say they want, or give something that is in harmony with their actions, their words ask for A, but actions say B, which of the two should be considered?

The option they’re willing to work for. There really is no free lunch.

Why is it so hard to find someone that isn't a loser today? Everyone I meet is very hard to respect.

Welcome to the “woke” society, Jack. Crime and homelessness are rampant. You don’t have to work. Hell, the government pays you not to work. Hell, even the President is a… well, I’ll be nice.

What is the best personality trait to have?

I think being personable has gotten me a long way with people.

Are people all bad because Adam and Eve were bad parents? Is God also a childish loser that lives in the past?

It depends on which “God” we’re discussing. There is the “god” who created Adam and Eve, or the God who created the universe, the “gods”, and, by extension, Adam and Eve. But, unless you’re an atheist, you might be careful how you use “childish loser.”

"Secrets of religion have I not unraveled,

I am not of Eve and Adam.

Neither still nor moving on,

I have not chosen my own name!

Bulleh, I know not who I am.

From first to last, I searched myself.

None other did I succeed in knowing.

Not some great thinker am I.

Who is standing in my shoes, alone?

Bulleh, I know not who I am."

-- Bulleh Shah

Why is everybody else older than me?

They were born first.

I'm 15, turning 16 soon. I'm normally a high-energy, positive, excitable person, but some people think I'm childish because of my positivity (I'm an ENFP btw). What should I do?

Nothing. You’re an ENFP. Dampen your excitement and dare them to keep up. If I were you, though, I take a moment to think before the high-energy kicks in. Is what you’re about to do going to be seen as childish? If so, you might think about maturing it up a bit. This, coming from a high-active kid in school. I almost didn’t graduate because I couldn’t focus. Taking charge of yourself is difficult but not impossible. Do it for you, though, not because of others. This is your life, not theirs.

Is it wrong that I encourage 12 and 13-year-olds to show as much resistance as possible when their parents base expectations on their label "teenager" by lecturing them about how an English number pattern shouldn't be used to draw lines at 13?

Sounds like you’re a socialist indoctrinating children, against the will of their parents. When should the parents expect to be arrested for not conforming to your expectations?

How can I see every challenge as an opportunity, and how can I win from my PTSD?

First of all, every challenge is an opportunity, and if have PTSD and you’re waking up every morning, you’re already winning. See everything as the challenge it is and take it on to win. The trauma was due to a challenge. an opportunity that left a memory you may not like. Okay, so it’s over. You did what you did. You can’t take it back, because it is in the past, where the memory should be. If PTSD is debilitating, you might consider individual or group counseling.

It isn’t what you did or what you went through as much as what you’ve learned from it. We put way too much of ourselves into stress caused by trauma, but such is the fallout produced by trauma. You can win by putting what you’ve learned to better use than stress. Don’t waste another moment of life. Every choice we make makes us. Strive to be happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, memories, or things you've done. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it heals, helps, builds, creates, and is positive.

How can I know that I have a criminal nature? I like to manipulate and intimidate people, but only for the purpose of keeping them at distance. Is this psychopathy?

"Criminal" is breaking the rule of law. Manipulating and intimidating is immoral, but not necessarily criminal unless it defies the rule of law.

“The time to act is now before it's too late. Indeed, there is power in numbers, but if those numbers will not unite and rise up against their oppressors, there can be no resistance.

You can't have it both ways.

You can't live in a constitutional republic if you allow the government to act like a police state.

You can't claim to value freedom if you allow the government to operate like a dictatorship.

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

When a human being oppresses another human being, how can other human beings remain silent when they see it? Why do they not raise their voice against the oppressor?

Fear or cowardice. Unlike the Ukrainian personnel on Snake Island who told the Russian ship threatening them to go “screw” themselves, most people don’t want to get involved if they know they can be beaten down. They’ll speak up, however, if they choose to murder helpless babies in the womb. The hypocrisy is thick.

What are some mental factors that govern human nature globally?

Greed and sin. We need to rebel against such a government constantly.

How is one’s view of oneself so different than everyone else's view of them?

One’s view of themselves is so much more important than the view of others judging them. If you are in denial, however, the truth might jump you from behind and slap you down a couple of times until you see the reality of you. It is hard to believe that everyone can be wrong all the time.

How do the dominant people act using logic?

They don’t. Their obvious dominance makes any “acting” illogical. 

Would you cut ties with family if they continued to interact with your ex-spouse against your will?

So, you want to tell the family who they can befriend? Maybe they see you as the issue. Regardless, you should not be harboring hatred or ill will against your ex. It is unhealthy and counterproductive to happiness. Been there and done that. She destroyed my life, but, I still love her. I just can’t ever be with her.

“Like toddlers, toxic people base all their decisions on what they feel rather than on what is right. The thought of any consequences of their actions pales in comparison to getting what they want in the moment. Contrast this with healthy people: they think before they act and are mindful of how what they do may negatively impact themselves or others. Toxic people cannot tolerate consideration of others. When trying to have a conversation with them, they are self-referential rather than self-reflective. ”

-- Sherrie Campbell

(Controversial Question) Can manipulation be used for good and if so is it ethical? (i.e using tactics to make a father present in their child’s life)

Yes, it can be used for good, and no, it isn’t ethical. The father should be present, period. Let the father back into the child’s life and wait for him to realize he’s been manipulated? God forbid. Better to make the father realize, without manipulation, that not being in the child’s life is simply wrong on several levels, including the slight to his own manhood. “Dadification” is a great thing. Maybe he needs to hear about it:  #Dadication | Fatherhood.gov

What should students be made to realize?

The reward at the end, and the continuing reward, thereafter, every time they open a book. Education is a terrible thing to waste, especially to the likes of socialist indoctrination.

How do I prepare notes for public speaking?

Short, concise, reminders of the speech you’re going to give without using them since you will have practiced enough that the notes are moot. Better to use the time to study the venue and project your voice so people can hear in the “cheap” seats. Better to use the time to consider questions you might get and the educated answers you’re going to give in return. Why is there a better use of your time? Because you have practiced, practiced, practiced, and when you finished, you practiced again. Such is “public speaking.” I did it a couple of times a week for over 20 years in the Intelligence field to the commanders and aircrews, as well as civilians.

In what case do you adopt the value of fighting for one’s principle that will benefit most?

I can’t think of any case I would not fight for my ethical principles unless my opponent has convinced me I’m wrong, then the principle of ethical honesty comes into play.

Has anybody blamed and accused you in your career?

Many times. Making accurate notes is a godsend you learn in the intelligence field. They can accuse and blame till their blue in the face, but when you, or the managers, ask them for their backup documentation, after you’ve presented yours, watch the blood drain from their “blue” face, and try not to smile. The “blood draining” might happen when you present your documentation. You’ll know, at that time, how strong your defense is.

“Once you acknowledge that accusations of guilt are always shouted loudest by the guilty, then you quickly realize that indictments are just another form of confession — that the things we hate and condemn in this world reveal a hell of a lot more about us than the things we love and cherish.”

-- Sean Norris

Why do you avoid answering questions asked, by deflecting and trying to change the topic to something the question has no relation to?

Hmmm… You asked me this question, yet it does not pertain to me since my time in the intelligence field. Interesting. Maybe I’m slipping?

Why do I let people perceive me as a neutral person? I let them perceive that they're with the air. I want to express myself and talk to them, but somehow, I can't do it. What should I do?

Unless you have something important to add, remain neutral. I would hate to take a side just to find out I’ve picked wrong. Better to listen, weigh the evidence, and then, when appropriate, give your opinion, with caveats that your opinion may change if better evidence I presented.

Why are some people motivated to help without minding the rewards or risks involved while others are not?

They are “selfless” in their giving, whereas others are selfish and self-centered.

How can I be more assertive and speak up for myself?

Being assertive and standing up for yourself is all about self-respect. You have to take the first step by knowing you are right and informing others of this fact. If you are unsure, inform the others of this fact as well. Honesty and ethics should guide you as to when to speak up. Never let someone tell you to be quiet unless they have evidence that shows your opinion is in error and, then, admit your error if appropriate. People need to know they can trust your ethics, your honesty, as much as your opinions.

Why is it that we humans complain or grumble more than being grateful?

This a very good question that I wish had a very good answer for, other than people are, by in large, just whining little shits. Just saying.

“I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.”

-- Jane Wagner

 

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