Questioning Frivolity, Names, Love, Control, and Reason

 

“Be happy when you work, thankful when you earn, cautious when you spend, shrewd when you save, and charitable when you give.”

-- Matshona Dhliwayo

If money was not an issue, what is something that you would spend your money on that may appear to be frivolous to others?

I’d like to sail around the world on an adult-only cruise line in a 1st class cabin. Hot tubs, martinis, spas, massage parlors, top-drawer dining, the whole enchilada. Money isn’t an issue, so neither is time.

How would you fulfill the wish of getting into a multi-million dollar house in 4-6 months?

Entertain a very wealthy woman with the constant sex of a lifetime, and cut that time in half. 

What are some psychological facts about being silent?

You become more attuned to the world around you. You become more relaxed (if you don’t hate silence). It becomes easier to focus on one thing, like a speaker, a teacher, or a meeting. Being silent makes it a lot easier to listen and formulate cogent sentences before you open your pie hole to speak.

I lost all my friends. Was I wrong to complain about how I was being treated by them?

No, and the way they treated you was evidence that they weren’t your friends.

What is the meaning behind making a wish with candles?

Using up the old wax. A wish is a wish. The candles don’t make the wish more than a wish, it’s just a wish using candles unless you’re using the candles to help yourself focus. But, it’s still just a wish.

“If there's a single lesson that life teaches us, it's that wishing doesn't make it so.”

-- Lev Grossman

What obstacles exist to the large-scale use of biogasoline?

Joe Biden and the “never mentioned” carbon footprint of the liberal “green” machine.

What do you think of the name Ria Alanna King? Ria and Alanna are family names does it flow well?

I think it is beautiful. However, having been a kid that was bullied, if she grows into a voluptuous young lady with cleavage and a “rack,” perhaps one might think about R.A.K. as the initials she has to live with. Just saying.

What does it mean when someone comes to me in my dreams?

I usually end up doing laundry in the morning. But, that’s just me. 

What do you love about your life that others might not expect?

I have been accused of being a “closet” love machine. You wouldn’t think of that to look at me, and I never talked about it. It would seem, however, that my “reputation” preceded me, according to the girls. As a “humble” philosopher, it still makes me blush.

Can someone who isn't naturally curious still succeed in life or business?

Sure, if your business has nothing to do with curiosity.

“Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible.”

-- Richard Feynmann

Have you ever experienced true love? If not, what's holding you back?

Yes, but, unfortunately, I had to make a decision and let her go. She was deserving of someone closer to her own age.

What are some shocking human psychology facts?

Deviant behavior might fly in the face of “societal norms”, but it is not, necessarily, a bad thing.

When is it okay to give up on somebody?

When they turn their back on you. You can only help those who wish to be helped, otherwise, you’re simply beating your head against the concrete for all the good you try to do. There are plenty of people who are looking for someone who really cares. Maybe, one day, the others will turn back around and be more receptive to some meaningful help.

What is one thing that always inspires you?

Artistic talent, beautiful women, or love. I’m sorry, but one thing doesn’t always inspire me.  I'm a little more complicated than that.

What are the best and worst things about enjoying yourself?

I know what I like, but I’m enjoying it alone.

"No matter what has happened, you too have the power to enjoy yourself."

-- Allen Klein

How has your biggest 'pet peeve' changed over the years?

As I approach the ripe old age of 70, I am becoming more forgiving of idiots, unless they’re driving. Something about an idiot behind the wheel of a killing machine just doesn’t set well with me.

What are the disadvantages of being single-minded?

The number of alternate “choices” is a little thin.

How much control do we have over what we create?

Unless there is a process involved that is arbitrary, or there are rules imposed upon you, you have as much control as you need. It is your creation, after all.

Can we be said to be truly conscious of anything other than our own minds?

I know many people that aren’t even conscious of that.

Why does it seem that the innocent suffer more than the guilty?

Liberal justice. And, to say it seems the innocent suffer, is giving the government too much credit they haven’t earned. Criminals are coddled by the non-existent “rule of law” and the system of “justice” that is supposed to protect the innocent from those same criminals. We need to vote with better intent.

"No matter how strong you are, you don't just fight any fight at all! When you fight a wrong fight, you die a wrong death!" 

-- Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

In what ways can the application of reason help us to better understand reality?

Understanding that reality, when it happens, is the product of “cause and effect” (or reason) is one way.

Why would someone not be taken seriously?

Because their ideas are out in “left field” and not very realistic. That doesn’t mean they aren’t right, however, it just means they need to put more substance, more proof, behind the "pudding" they put out there for consideration. 

Is the idea that the world existed before humans materialistic or idealistic?

I’m hurt that “realistic” isn’t a choice. I don’t consider the other choices very realistic.

What is the purpose of being normal or average?

It gives everyone else a starting point to “rise” above. Without them, we’d never know what was below or above.

What's going on in your brain?

Other than the usual biology? Thought processes are occurring, memories are being cataloged and filed, and, as usual, I am standing at the edge of the abyss staring off into infinity. Just another moment in my humble life.

“Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.”

-- Jeffrey Eugenides

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. 

I fervently 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