Questioning Knowledge, Winning, Creativity, Rules, and Worry

“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”

-- Lao Tzu

What is the relationship between knowledge and understanding?

I answered a similar question, not long ago. The answer stays the same.

How can you understand anything if you have knowledge of nothing? To know is to understand. To understand is to move forward. To move forward is to become. To become is the entire point of existence.

How has being a world leader affected the United States?

Have you really been following the exploits of Joe Biden?

Is overthinking the reason you waste time?

Oh, my goodness, no. Overthinking doesn’t take that much time, and I usually catch myself before it gets to that point. My time is usually wasted by other people interrupting me.

What are the most desirable traits to be seen as a confident person?

Confidence. If you don’t bleed this, what’s the point?

Why do some people give advice, whereas others mock the idea? Does it have to do anything with a superiority complex?

No, I think it has to do with their denial that they’re too slow to come up with the advice first. I find this a lot when dealing with the League of the Perpetually Offended. These people are anything but superior, however, they are complex.

“Arrogant men with knowledge make more noise from their mouth than making a sense from their mind.”

-- Amit Kalantri

Is it always wrong to be on the winning side?

Is the “winning side” cheating? This happens more often in politics.

What are the specific school rules about a fight in school so that when I get in one, I can take less blame and minimize the damage on me (for example, don’t hit first)?

They aren’t tolerated. Both sides are equally to blame, regardless. Better thought, don’t get into fights at school. You take a swing, you’re guilty.

What is something that everyone can agree on, even if they don't realize it?

All lives matter.  Well, everyone but the perpetually offended, that is.

Why are important life lessons often the hardest to learn?

Keeping your pecker in your pants is all about willpower, and willpower completely collapses in the face of an attractive woman’s willingness to “roll in the hay.”

What are some things people commonly wish for?

Money or happiness. Or, ol’ what’s her name, down the street.

"May you get all your wishes but one, so you always have something to strive for." 

-- An Irish blessing

Is it ever really possible to let go fully?

Yes! Go through a messy divorce with someone who never loved you.

Is creativity fueled by happiness or sadness?

I’ve been creative in both emotions. Sadness seems to bring out the darkness, whereas happiness brings out the light. Both creations, in their own way, can be excellent. Critics can place art by certain periods in an artist's life.

I've been wanting to ask this question for a long time, what are the weaknesses Human-Beans and how can I destroy them?

I’ve never seen a “human-bean” in all my 69 years. Are they pinto, navy, or kidney human-beans?

How can one find Serenity when the world around them is anything but?

Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Serenity, any other way, is questionable. If you can make the conscious choice to be truly happy in the midst of “anything but” it will be sustainable serenity. 

Are there any disadvantages to making a wish?

The fact that it’s a shot in the dark, might be one.

“Every man has inside himself a parasitic being who is acting not at all to his advantage.”

-- William S. Burroughs

Why do people struggle to adhere to rules?

People are born to be free souls. The rules were set down to give some structure and order to our society. If people wish to live in an orderly society, with all the benefits that come with it, they must adhere to certain rules of conduct. The conflict between “free souls” and the “rule of law” will always give people a moment of pause. This is the price of having a structured society.

Do ultra-rich people think they’re better than everyone else?

Seen as a whole, yes. There are a few that could give a fig.

Why is leading yourself harder than leading a team (group)?

Internal strife. I am always at odds with myself over right and wrong. Leading a team is easier since you always know the goal and how to best get there. Leading yourself is like having two leaders. The team has to report to you, you also have to report to “you” as well as a supervisor, a manager, and an owner. Supervisors, managers, and owners are easy, reporting to yourself can be a bitch because you know what you’re thinking.

What is a word, either positive or negative, that someone has described you with, that you would have never thought of yourself as?

“Sexy.” Be real. Luckily, they weren’t dwelling on my looks, but on my personality. There, with all humility, we are in total agreement.

Do most people work hardest at not working at all?

No. I’ve supervised and managed in the military and the civilian world, and I have seen that most people work hard. And, there is a small fraction of people who simply go along to get along, as well. If you aren’t working, I have no use for you on a team. If you’re going along to simply get along, I have no use for you on a team. If a decision is wrong or dangerous, I need this information. If you see an issue but don’t want to rock the boat, get out and swim.

"You can't have a million-dollar goal with a one-dollar work ethic."

-- Stephen C. Hogan

Why is life harder for some people?

Your life is what you make of it. If some have hard lives, they were never told how to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of their circumstances. If life is not what you want it to be, stop complaining and change it. Why is it we all seem to understand misery, but seem to have issues when it comes to choosing true happiness? This free “choice” is why life is harder.

Do you feel your young adulthood passed you by?

Nope. I was a pain in the ass. Thus, I consider myself “accomplished” as a young adult.

Why do good people want to eradicate loners and freeloaders to zero percent?

Your desire to be a loner is no drag on anyone, it is a personal choice that affects nobody. “Good” people should not wish to do away with anyone who chooses to be left alone. Freeloaders, on the other hand, suck the freedom and hard work out of others trying to make a better life for themselves. Freeloaders, regardless of their excuses, steal from others and are a drag on society.

Freeloader: A person who takes advantage of others' generosity without giving anything in return.

Loner: A person who prefers not to associate with others.

Do you wish for someone to do my dishes for free?

Why would I wish for you to have free dishwashing? No one does mine.

Why would someone tell you not to worry?

We tend to worry about things over which we have no control, Better we should control those things we can and not worry over those things we can’t. It is counterproductive to living life.

“If there is a reason to be sorrowful, then there is a reason to be happy. You have only one lifetime, don't live your life in sorrow! Be happy! Be happy no matter what, and only mind the lessons life teaches each day!”

-- Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

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