Questioning Quizzes, Refusals, Chaos, Aging, and Needs

“Employees keep the business doing what it does. It's important to pay them accordingly.”

-- Hendrith Vanlon Smith, Jr.

Why do quizzes have questions where the possible answers are very similar?

They want to find out how smart you are. There is only one right answer, so, if you’ve been paying attention, this should be a slam dunk.

What can make office workers happy in an instant?

A significant raise.

People who have called you "sad" are your certified enemies because they've expressed disapproval of what you're doing, but they should be exterminated because they are your enemy. But what are you going to do about it?

They are my enemies, but we are not at war, therefore, there is a possibility their opinion might change since change is the only constant in the universe. To exterminate someone simply because our opinions differ is counterproductive to peace. Adolf Hitler tried this and the world lost 65,000,000 people before he was stopped.

Would a provider ask for your credit card on the phone to bill you when he lives in another country? Is that professional?

I wouldn’t pay them unless the card went through a “go-between’ in this country, like Paypal.

Why is the term “you crossed my boundaries” used by some people randomly in any situation to try and control you, blame you, or demean you whilst constantly violating your own?

If self-involved individuals are violating your boundaries, they should be informed, by you, that they are doing it. Apologize, and state the reason you crossed their boundaries is that they have been trampling all over your boundaries so you thought it was how they rolled. You get what you give. Sorry about that. In this way, you are the bigger person for apologizing, and you have slapped them down at the same time. They’ll probably state it was a “back door” apology. You can state that it’s what ignorance deserves. I live for this shit and the people who perpetrate it.

“There was a wall. It did not look important. It was built of uncut rocks roughly mortared. An adult could look right over it, and even a child could climb it. Where it crossed the roadway, instead of having a gate it degenerated into mere geometry, a line, an idea of boundary. But the idea was real. It was important. For seven generations there had been nothing in the world more important than that wall.

Like all walls, it was ambiguous, two-faced. What was inside it and what was outside it depended upon which side of it you were on.”

-- Ursula K. Le Guin

What is the psychology of people who refuse to accept the success of others?

I’m certain there is a better answer, but I just couldn’t help myself. The psychology of denial is usually exhibited by the League of the Perpetually Offended.

How do I make a signed statement?

Write down your statement and sign it, along with a witness or two. 

Why is harsh criticism not constructive?

Harsh criticism can be constructive if it offers better alternatives. However, if it is too harsh, the target will shut down and not really listen to the out-of-control idiot criticizing them. Constructive criticism should be done in a calm “mentoring” voice so others will be more apt to listen, learn from, and offer feedback.

Will there still be good luck even though I bought the horseshoe from the store instead of finding one?

There will be “good luck” if you work toward it. The horseshoe is simply a symbol.

Have any of you not forgiven your bullies?

I forgave them for the physical abuse that psychologically made me the ethical man I became. I forgave them, but I have not forgotten them. If they forgave me for taking their manhood down several notches, psychologically, in front of their girlfriends, is another question.

“True forgiveness is when you can say, "Thank you for that experience.”

-- Oprah Winfrey

If everything is possible, then theoretically, shouldn't it be possible for something to be impossible?

It would be if “impossible” were true, but, according to the statement, everything is possible so “impossible” must not be true and, therefore, cannot exist.

How important are awards and recognition in your field of work or study?

It is the only way you can truly know you are on the right track. Recognition can be a simple pat on the back with a manager saying, “Good job.” This “recognition” is extremely important in jobs where more publicized awards and decorations cannot be given for security reasons. 

How do you think people rationalize ignorance?

Well, if they're ignorant, not very well.

How do you stop being mediocre when you are surrounded by mediocre people living in a mediocre environment (just turned 18)?

You’ve pretty much made the bed you’re sleeping in. Try surrounding yourself with quality people and either move to a quality environment or start hanging out in one. Change is the only true constant in the universe, so exercise it.

Is it possible for society to ever really be free of chaos?

No. Chaos happens: 

“…apparently random or unpredictable behaviour in systems governed by deterministic laws. A more accurate term, deterministic chaos, suggests a paradox because it connects two notions that are familiar and commonly regarded as incompatible.”

-- The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica

How does one prepare for the inevitable changes that come with growing old?

As I approach 70 years of life, I can say without hesitation, you really need to take care of yourself when you’re young. Then, hopefully, the “inevitable changes” won’t be so bad, and they might come on you when you’re too old to give a damn.

What is something everyone should respect?

Senior citizens. We’ll all be there someday, so you might get started on respecting them now for when you get there. 

Does being honest and open with yourself make you happier in life?

Only if you celebrate the positives and work on the negatives. But, more importantly, make the choice to strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. In this way, happiness will be sustainable until you choose to change your choice, which would be counterproductive to continued happiness. Just saying.

Does the thought of making a life decision fill you with dread or excitement?

That would depend on whether I feel the decision is negative or positive.

Who is going to make me happy?

You are. If you can’t make yourself truly happy, what are the chances someone else will? Happiness is a choice, a mindset, we all have to make for our lives. The alternative simply sucks.

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

How can I balance my own needs with the needs of others?

Don’t take care of your needs first, then take care of the other needs. If you can’t take care of yourself, how do you expect to take care of anyone else? Once you’re 100%, you can worry about taking care of others.

What actually matters at the end of life?

The next destination.

Do you think a person's age should affect how popular they are?

Nope. Approaching 70, I’m just as popular as I’ve always been, even to the ladies. Your outlook on life, happiness, selflessness, and good personality all have an impact on your continued popularity. The last thing you want to be labeled is an “old fuddy-duddy.” 

What is the psychology behind people bragging about things that are considered bad?

Denial. Make the bad sound good so you aren’t seen as bad. Politicians do this. 

Do you ever hate other people for having what you don't have?

Nope, I have everything I need. If you want it, work for it. Besides, hating someone for what they have is kind of childish. I’m happy about what other people have. Most of them are eyeball-deep in debt, but I’m very happy for them.

“Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. ”

-- Carrie Fisher

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