Questioning Stupidity, Reality, Ego, Ethics, and Humility

 

"Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others."

-- Gordon B. Hinckley

Why do we cross paths with the people we do not want to cross with?

Lessons. Life constantly presents us with new lessons we must learn.

If there was a force that had the capacity of changing human nature, what would be the right path for you to take?

That would depend on the change. If the capacity was for good, I’d go with the flow. If it was bad, my path would lean even more toward the “right” in life. Right now there is an evil force with the capacity force to destroy my country. My “path” is to defend my country, and our Constitution, to the death.

Why does society seem like a lynch mob that demands conformity to mediocrity and stupidity?

Only a small portion of society demands this. I’ve never been a big fan of socialism.

Can a role model in the criminal justice system answer the question? Do you believe that you embody the qualities that are vital to being ethical? Please state your name and why I should look up to you for ethical guidance?

For one thing, there are two questions, not counting the first which should read, “Can a role model in the criminal justice system answer these questions?” But, then, I’ve been told not to be an ass, so I'll leave "embodies" alone. Sorry.

As to the questions, one would hope, as "role models" they should embody ethical qualities and be looked to for ethical guidance. They should, but what we’ve seen lately would be evidence that they probably don’t. This is sad since lower ranks tend to emulate those above them. Like breeds like.

And, as for stating my name, it's there in black and white for all to read.  Get a clue. 

At what point did you start to believe people when they told you "You're good at this"?

When I believed I was good at it. If you don’t believe it yourself, how do you give credence to others?

“You may be the only person left who believes in you, but it's enough. It takes just one star to pierce a universe of darkness. Never give up.”

-- Richelle E. Goodrich

Why are most answers on [this site] so basic and not actually based on reality?

Have you read some of the questions? You tend to get what you give.

If you were previously skinny before becoming strong and fit, has getting bullied made you want to prove mean, stupid, ignorant/or arrogant people wrong?

One has little to do with the other. Getting bullied did set me on the path to proving the bullies were nothing. I was skinny and small, throughout the process, however. I enlisted into the military as a skinny and small guy, but size and strength had little bearing on me becoming a Master Sergeant in the Intelligence field, although the military did ensure I became fit. Perseverance in your life can work wonders.

How could a person become a professional in critical thinking?

They’re called “troubleshooters.” Some might think they’re lawyers, but lawyers hire troubleshooters as expert witnesses.

Are most "woke" people sadly deluded and unreasonably entitled?

Probably. They certainly act like it.

Do you agree that observing and seeing are two different skills? In what ways, if any, are they different?

Yes. I can see something and not give it a second thought. But, when I stop to take time and observe, I see so much more that is useful in determining just what I’m seeing. Observing is “critical” seeing.

“If we’re not mindful about what it is to be mindful, then never-mind.”

-- Craig D. Lounsbrough

What is the truth behind the saying "smart people don't work well together"? If it is true, why and how does this happen?

Intelligent people don’t work well together. Smart people, however, are smart enough to realize the talent around them and to make the best use of each other. In the military, smart people take the hill, and “intelligent” people give it back. Never made much sense to smart people.

What causes some people to have an inflated sense of their own importance?

An inflated Ego.

Why, according to the American Institute for the Study of War, will Moscow fail to force Kyiv to negotiate?

When the underdog is winning, giving the aggressor an inch is an invitation for another aggressive action. Better to keep kicking them in the balls until they have nothing left but dry heaves.

Do you feel bad and sorry for breaking the rules and doing anything wrong while getting in trouble?

Yeah, that’s called having a conscience. Has haunted me since birth.

Many influences are exerted on a human on a daily basis. There are six major influences. Which are they?

Personal motivation, personal ability, social motivation, social ability, structural motivation, and structural ability. But, let's make this easier. The influences are motivation and ability. Motivation is usually something you want, and you can get it if you have the ability. One might say this is greed and perseverance.

“Whoever controls the media, the images, controls the culture.”

-- Allen Ginsberg

How do I get recognition for an idea that could change the entire world forever?

If you change the entire world for the better, recognition will follow. But change the world selflessly, not for any accolades that may follow. Selfless giving will ensure people remember you for what you did for them.

How do I react to a person who defends me from mean people sometimes?

Thank them for their efforts.

Is it okay for me to keep fairly quiet in social settings? I often find myself socializing adequately by listening to other people; I only open up if I'm engaged in conversation. I rarely talk about myself. Is this okay?

Absolutely. Listen and keep your pie hole shut unless you have something to contribute. Listening is how we learn things, and questioning is how we ensure we understand. You would probably be good in the Intelligence field.

What should we do with mean people who only remember us when they need or want something?

Be cordial, and friendly, and ignore them. 

Can anyone answer this? Do you believe that you can embody the qualities that are vital to being ethical? Can the person state his name? Also, explain why I should look up to you as a role model for ethical guidance?

My name is available. Ethics is a lesson learned early on in the military intelligence field, honesty was paramount. You either knew or you didn’t, and if you didn't you explained why. You shouldn't look up to anyone, especially not me. Develop your own personal code of moral ethics that you will stand behind because they are right, not because someone told you so. By the way, there are good moral ethics, and there is guidance. It might be better if you decide which you want to pursue.

"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do."

-- Potter Stewart

Do you care what other people think of you?

As I approach 70 years of age, I sincerely doubt it will change who I am, so what would be the point of caring what they think? If it is negative it says more about them than me, at this point.

Why do people often downplay themselves and their achievements when talking to other people?

They are probably humble. People who exercise humility tend to not tout their own accomplishments unless asked or to accentuate a point.

Are those who laugh at ideas instead of discussing them stupid?

They certainly are not making the most of their ability at critical thinking. I wouldn’t judge them to be stupid, though their attitude might bear that out. Laughing at one’s self because one didn’t come up with an obvious idea, is different than laughing at the idea put forth.

How can we make sure our role models are positive influences?

Don’t adopt a role model that is negative. If you do, drop them immediately and go find a better, more positive influence.

Why don't you have control over emotional outrage?

I had to laugh at this. I got rid of my emotional outrage when I got my divorce, after 25 years of hell. I removed the burr from under the saddle and found myself an understanding life partner that actually likes me and doesn’t use me. The ride has been cordial for about 20 years, so far. You control emotional outrage by removing the cause.

“Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it... Don't allow his anger to become your anger.”

-- Bohdi Sanders

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