Questioning Arrogance, Morality, Foolishness, and Change

 

“If you can do a half-assed job of anything, you're a one-eyed man in a kingdom of the blind.”

-- Kurt Vonnegut

How can you be competent even if you're lazy and stupid but still not look arrogant?

Competent: Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully.

So, let’s say a person has the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to be successful at being lazy and stupid. We can say they are “competent” at the skill. Looking “arrogant” would negate the competency of one looking lazy and stupid. So, it stands to reason that to look lazy and stupid, one must not show arrogance.

Do multinational corporations know everything about us?

Not everything, and what they don’t know can destroy them. Keep your eye on Elon Musk.

Isn’t trying to see it from another’s perspective just us making assumptions? Or is that different?

We are making an assumption that the other opinion might have merit. It might not. There is a difference between “assuming” they are right and assuming they “might” be right. We open our minds to possibilities, not to agreeing with being wrong. The other “perspective” might clarify our own perspective, but we won’t know until we critique it. We have to run it up the flagpole and see how it looks.

Why is honesty good?

How do you trust the dishonest? 

How do you have joy in your life?

I don’t let “drama” in my house. I made to conscious choice, the decision, to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. When I wake up in the morning, I thank God for the “gift” of another day in paradise and another chance to excel in this life. The alternative simply sucks. If you don’t have joy, just in being alive, what is the point?

“Without pain, how could we know joy?' This is an old argument in the field of thinking about suffering and its stupidity and lack of sophistication could be plumbed for centuries but suffice it to say that the existence of broccoli does not, in any way, affect the taste of chocolate.”

-- John Green

What would you say to those people who don't believe in morality and just like doing whatever they want regardless of whether it's right or wrong? Do you think they are correct? Why?

The “rule of law” comes into play, but if that is ignored there are always diseases, no honor among thieves, theft, death, and a serious lack of ethical behavior. I wouldn’t say a word to them. Karma will be doing all the talking, I’ll just do the snickering as it all unfolds.

Why do people think that listening to their gut is more virtuous than listening to their brains?

They have a lack of understanding of how thought processes work.

Why do some so-called friends, coworkers & even family members spread lies & rumors about people? And why do some people believe everything that they’re told without even questioning the person being gossiped about?

Because they’re not called down for it. Let them know what behavior is right and wrong. Let them know that gossip, lies, and rumors are destructive. Let people, that believe everything, know that they need to question everything, and not just believe the bullshit they’re handed. If you don’t stand up to wrong, then right is in jeopardy because you don’t take that stand. 

Is it okay to be rude and honest?

If you don’t mind being applauded for your honesty and shunned for your rudeness.

If we don’t know what we don’t know how can we be certain of the truth (even when backed by evidence), especially truths that depend on multiple variables (i.e if this, then that…)?

We can’t. Truth and lies are pretty concrete when we see them, but innocent people are convicted all the time. The best we can hope for is irrefutable evidence and learning from trial and error. 

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

-- Oscar Wilde

I took a risk and lost all my money, does this mean I’m foolish for trying?

Will you do it again? It isn’t the loss that is important, it’s what you learn from the experience. If you learn nothing from what you do, then, yes, you are foolish. You aren’t foolish for trying unless you try it more than once and learn nothing each time you fail. Sooner or later one has to learn… something.

Have you done that which always goes on, never stops, but if it stops, then it never goes on?

How do you know “it never goes on” if it stops, when you state it “always goes on, never stops”? It either always goes on and never stops, or it might stop. It can’t be both. 

Why is it wrong to mislead those who are incapable of controlling their habits for profit?

“Mislead” pretty much covers this. If someone thinks it doesn’t, the fact you state it’s “wrong” covers it. Why is it wrong? Because it’s wrong and they’re being misled, not to mention it’s being done in the name of “profit” which is, basically, greed. “Morality” and “ethics” are being violated. I’m not sure how much more wrong this can be unless the people incapable of controlling their habits, the victims, are blind, crippled, or suffering from Alzheimer’s. Just the fact that people are being taken advantage of, for profit, makes this so wrong.

Are things really good, and do people not realize things are really good?

Things were getting really good, they we had a Presidential election. Socialism is never good.

Why do so many treat accepting flaws and weaknesses, even in others, as a very stupid mistake?

I accept the flaws and weaknesses in others, but I’m always on guard for them to try to use me to their own benefit. This would be the members of the League of the Perpetually Offended, for the most part. I accept their flaws and weaknesses, but turning my back on them would be a stupid mistake since they will never accept me.

"You are strong when you know your weaknesses. You are beautiful when you appreciate your flaws. You are wise when you learn from your mistakes."

-- Unknown

I understand that humans are generally gullible, but why does it seem that the more outlandish something is, the more likely it is to be believed?

Because humans are generally gullible, especially if it sounds too good to be true. Political figures pander to minorities, promising them the moon and delivering nothing. They have done this since the Civil War and, yet, the pandered minorities keep voting them into office. It has taken 158 years for people to start getting a clue. Gullible? Maybe it’s because their own are the ones pandering. Greed can make one use their own people, or sell their own mother.  It is sad.

Why are people so oblivious to good?

Because they buy into bullshit without filtering it through good sense. It’s what the common people do.

Do the ends justify the means?

Not always. Politicians constantly lie to their constituents. It gets them elected, but that doesn’t justify them lying to people, especially if the people are really gullible, and, even then, lying is worse because they’re taking advantage of “simple” people who put misplaced trust in them.

How do wise people view change?

As the only true constant in the universe. Shit happens. 

How do you personally measure someone else intelligence, is it by them having common sense or being knowledgeable in your area of interest or expertise?

I try not to judge. If they can put together a cogent discussion, or hold their own in a debate, it helps. But, it really relies on what definition of “intelligence” we’re using. You can be a brain surgeon and be incapable of balancing a checkbook. There is intelligence and there are smarts, and if you are lucky enough to be endowed with both you’ve hit the lottery.  

"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change."

-- Albert Einstein

What makes us greedy and why do we go corrupt?

“Want” makes us greedy, and when greed overcomes ethical morality, corruption occurs.

Do you ever learn by studying people of interest to you - both real life AND public figures - without them knowing - and in particular why they think the way they do?

Having spent my first career in military intelligence, yes, you can learn much by studying people of interest to you. I have found, however, that “public figures” are actually part of “real life” figures.

Author's comment: Of course, but I have found it’s important to distinguish between the two as many do not believe most public figures are real and believe they’re fictional.

Surprised you didn’t learn this being a military guy, MI no less, with your travels abroad. One of the first strange things I learned when I started working for and traveling for the NSA.

My reply:  I'm surprised, as NSA, you didn't understand that what people "believe" is immaterial. Their belief that public figures live "fictional" lives does not make it so, and any fantasy belief the public figures harbor, can be manipulated.  They are still “real life” figures, with all the weaknesses and frailities intact.

Author's reply:  Interesting. Yet another military guy with absolutely no respect for foreign cultures and belief systems. Whatta surprise.

My reply:  Ah! The NSA takes everything out of context, yet again.  When did we begin discussing foreign cultures and belief systems?  I thought we were discussing "public figures." You take a quantum leap into left field and insult me like a good liberal socialist.  NSA... Whatta surprise.  With the NSA long, were you?   

Note to my readers:  That son of a... He turned off the "comments" to his feed.  Typical. One got the feeling, in military service, that the CIA and the NSA have never gave much credence to military intelligence.  It could be that we spent an inordinate amount of our time correcting their assumptions.  We never recieved a "thank you" for our efforts.  Gee, I wonder why? I do apologize for stooping to his level, however.  Old habits...

Do people who are in jobs that they hate still have to work hard?

If they want to keep working, yes. Hard to get another job if you’re a slacker in the current one.

Do you avoid the "let's go Brandon" types?

No. They’re exercising their freedom of speech, which means they’re not socialists afraid to speak their minds. I don’t agree with abortion advocates, but I won’t lower myself to paint graffiti on their house. I simply don’t agree with murdering babies in the womb, without good moral cause. We both have our freedom of opinion, and we are free to voice it. 

Why are Americans so rich, and how can we change that?

Turn America socialist and mitigate the freedoms that foment capitalism.

“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature made them.”

-- Bertrand Russell

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