Questioning Words, Thoughts, Advice, and "Why?"

 

“Because what’s worse than knowing you want something, besides knowing you can never have it?”

-- James Patterson

What is something you regret giving to someone?

Love. She used me for years, and my love went unrequited.

What word describes a person who is afraid of being the same/lazy/slothful, and therefore who wants to be busy and engaged?

Confused. They are either lazy and slothful or they want to be busy and engaged. They can try to be both, but it simply doesn’t make any sense. They just can’t be both.

Why do people believe in 'experts' in fields where there are huge gaps in our knowledge and those 'experts' are repeatedly blundering and ruining patients' lives? It is a problem of human frailty and arrogance, isn't it?

They are experts in fields where there are huge gaps in knowledge. When you’re an "expert" in the field, there will be repeated blunders. We “practice” medicine and law, and people know this because that's why we call it a “practice.” Yet, people continue to show up for their "expertise" because the “practitioners” know more than we do. Our own frailty and arrogance can bite us in the ass if we assume that are perfect. There is no such thing as perfection unless you’re God, and even then…

People are not perfect, and the fields we “practice “ is evidence of this. We can only hope that the “practitioner” is really good at what they do when we need the expertise they have and we don’t.

Why do you think you deserve to be happy?

Because it is what God intended. We should all strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of our circumstances.

Why do you always think only about yourself? Why don't you think about others?

You don’t know me, so you have no right to judge me. And, even if you thought you had the right to judge me, your arrogance by thinking so would say more about you than about me. It would be much better if we pay attention to cleaning our own house.

“If you didn't grow up like I did then you don't know, and if you don't know it's probably better you don't judge.”

-- Junot Díaz

Do you really want to know what I think?

It depends on the subject, and what you know of it. How do I know when I am giving the wrong advice?

What are some things that are not worth the time?

The League of the Perpetually Offended. People who use other people. Selfishness. Hate. Poorly prepared food. People who think they’re all that, and aren’t. Arguments. People who don’t like my “humble” self.

Why can’t I ever understand what I write? It never makes sense, but when I wrote it, it was more than understandable. It made sense. Is this some kind of mental issue or something?

One would have to read what you’re concerned about. The question you’ve asked is very understandable.

Author's comment: that is the thing i understood it wen i wrote it, re read it and was even confident about what i had written. then all that suddenly changes a couple of days later . wen i go back to read something i had written it tends to be very hard for me to read it. and the strangest part is there are things inside of my writing that i know i clearly just didnt include. so a few days later i read back some of the answers id given AND it its not anything i ever remember it sounding like or there will be times were i would even be days were i couldnt reconize my own hand writing cuz my writing is never the same wen i write on paper every senteance it looks like several people had taken there time to add a sentance .i dont reallly tell people this cuz im weird enough to them all

My obvious response: Too much bourbon? 

What happens when people are not honest with themselves?

They find it hard to believe themselves when they think.

If a person is stigmatized because of past mistakes, then can he or she improve it?

You can always improve, but it might take some time for people to realize you’ve improved enough to shake off the sigma.

“The stigmatized individual is asked to act so as to imply neither that his burden is heavy nor that bearing it has made him different from us; at the same time he must keep himself at that remove from us which assures our painlessly being able to confirm this belief about him. Put differently, he is advised to reciprocate naturally with an acceptance of himself and us, an acceptance of him that we have not quite extended to him in the first place. A PHANTOM ACCEPTANCE is thus allowed to provide the base for a PHANTOM NORMALCY.”

-- Erving Goffman

The word judgment is neutral as we use our judgment on a daily basis. Why is judgemental negative?

If judgment were simply neutral it wouldn’t always be a valid judgment. Judgment can be neutral, but it is more likely to be negative or positive.

Why the heck do I not have more followers that I deserve to have on all my socials? I feel like I deserve way way more. Anybody else feel that way?

Who’s saying that you deserve more followers? The fact that you feel you deserve more obviously doesn’t reflect the sentiment of the “followers” on the sites. Lose the ego and learn humble selflessness. Maybe the change will garner more approval. Since you're so deserving, I'm not even going to correct your many errors.

What are respect and motivation skills and their importance? Explain in detail how to approach a counseling session with an example.

This is what college is for. The “detail” could fill a book.

How can one change the mindset of people, who always disapprove of every decision he/she has made in life?

Who’s life is it? The one, or the people judging them? People tend to spend an inordinate amount of time paying attention to everyone’s life but their own, and it usually shows when we see how crappy their own life is. We all have a path to walk. No one can walk it for us. Many think they can, but they really can’t. If we don’t fail or make mistakes, we don’t learn, and life is all about learning lessons. Our lessons are not someone else's, although hearing the choice someone else makes and seeing their outcome, can teach us much.

My response to people who disapprove is this: “Butt out. Pay attention to your lackluster existence and stop paying attention to my life. I’m doing fine, except for the vitriol you insist on spewing at me to cover your own inadequacies.”

How can I better understand and apply wisdom in my life?

Try this on for size:

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

-- Confucious

If you could ask a famous philosopher one question, what would it be?

“Why?” I know the answer, but it will give me a chuckle to hear them give it.

How do I know when I am giving the wrong advice?

When you know absolutely nothing about what you’re being asked. When it simply sounds so wrong. Or, when that little “bullshit alarm” goes off in your head.

How can an atheist solve the problem of pain and suffering?

Ask God for assistance.

If capitalism is inherently selfish, why do people work together in capitalist societies?

It’s inherently greedy. Working together can make the payday bigger. It isn’t what you have, it’s what you have that everybody else wants.

What if we discover our true calling in an unexpected way?

If you recognize it as your “true calling” why should it matter?

“Many seekers are stuck or lost because they believe their life calling must also be their career or occupation. Our true calling is a fulfillment of our original divine purpose. And for most people this is seldom about their day job.”

-- Anthon St. Maarten

How do you think evidence should be used in order to determine what is true and what is not?

By determining the bearing and the validity.

Is it good for children to ask more why questions?

Asking “why” is one of the best ways to learn.

When is it better to not know something?

When the information is useless or too late, and if it’s too late, it’s useless.

Can people change if they really want to?

Yes. It is their free choice to do so.

How do I know why I don’t know?

I don’t know.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

-- Socrates

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