Questioning Morals, Focus, Math, and Wealth

 

“Before you call yourself a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or any other theology, learn to be human first.”

-- Shannon L. Alder

Why should human beings be moral? Discuss briefly.

The violence in New York, Detroit, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, etc., is evidence of immorality running rampant. Why should we be moral? The proof is in the pudding. It will come, fairly soon, that those who believe in the “rule of law” and in standing their ground, will have had enough. They will take up arms against their aggressors, and the streets will run with the blood of, not only the innocent, but the guilty, as well.

How old were you when you realized you were stronger than your father? How was it?

21, while I was in Air Force basic training. I came home and took him two out of three. I gave him the third, only out of respect. He never challenged me again.

What is negative about being woke? What makes it a bad thing?

I will be pounded for this by members of the League of the Perpetually Offended, but, what the hell. I ignore them anyway.

If you’re a liberal socialist, there's absolutely nothing negative about being a "woke" citizen. Truth, freedom, choice, real history, the rule of law, working hard for a living, protecting life who can’t protect themselves, reading, writing, and arithmetic, still have meaning to everyone else, however. Just saying.

Why are some people always unjustly blamed?

Because the perpetrators know some people are too weak-minded to balk.

Why does it feel like most people just make excuses in life? For example, people watch TV for 3 hours a day, then have the audacity to say life is unfair because they are stuck working a garbage job. Why are they making excuses for their own choices?

Because they can. Life is all about making choices. People tend to blame anything but themselves for the drama in their life, instead of the voices they make. If you’re old enough to make your own choices in life, you need to own them. If you have a garbage job, who made the choice to take it? If you’re in a garbage marriage, who stood at the altar and said “yes” to it?

If you’re too young, however, when you reach the age to make your own choices, you need to make the conscious choice to be truly happy always and in all things. If someone violates you as a child, you need to rise above it as an adult. If you don’t, the violator will continue to violate you throughout your life. When do you make the choice to say “no more” of this? What we can become in life is the product of life experiences we choose to accept. That drama we choose to bring with us into the pool of self-pity.

We all need to learn to make better choices in life, deny entrance to any drama we don’t need and strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of our circumstances.

“The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it.”

-- Jordan Belfort

How do you know if the problem is with you but not with the others?

Selfless honesty. Put others before your own interests. If they fail, the problem is probably not with you.

Do you agree with Sheldon - “In the absence of a divine being, society’s rules are what keeps a person’s morality in check. If actions have no repercussions, society breaks down, everything devolves into chaos”?

Morality is what it is. You are either moral, or you’re not. If society is immoral, the rules keep no one in check. Historically, society breaks down and a new society tries again. This is true whether there is a divine being or not. What is right is right and what is wrong will soon come face-to-face with karma. Belief in an “omnipotent power” in the universe is padding your bet for the next great adventure. If one believes that this life is it, then it will be. You can act out as you like.

Why do some people enable toxic behavior from other people?

Bad choices? Stupidity? Playing them?

Are wishes real or have I just believed something so much and so I have achieved it and not the wish itself? what I’m saying is, am I the reason I have achieved a goal, or is some higher power granting wishes through a birthday candle?

What you believe, you become. When you persevere, you attain. A “wish” is totally in the purview of the one wishing. They can bring the wish to fruition, or simply make the wish. If all you do is make the wish, you rely on “luck” to make it happen. People relying on “luck” is what makes casinos thrive. It is the difference between believing God did something for you - blind luck, or that God gifted you the wherewithal to do something for yourself - desire, knowledge, talent, and perseverance. This, because of that - cause and effect.

How will taking a course help you in your career goals?

If the course gives you knowledge that helps you attain your goals, the end justifies the means. 

“Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.”

-- John Locke

How do people pay attention to videos at school when a teacher is showing them? I can’t focus on the video even when I try hard. How do I pay attention because it’s boring?

If it’s boring, then you should know everything it is presenting and be ready to pass any test on the subject matter, yes? If not, then paying attention to something you know little about should be enlightening.

What would be the useless things we can do without?

Marriage licenses. It is a piece of paper that might get you some tax savings. Better to live in sin, share the expenses, and be close friends with benefits.

How do you understand Steve Jobs' statement, "I especially like working with smart people because the biggest advantage is that I don't have to think about their self-esteem"?

Unlike “intelligent” people, “smart” people have no need for self-esteem. They are happy to be of use. Intelligent people, on the other hand, tend to let their egos get in the way of teamwork.

How do you know if a money-making app is really paying?

Check the balance of the account, and subtract it from what was spent. 

How do you help a codependent person to become independent?

Stop allowing them to be dependent. If you throw someone that doesn’t swim into the deep end of the pool, they will sink or swim. Either way, they have an epiphany about their co-dependence they might never have acknowledged.

“Freedom (n.): To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing.”

-- Ayn Rand

What are some benefits of teaching kids how to count?

When you send them to buy a dozen eggs, you get a dozen eggs.

Why do you feel bothered by other people's problems if they aren't yours?

I’m not. Letting other people’s drama into your life is counterproductive. Like most people don’t have enough problems of their own. This is sitting down to watch “soap operas” when your own life sucks. It makes little sense.

What helps you stay motivated when you really want something but it seems like nothing will ever go right for you?

Perseverance in the face of obstacles.

What's your opinion of a random act of kindness day?

This is every day, for those of us who really care. Naming a day simply tells people what they should be doing always.

Why do people say “we get the leaders we deserve”?

Know who you vote for, or you get the dumbass octagenarian you deserve.

“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”

-- Winston S. Churchill

Why do people criticize each other on how much money they have?

Not if you show the same respect to everyone, regardless of their wealth, or lack of.

How much homework do teachers grade?

That would depend if they actually teach. Judging by some math and reading scores, I’d say the majority could give a damn. And, let’s not even discuss real history. Indoctrination is the purpose of schooling. 

What are the steps to retiring on your own terms?

Uh… make the decision, and then follow through? It’s what I did… thrice.

What does it mean when someone says "I’m smarter than you"?

They probably aren’t. The fact that they find the need to tell you says that they have a need to make you feel smaller. “Smart” people would not do this. From “intelligent” people, I fully expect it. Intelligent people who are also smart could be a toss-up, depending on which is dominant.

What are some examples of non-verbal problems?

Testicular cancer. 

"Habitual texters may not only cheat their existing relationships, but they can also limit their ability to form future ones since they don't get to practice the art of interpreting nonverbal visual cues."

-- Jeffrey Kluger

How can one keep their mind occupied when they have nothing to think about or worry about at that moment?

I close my eyes and go to the edge of the abyss. When it stares back I just smile and look over the abyss into infinity, considering topics I know little about, like quantum physics.

Why would a rich person be vile and vindictive to someone for no reason?

They’re rich, so their ego gets in the way of good sense. Their wealth blinds them to the fact that they could be broke tomorrow and need a job from them, or the person may be the one to save their life when they crash their Maserati.

What is the best way to solve a reasoning problem in an interview?

Logically. But, clarify your answer with “thinking out of the box” if logic doesn’t work.

What is the conventional wisdom about doing something that isn't worth doing? What does this say about life itself?

Don’t do it. There is so much more life has to offer than things that aren’t worth doing if you have the temerity to go looking.

When should you not make decisions?

When you have to make them immediately. If you have the time to consider options, take the time. Salesmen use the ploy of “buy now or miss out” but, the deal will probably last another day. If not, thank them for their time and tell them you’ll shop elsewhere. In the military, we have to make choices and decisions on short notice. It pays to be very proficient in your field so you can make the best possible choice or decision.

“On an important decision one rarely has 100% of the information needed for a good decision no matter how much one spends or how long one waits. And, if one waits too long, he has a different problem and has to start all over. This is the terrible dilemma of the hesitant decision maker.”

-- Robert K. Greenleaf

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