Questioning Viewpoints, Behavior, Context, Empathy, and Trust

“...the qualifications that I have to speak on world affairs are exactly the same ones Henry Kissinger has, and Walt Rostow has, or anybody in the Political Science Department, professional historians—none, none that you don't have. The only difference is, I don't pretend to have qualifications, nor do I pretend that qualifications are needed. I mean, if somebody were to ask me to give a talk on quantum physics, I'd refuse—because I don't understand enough. But world affairs are trivial: there's nothing in the social sciences or history or whatever that is beyond the intellectual capacities of an ordinary fifteen-year-old. You have to do a little work, you have to do some reading, you have to be able to think, but there's nothing deep—if there are any theories around that require some special kind of training to understand, then they've been kept a carefully guarded secret.”

-- Noam Chomsky

Why do people with good respectable qualifications on [this site] have incredibly psychotic viewpoints (not all)?

Are the “respectable qualifications” valid? Who validated them?

Why do some individuals feel that receiving external help invalidates progress (such as people who aren't open to any advice or therapy on the basis that they must work things out themselves)? Is it a learned trait from upbringing or a merit complex?

I don’t see it invalidating progress as much as it shows others you are incapable of doing it yourself. If you are cap[able, you will progress slower without help, but you will progress. If you are incapable, however, any progress will stagnate without seeking help. If you aren’t open to help or advice it can stem from upbringing, a merit complex, or simple bullheadedness.

Why do people impose their opinions on others?

They are looking for validation, from others, that they are right.

What is something you want to get revenge on your parents for, and how?

Revenge is simply a way of taunting karma, and taunting karma never ends well. My life has made me the man I am today. I have no regrets concerning my parent's tutelage. I have regrets about marrying a woman who never loved me, but not any regrets that would cause me to seek revenge on anyone.

How do you know when something is your talent?

You’re very good at it, you get positive comments, and you, hopefully, enjoy doing it.

“Everyone has talent. What's rare is the courage to follow it to the dark places where it leads.”

-- Erica Jong

How do our subconscious beliefs and attitudes influence our behavior?

Subconsciously.

How does one know his or her value?

They define it for themselves. No one knows my value but me. Others may judge me, but that becomes their value of me, not mine. I define my value to myself, and this “definition” of value is the only one I concern myself with. My goodness, if I gave credence to every member of the League of the Perpetually Offended who finds no value in me, I would be on the verge of suicide instead of being the truly happy person that I am, being a pain in their ass.

Laziness; how to overcome it?

Make a list of things to do for the day and get to work on them. The day ends when the list is done.

Why do people say that respect is earned? Is respect something that is given automatically as long as you are respectful to others?

You should show everyone respect until they are not worthy of it. Even then, you can show respect for the position, but not for the person holding the position. For instance, I respect the office of the President, and I will show the President respect, even though I think he’s an octogenarian idiot bent on destroying my country. I will show him due respect, and tell him, honestly, what I think of him. Even an idiot deserves to know they’re an idiot.

What are the implications of prejudices on attitudes and values?

Your attitudes and values carry the prejudices. It can be outwardly noticeable or inwardly hidden, but it will still have an effect.

“If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I will happily change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed.”

-- Marcus Aurelius

What questions should I ask will in the “community development challenges” questionnaire?

How much tax money will be set aside for community development? Is “community development” defined? Are we developing for the next generation, or for adults?

How do questions contain the understanding for knowing what is being asked?

I think you’re discussing the “context” that many questions are missing.

What’s the fine line or characteristics between pride, standing and living in your truth and selfishness, self-love, and self-care?

There is no “fine line” to these, in my humble opinion. I see them as all “stand-alone” aspects you might possess and that might define who you are to those around you.

Can you give an example of something that's "deeply" loved or cared about?

My son and daughter. My grandkids.  My mother.  My family.

Do all people deserve respect?

Yes, until they don’t, or if they’re simply flaming assholes. You get what you give, and if you don’t get it back, cut them off. It is hard to show respect to someone who has no respect.

“Friendship - my definition - is built on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don't have trust, the friendship will crumble.”

-- Stieg Larsson

Why do bad people who hurt and take advantage of others go on like nothing in their life while those that were hurt have to suffer and live through the trauma they didn’t deserve? Why do mean people win?

They hurt and take advantage because they’re bad people. They never win, although it seems they do. They do what they do because they are who they are, and that is sad. Karma will visit them in due course… if they aren’t suffering already. They will, eventually, meet someone so much meaner than they are. Satan comes to mind.

Can empathy be considered a weakness?

No more than not having any empathy can. Empathy is a human trait that more people should exercise.

Why am I rapidly becoming tired of [this site] with the multitude of pointless questions and left-leaning moderators censoring anyone averse to Karl Marx?

Because the truth means something to you. I, also, am tired of the “political left” moderators censoring what doesn’t fall into their belief system, but I keep plugging away like a tick, sucking blood. This site will become tired of me, one day, and I will be banished by the socialists.

What are optimal choices with perfect substitute goods?

Women.

Where should we defend ourselves in an argument, and where should we not?

Never get involved in an argument, Both sides tend to sound like two jackasses braying at each other. Better to discuss, and defend the truth. If they don’t want to hear the truth, then end the discussion, since you are not going to make any headway with a sack of rocks.

“You cannot reason people out of a position that they did not reason themselves into.”

-- Ben Goldacre

Should professors grade their own students?

Whose students are they going to grade? If you don’t trust them, then fire them. Whatever tenure an instructor has should be answerable to the trust you place in them. No trust, no job.

Can you think of an example of something that seems like a positive thing at the moment, but will ultimately turn out to be a negative thing for you or others later on down the road?

A meaningless “affair” with another woman. Thinking with two brains is not necessarily better.

How do you rediscover yourself?

Launch an expedition. You have a leg up on most explorers, as you already know you exist. Now, all you need to do is find yourself. Make a list of who you think you are, then ask yourself if you’re right. If there are bad traits, discard them. If there are good traits, celebrate them. Your friends are your unwitting crew, so use them for validation. Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Good luck!

How far can you trust a friend?

Determine how far you can trust yourself, then take a step back.

What is the definition of respect? And how can you show respect to others without fear of being taken advantage of?

By definition: A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. Or, to admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

In most instances, however, “due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others” comes into play, simply because we might know enough about them… yet.

You can be respectful without letting your guard down and being taken advantage of. If they do this, it is a solid reason to lose any respect you might have shown them. Everyone deserves respect until they don’t. The definition of that “red line” is up to you.

“I don't care if you're black, white, straight, bisexual, gay, lesbian, short, tall, fat, skinny, rich or poor. If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you. Simple as that.”

-- Robert Michaels, MD

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 view 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