Questioning Authors, Review, Respect, Impact, and Naked

 

“So far, about morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.”

-- Ernest Hemingway

Should authors be held responsible for the moral values in their books?

“Their books” answers the question.

What role does intelligence play in maturity?

Not as big a role as being “smart” does. You can be the most intelligent being in the universe and not be very mature. If you are smart, however, you would be able "unfocus" and realize this shortcoming.

I have an obsession that I suspect someone I know has posted a certain video that is harmful to me on the internet. What is this obsession called?

Guilt.

He asked me if I smoked, I said no and he blocked me. I feel stupid and I wanted to be his friend, what do I do?

He blocked you for saying you didn’t smoke? And, let me understand this, you wanted to be his friend? I’d feel stupid, as well. This is an obvious sign that you should find better people to be friends with. I’d be looking for non-smokers if I were you.

Is there such a thing as an extrovert who socializes only on the internet realm?

That really doesn’t meet the criteria for an extrovert, in my book.

“Introverts enjoy people-watching. Extroverts enjoy people watching.”

-- Jomny Sun

How can I overcome my fear and feel more at ease?

It depends on your fear. Confronting it is one way. That means doing that which you fear. I ignore this suggestion because I have no desire to leave a perfectly good aircraft to test a parachute. Knowing I will not do this makes me feel more at ease. So, again, it depends on your fear.

What's it like to have no enemies, and to be loved and liked by everyone? How did that happen for you or someone else in your life?

I’ve never had enemies, save for my ex-wife. I’ve never thought about how it feels. Since I’m not having to look over my shoulder constantly, I’d say it feels peaceful.

What are the potential negative consequences of having a good day?

Trying to have more than one. It is one reason I tout striving to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of one’s circumstances. It is a choice, and as a choice, it makes true happiness sustainable until one changes their choice, which would be counter to the goal of true happiness.

How do you use teaching as a way of learning?

If you pay attention, you learn how to teach better. You might even see how to teach easier.

What is the definition of a person who likes to call everyone an idiot?

Failingly judgmental, naive, egotistical, narcissistic, selfish, or any or all of them. I’d say the person needs to look in a mirror and remind themselves, they are one of everyone. Calling everyone an idiot is an easy way for people to tell who the real idiot is.

"Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that."

-- George Carlin

How can you create something if it doesn't exist?

If it exists, you haven’t created it. If you create it, it will exist as your creation.

What is the best quote after you did great revenge?

“That was a mistake.” Karma beat me up more than the bully. But, it was worth the beatings. It taught me to stand up for myself and, more importantly, to stand up for others.

What is something that you learned embarrassingly late in life?

Most women love to have “exotic” sex. If only I’d known early on.

What are the causes of fear of marriage? Is there a way to overcome this fear?

Fear of divorce. Fear of failure and children. Fear of catching them with someone else. Fear of them asking you to join in. So many fears.

How do you help someone with an irrational fear of growing

When you find out, let me know.

"Fear and growth go hand in hand."

-- Sandy Gallagher

What is a smart goal in motivation?

To be motivated. I mean, really. If you aren’t motivated, what’s the point?

Which question have I asked that’s the dumbest, which question have I asked that is the least dumb?

This is the least dumb.

What if you are scared of staying alone at home at night, scared of the unknown?

Find a “friend” you can hold onto, through the night.

Why did your blog fail? Did you drop a lesson for a junior to avoid a wrong turn?

My blog is still going strong.

Am I sick in the head if I have a morbid curiosity to see what would World War III look like?

No. Total devastation. Few survivors. WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones, per Einstein.

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”

-- Albert Einstein

Does sharing your expectations on [this site] meet your expectations of a place where we can talk and discuss topics of real interest?

If the site managers would keep their liberal attitudes in check, and “answers” would be “approved” in a timely manner, then, in some instances, maybe. We waste a lot of time writing lengthy answers just to have them “thrown away” because some lazy ass doesn't review them.

What are the seven C's of effective communication and also their significance by examples?

Sounds like homework?

Why are they pushing that social validation is the only proof of your know-how and credibility?

Because they think people are supposed to care what society thinks. The only proof of my know-how and credibility is what I provide. If people don’t validate what I provide, that is their problem, not mine. I have become so tired of people thinking I give meaningful shit about what they think of me. The only validation I crave is my own. If people think they can judge me, they will be better served looking in a mirror and judging the person they see looking back.

I forgot that I had put an important file in my locker and I won’t be at school for a week. I need to return it to my teacher otherwise I won't pass. What should I do?

Ask a very good friend to do you a favor. Otherwise, you’re screwed.

What happens when people don’t get what they want? What are the consequences?

They can kick, scream, complain, mope, act spoiled or childish, and so on. Or, they can take it in stride. But, the obvious consequence? They do without.

“The Cartesian point of moral epistemology: I'm angry, therefore I'm right.”

-- Theodore Dalrymple

Are any people whom you dislike born in April?

The only person I truly disliked was born in October. I still love her.

What creates respect?

Respect. You get what you give. If you don’t get it back, move on down the road. They aren’t worth your effort.

In your personal opinion are Americans judgmental?

That is a given.

How do I get revenge for my uncle who was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in jail for something he didn’t do?

Prove he didn’t do it. Revenge will only set karma onto you, and both of you will end up suffering from this miscarriage of justice.

How can I offend you?

Ask a question as bait. When I answer, you attack me for it. Cowardice offends me.

“Right now we live in an age of extreme Political Correctness. It has gone way too far. I hope it's just a phase. Political Correctness is now just a fancy word for censorship. It's no longer about protecting the weak. It has become an excuse to persecute others because persecuting people is fun. Don't you dare say or think the wrong thing or a Twitter mob of angry villagers will come after you with digital torches and metaphorical pitchforks.”

-- Oliver Markus Malloy

Why should people be punished, socially or otherwise, when they do not accept other people's beliefs that they deem to be false?

They shouldn’t. If they allow themselves to be punished, that is their choice. Personally, I think it’s cowardice not to stand up for what is deemed to be right.

What impact do you want to make on the world?

I already made it. I was born.

How important is personal privacy? How important is having personal private space in life for adults? What’s the impact of losing personal privacy?

There are a few things I don’t like to share. It is my personal space. My personal thoughts. Loss of personal privacy is tantamount to socialism. I will die before I give up privacy.

Is it bad to constantly think about your future and never really appreciate or enjoy where you are in life at this moment?

Yes. All you really have is this moment. Own it and make it great.

What do you think about success, happiness, and the purpose of life? What do you think is most important from these things? Why?

Happiness. Happiness is both true success and everyone’s purpose. You can have the world and still not be truly happy.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

How can one become positive and happy naturally without any external help?

I am, and I’ll defy anyone who tries to eff it up.

What do people say to winners? 

Congratulations!

Is it wrong to be naked around other people that are not?

It shows a lack of lacks good taste, socially. But, if she’s drop dead gorgeous, a man may shake his head, but, if he’s worth his salt, he won’t say a word.

What is the meaning of “I am not a fool, I just act like one”?

They’re an intelligence asset.

I'm 22 and want to have sex. What should I do?

The fact that you don't know, at 22, is concerning.  Use your hand, or find a prostitute. Yes, they both come in the sex of your choice.  Finding a woman to truly love is a bonus.

“Sex without love is a meaningless experience, but as far as meaningless experiences go it's pretty damn good.”

-- Woody Allen

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