Questioning Poop, Questions, Weakness, Wealth, and AI

 

“You know those bumper stickers where it says “Shit Happens, And Then You Die?” They should have them where “Shit Happens, And Then You Live.” Because that’s really the truth of it.”

-- Anna Nicole Smith

Why is it that EVERY time I feel good and positive, something negative comes along to knock me down? It makes me feel that this notion that we're supposed to be so "positive" all the time is usually a bunch of bull.

It is a “bunch of bull.” There must be balance in the universe. Shit happens. However, being aware of balance, you can be positive most of the time. You can be positive that shit will happen. Don’t step in it. Just keep one eye on the ball and life will continue to unfold for you.

Do the ongoing Canadian wildfires put into perspective how well the government is able to protect us?

The government can only try. There is little they can do to protect us from assholes or mother nature.

Are people stupid? Why do they believe in the afterlife even though it's a story made up and fake?

Prove it. You seem to have faith that you’re right, and these other people are wrong, so, show us your proof. Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Atheists and theists both have "faith" that they are right, yet, neither of them has any proof to back up their beliefs. Show us your proof.

Why are Muslims so dull and lazy while ferocious and terrible in their active state?

There seems to be some confusion between radical Islam and peaceful Islam. 

Are extravagant people very ignorant?

The definition of “extravagant” would seem to answer this question: “Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources. Costing too much money. Exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; absurd.” The definition would point to ignorance. Having too much money doesn’t make you smart. It makes you rich.

What is one quote that you have used repeatedly in your life?

Try this:

“It is what it is until it isn’t, and then it is what it is… again.”

-- F.A. Villari

Why do we encourage self-snitching by asking questions?

What?

What kinds of questions on here get answered a lot? And what kinds of answers get a lot of views?

I’ve received 477,000 views, and 6025 upvotes for my answer to this question:

Q:  "Did you ever get a request for a favor from a neighbor who never showed any respect or interest in you or your family? What did you do?"

A:  The guy next door. He asked if he could cut down a rotting tree the raccoons use. Wanted to bill me $2000 for a $500 job. I told him not to touch it. He cut it down anyway, when I wasn’t around, then billed me $2000. My legal team, lawyers from Louisiana and Mississippi, both advised me to tell him to go f*** himself. You have to love Southern lawyers. I cleaned the language up and sent him a form letter concerning trespass, ignorance, and the fact that he wouldn’t be getting any money out of me. (Last lines have been updated) We don't talk, not because I'm not willing, but because he seems to think he's all that. He flies a Marine Corps flag. I know my share of Marines. My gun is bigger than his. So far, he leaves me unimpressed.

In current times, is "truth" just a popularity contest?

“Truth” is what it is, regardless of the time. Not accepting the truth is counterproductive to reality.

What is the best moment of your life so far that made you proud of yourself?

I earned the “Academic Award” during a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy course in the Air Force. For a guy that almost didn’t graduate high school, this was a notable achievement for me. 

What are you most obsessed with?

Happiness. I strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances.

Is bullying someone love?

No. It has more to do with jealousy.

“People who love themselves, don’t hurt other people. The more we hate ourselves, the more we want others to suffer.”

-- Dan Pearce

Are hypocrites weak people?

Yes. Don’t do what I do, do what I say. I hate myself for it.

Are common sense and sound judgment something that can be improved upon or are these fixed immovable traits? If these abilities can be improved, how can that be done? Also, how does the presence of ADHD or ADD impact this dynamic?

“Common sense” and “sound judgment” are not that common or sound. Both can be improved upon to a great degree. Children with ADHD or ADD will find both good sense and sound judgment challenging without modern medication. I was left to my own devices when I was young. I was not medicated. My parents were told I would grow out of it. My son was also cursed with ADHD and, in the 1980s, I was told he would grow out of it. He did, about the time he was ready for college, the same time I grew out of it. It has been a constant battle to focus and be calm. As I approach my 70th birthday, I can celebrate my constant ability to keep the lid on it.

Do you know the quote? “Someone that’s gone through life with their heart still intact hasn’t lived.”

No, but the words hold much truth.

How do you make anyone respect you?

You can’t. If they want to respect you, they will. I have found that you usually get what you give. If I respect someone, they usually respect me for showing them respect, and vice versa. Forced respect isn’t respect. Loathing is in there, somewhere.

Why do I feel mentally weaker around mentally weak people and stronger around stronger people?

You are allowing your empathy toward others to control your emotions.

Many people have called me overconfident. How is being overconfident a bad thing, it's better than being underconfident?

Having too much confidence can be a bad thing if your confidence prevents you from thinking things through. Overconfidence is the cause of many mistakes. Better to take a moment and think about the possibilities and consider the options before taking the first step off the high-dive into an empty pool.

“Before you attempt to beat the odds, be sure you could survive the odds beating you.”

-- Larry Kersten

Do all rich people really deserve their money?

Capitalism. They earned it so they deserve it. People that didn’t earn it don’t deserve it. Pretty simple for anyone, not a communist or a socialist.

What's the difference between love and respect?

Respect is defined as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements” and “due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.”

When we consider the definition of “respect” we can see that having a relationship with someone who doesn’t have all these great qualities would rely more on lust than love. Personally, I can lust after anyone, but love is another animal. I would need to know they have all those qualities listed before I could even respect them enough to consider loving them. Lust is a lot more fun because you don’t have to respect them, it can be all about sex.

What does it mean to compensate for a lack of inner qualities with external qualities?

You will, in all likelihood, be acting contrary to who you really are. It is so much better to work on developing those inner qualities so who people see is who you really are.

What are the most problematic issues facing managers today?

Short time constraints, poor work ethics, and an undereducated workforce. The faster you develop the product, the faster you make money. With the state of the American education system, finding anybody who wants to work that hard will be difficult. If you do find someone, you will more than likely, have to educate them so they can understand rudimentary instructions. Math and reading are beyond a great many in our nation.

What is the difference between a bully and a person who thinks he's better than others?

Violence.

What do you think is the right education for the youth? Personally, I think the way the Greeks (Athenians) educated their youth is the best way.

Any quality education covering writing, reading, real history, and arithmetic, is better than indoctrination. Unfortunately, most “teachers” in the United States have forgotten the basic principles of quality education. Children are being left behind.

"The right to a quality education is, I believe, the perfect path to bridge the gap between different cultures and to reconcile various civilizations. Without such a right, the values of liberty, justice and equality will have no meaning. Ignorance is by far the biggest danger and threat to humankind."

-- Moza bint Nasser

What question confuses AI?

With no context, ask the question, “Why?”

Why can't Internet users stop asking questions starting with the words "Am I the only one…", realizing that in almost 100% of cases, the answers to such questions will be negative?

I use the internet and have never asked that question. I think the reason is that I really don’t give a shit. If I’m the only one, then I’m usually ahead of everyone else.

Have you ever taken a step back and considered if your reality could very well be a false one?

Yes. I decided it is what it is, so enjoy it.

Are you a controversial person, why?

People learn that I am usually full of shit. I like to keep people wondering. I think it’s a holdover from my years in the Intelligence field. Or, I could really be full of shit. Makes me wonder.

Is there such a thing as someone who loves being the center of attention but is still humble?

Yeah, and I hate myself for it. Makes me hypocritical.

How do I improve artistic creativity through common sense?

“Common sense” seems to have no place in artistic creativity. Art is in the eye of the beholder. Van Gogh, to my humble eye, has no creative talent other than to put paint on canvas. It appeals to many, but not to me. Yet, he is famous beyond his wildest dreams. I have several paintings hanging in the Netherlands. My talent was to experiment with techniques. Since “common” sense doesn’t exist, I used “good” sense to apply the best of my techniques to canvas. Some astronomists liked it. Go figure. I now have three “space art” examples on display in their observatory.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

-- Pablo Picasso

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. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, 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 offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I have come to believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

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 a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com