Questioning Logic, Bullies, Faith, Liberals, and Pride

 

“It's hard to be a bright light in a dim world.”

-- Gary Starta

If I find it hard to reason logically with people, does that mean I am stupid?

First off, it is very hard to find any logic most stupid people would understand, so don’t be too hard on yourself when you find it difficult to reason with them. I find this especially hard when dealing with the League of the Perpetually Offended.

What's a good comeback for someone who is narrow-minded?

“So, do you always swim in the shallow end?”

After many years of anxiety and depression, this has made me bad at socializing with people. Finally, I realized that I was bullied by my friends and society because of the bad material conditions. How can I overcome this and have self-confidence?

People are morons. Since people make up society, society is full of morons. So, you overcome this by realizing morons are the crux of your problem. Once you admit that morons are at the center of your issues, it should be easier to ignore the morons responsible for your issues. I mean, they are morons. Why pay them any attention?

Why must people be motivated by ideas but not by money? If an idea doesn’t pay, then why is it needed?

The idea of “peace” doesn’t pay, but it is sorely needed.

Is it possible to be insecure about something but not ashamed of it at the same time?

I’m insecure about many things, but I am not ashamed to admit it. For instance, being afraid will keep you alive. Anyone who says they’re fearless is an idiot. Dead man walking. Never be ashamed of your insecurities. They are there for a good reason.

What makes an individual proud?

Attainment.

"When a bell is struck it rings, when a drum is beaten it resounds. This is because they are solid outside and empty within. It is because they have nothing inside that they are able to ring and resound.

What I realize as I observe this is the Tao of true emptiness and ineffable existence.

True emptiness is like the inner openness of a bell or a drum; ineffable existence is like the sounding of a bell or a drum when struck. If people can keep this true emptiness as their essence, and utilize this ineffable existence as their function, ever serene yet ever responsive, ever responsive yet ever serene, tranquil and unstirring yet sensitive and effective, sensitive and effective yet tranquil and unstirring, empty yet not empty, not empty yet empty, aware and efficient, lively and active, refining everything in the great furnace of Creation, then when the dirt is gone the mirror is clear, when the clouds disperse the moon appears; revealing the indestructible body of reality, they transcend yin and yang and Creation, and merge with the eternity of space."

-- Liu Yiming

Is it bullying if your old flame’s baby brother is on Facebook and you’re deliberately paying him back for his childhood bullying by making snarky comments on his posts?

Yep. Two wrongs don’t make it right, regardless of the excuse.

If someone asks a stupid question, is it okay to tell them so? Is your answer the same for everybody or does it matter when the person asking the question is a senior citizen?

If they ask a question, it may sound stupid to you, but, to them, it has value. Telling them a question is stupid is demeaning them. They probably asked you because they respected your opinion… until you demeaned them. Now, you’re just another asshole, and the question still hasn’t been answered. Senior citizens carry guns. Be respectful.

Why are there so many primitive and narrow-minded people on [this site] who think that they possess deep knowledge and ideas?

You left out the “judgmental” people.

Is just being yourself and being your best self the same thing? Are they both equally honest? Would you prefer to spend time with a partner, family member, or co-worker who is always working hard to be their best self?

I always try to be my best self. Why would you try to be anything but? Not being your best self is not really being honest with those around you. And, yes, hang with those who always strive to be the best they can be. The best rubs off on you, just as not being the best can rub off on you, as well.

Why are a lot of bad things popular and why are a lot of people immature and mean?

We are, at the end of the day, only a society of very flawed people. 

How come other people are doing better than me?

They are trying harder, they have more talent, they are blessed, yadda, yadda, yadda. What are you going to do to make yourself better? Ask those other people what they did. We are all in charge of our own lives. We write our destiny. No one else can stand in our way if we understand “perseverance in the face of adversity.” 

“The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Can you walk me through your process for problem-solving?

Ask yourself, “Why does the problem exist?” When you find out the "why," the solution will be obvious.

Why do atheists have faith in scientists who are smarter than them that trillions of atoms they can't see do exist, while they can't believe in just one single God there is plenty of evidence for?

Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Neither theists nor atheists can produce any evidence to support faith in their beliefs. And, yet, you tout “plenty of evidence” that you will be more than happy to produce for us, I’m sure.

Why do critics of materialist philosophy deny that thoughts are just chemical reactions in the brain?

Ignorance?

Philosophically, why am I so wise and smart (not arrogant)? I always get confused even when someone asks me to do basic stuff. I’m curious to know what's my problem. How do I fix it?

The fact that you label yourself “wise and smart” smacks of arrogance. I’d be careful throwing that around. If you’re having problems doing basic tasks people ask you to do, maybe you’re overthinking it. It is basic, so don’t overthink it.

Why does being truthful, honest, and as informative as can be, get you censored on [this site]?

Liberal hypocrisy.

Does religion make people stupid?

Gullible, perhaps, but not stupid. When you buy into a particular system of faith and worship (religion) you promise to abide by their laws and edicts. On the other hand, having a personal relationship with the omnipotent power in the universe is exercising one’s spirituality without “bending a knee” to someone who controls a particular faith. Religion, for the most part, is all about control. I prefer to have a personal relationship with whatever power that controls the universe. The power may be pure energy, but this energy created all there is and all there might be, as we move from this life into the next.

Having faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Atheists and theists both suffer from a lack of proof. Neither can prove their belief to be correct, hence, they both have faith they are correct. But, when people control other people through a system of faith and worship, I become suspicious of their motives.

“Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.”

-- Euripides

What are the dumbest questions I can ask on Quora?

Anything that has no context. It isn’t really dumb, it just isn’t complete.

Why is arrogance disliked?

The definition explains a lot: “An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions.” Something about people acting superior, overbearing, or presumptuous, especially when they’re dumbasses, just pisses people off.

Does every liberal honestly think they know everything, or is it an insecurity coverup?

Both. The League of the Perpetually Offended expects me to pontificate. “Both,” says it all.

Would you ever refuse to answer a truth or do a dare when playing the game "Truth or Dare" at parties, even if it’s something really embarrassing for you to do in front of others (friends)?

I’ve played “Truth or Dare” only once. At the base level, it is a hurtful game that makes people lie or do stupid acts just to protect themselves. Playing once was enough for me to become a spectator.

How can I work if I don't like going against my instincts?

It is your life, so don’t work. You will be respected by other people who feel as you do. I always say that a person needs to be respected, so… good for you.

Why is [this site] filled with stupid, dumb, and ignorant people?

Without them, this would be a wasteland.

“If ignorant people criticize you and attack you, then you can be sure that your path is the right path!”

-- Mehmet Murat ildan

What should be done to restore optimism and pride in America's future?

Vote for a real President, not a doddering old fool.

How and where do you get idiots who ask stupid questions like this?

Well, you haven’t actually shown an example of the “stupid question” you’re talking about, so this makes you one of the idiots asking a stupid question. We don’t “get” them, they just show up on their own. Welcome!

What are the things that everyone likes in life? It is a small question and easy I hope.

Humor.

How does God's existence and love for humanity impact people's lives?

It only impacts your life in the form of faith. A belief in something greater than ourselves for which there is little or no proof. An omnipotent power in the universe that created all things.

Should people be able to choose their own ethics and morality?

Yes, and they usually do. This is why our prisons are full.

If truth does not prevail, does that mean what is said is a lie?

Probably. Or, the “truth” isn’t what think it is. Either way, the truth is being gamed. The good news is, the truth will probably show up, sooner or later. Truth usually wins the day.

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."

-- Buddha

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