Questioning Truth, Disgust, Evil, Work, and COAM

“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”

-- Mark Twain

Is it a good idea to tell the truth to a person you don't like?

It is always a good idea, to tell the truth. How constructive would it be to tell a lie? The better question you might ask yourself, though, is if they also don’t like you, why would they bother to listen to your truth? Personally, I try to like everyone, even if they’re assholes. It just pisses them off.

Why do I have to repeat the same answer 20 times to someone?

I question which one of you needs a clue.

What education is required to become a good leader?

None. Good leaders are dragged, kicking and screaming, into the fray. Most good "leaders" don’t think they have the ability. Those that do, well, look at our political figures. The majority of them don’t really know what they’re doing. Leaders? Give me a break. A businessman makes a better leader than these morons.

Why do some people know they are making a bad decision and do it?

They are gluttons for punishment… and don’t care who they bring down with them.

If productive creativity involves putting pieces of information together in logical & useful ways, then why can't (AI) be written to accomplish it?

I’m not a computer geek, but for me, logic has nothing to do with abstract thinking. AI is limited to the size of the box the programmers allow it to utilize. I think that if the first question you ask of AI is “Why?” it will be waiting for the context. Most humans, however, will answer this question with, “Because.” AI will be programmed to learn, and it will learn everything we give it. Unfortunately, abstract thinking will, like being a smart ass, escape it.

What are some qualities of an effective leader with integrity and credibility?

Integrity, credibility, as well as effective leadership and communication skills.

“Growing your leadership capacity demands personal effectiveness. Being effective is the ability to do the right thing at all times, no matter the cost.”

-- Benjamin Suulola

How do you show disgust without words?

Facial inflections.

Are Oregon colleges for losers?

Any college that thinks indoctrination is more important than teaching what you have paid good money to learn, is a college for losers, and there are plenty of them. Free thinking is the right of everyone, not just the chosen few, and discussion and debate is paramount to free thinking.

How do you know that something created everything else?

The “Big Bang” created everything, but what created the “Big Bang” is the question on my mind.

Can someone be spiritually whole and still commit immoral acts?

If they can commit immoral acts, they aren’t “spiritually whole” as there are some pockets of immorality preventing them from being spiritually whole. However, this brings into question the definition of “spiritually.” If someone thinks that their immoral acts are spiritually correct, then they might see themselves as “spiritually whole” in contradiction to societal norms. Donatien Alphonse François might be a good example.

Reader comment: Though immoral acts should be discouraged, all humans are faced with temptation and can be overpowered. However, our level of moral and spiritual maturity matters a lot. I personally believe that a person can be morally and spiritually whole. In which case it is beneath their dignity to live a substandard life.

My reply: Food for thought.

What is the definition of a fool? What is a foolproof strategy for dealing with someone who keeps telling you that they are not a fool?

Vote in a new President.

What is the difference between saying "you're wrong" and "you are an idiot"?

If they’re an “idiot” you’re not wrong. If they aren’t an idiot, you might be wrong. It depends if they are an idiot and if they are wrong, or if they are smart and might be right. Then, there is always the chance that you might be wrong, the idiot, or both wrong and the idiot. It depends.

“Today, not starting is far, far worse than being wrong. If you start, you've got a shot at evolving and adjusting to turn your wrong into a right. But if you don't start, you never get a chance.”

-- Seth Godin

Can it be true that some people have no idea what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it?

Indeed. You run into this in the military and have to get them out of your office, or the service. People who have no idea what they’re doing can waste money and cost lives.

Author's comment: Well said, thank you.

Are too many conflicting opinions and arguments ruining a person's potential for independent and creative thinking?

Only if you let it. Conflicting opinions and arguments are the spice of life. It sparks constructive discussion. Unless you’re submissive, “discussion” can’t ruin the potential for independent and creative thinking. On the contrary, it supports them.

Why is everyone a piece of shit?

Who knows. Welcome to the club. 

When did we stop deferring to people with more knowledge and start pretending to know more than those better informed? Was it due to the Self-Help movement's “fake it till you make it”?

I don’t think “fake it till you make it” was a good strategy. Most people could see right through it, especially if you relied on them pulling their weight. I have never stopped deferring to others with more knowledge. It is the way I learn.

Do dumb people bring out the evil in you too?

Nope. Dumb people are what they are unless you can make them smarter. Why would dumb people bring out the evil in others unless the others are just as dumb?

What's the least amount of success you need to not be laughable filth?

"Success in life" is finding true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Everything else has to do with attaining goals you have set for yourself. Even the poor among us can be clean and happy in life, even if they attain nothing of substance.

“Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Is there nothing without hard work?

There will always be something. You may not like it, but it will be there. Work, however, can make what is there better or more bearable. Work makes life more interesting.

Can AI create its own responses without programming and answer some of the questions correctly or even try to answer?

It needs to be programmed to do so. 

What one thought helps you be a better person?

Strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. True happiness is a choice I made for my life. As a choice, it is sustainable until I change my choice, which would be non-constructive and stupid.

What’s the worst thing a man can be?

Abusive.

Why can't I be perfect at everything I do no matter how hard I try?

Because nothing is perfect. You can be excellent but not perfect. Try to strive for excellence. 

Is saying "not being convinced" considered a valid argument or counter-argument?

It is a valid argument. There has not been enough information presented in order to sway me to be convinced. If this is all they have, their argument sucks.

Bomb #20: In the beginning, there was darkness. And the darkness was without form and void.

Boiler: What the hell is he talking about?

Bomb #20: And in addition to the darkness there was also me. And I moved upon the face of the darkness. And I saw that I was alone. Let there be light.

-- Dark Star (1974)

Are all scientists ignorant arrogant ignorant denialists when faced with the simple fact that COAM is false?

How can Coin Operated Amusement Machines be false? But, then, I’ve never seen a scientist use one.

How can you gain respect from others if you don't respect yourself?

Lie. You can try lying about respecting yourself, but the truth will always win out in the end. Better that you respect yourself for who you are, which will mean you had better be a selfless person. People tend to respect people who are selfless.

What does “small talk” mean?

You are discussing issues of no real importance. Politics is not small talk. Fishing the river the other day is small talk.

How do you deal with being in a company where no one knows anything and no one is willing to admit they don’t know anything and you are the only one doing the job? And you are the one blamed for raising your voice?

Find a better company.

How do I become a lifetime learner?

Every day we learn something new. Every day we have what we’ve learned reinforced, or we learn something new about it. Every day we learn, and we never stop learning until we move forward into the next life where we start learning again. We are, all of us, “lifetime” learners.

When do I actually become mature?

Try this:

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” 

-- 1 Corinthians 13:11

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 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