Questioning Worser, Stupid, Doing Things, Stupid (again), and Truth

“To every rule, there is an exception... and an idiot ready to demonstrate it.”

-- Vera Nazarian

Which is worser? Being embarrassing or an idiot?

I’m not sure “worser” is a word. I embarrass myself all the time. It is what I do. Being an idiot, on the other hand, depends on the moron judging me who really doesn’t know me.

Why do people say to others who make mistakes/are ignorant that "you should know better than to do X"?

One would think they are perfect, but I think they are imparting their own experience. They know that they should have known better than have done X. They are giving some sage advice to someone getting ready to screw up. They should preface their comment with the fact that they have done something similar, and screwed up.

What do you call a person who talks normally to other people, but talks in a very arrogant and different unserious manner when talking to you?

An idiot.

My lack of common sense is decreasing. What should I do?

There is no such thing as “common sense” anymore. A good while back, “good sense” was something people thought was common. It has slipped a good bit. What I recommend is to try to always make good choices and decisions. Try to be selfless in all your actions. Do this, and you will be in a small group of people that exercise “good sense” in their lives.

If somebody has called you stupid, does it mean that your expectations are groundless with no basis in fact?

If someone calls me stupid, they don’t really know me that well. Showing their own ignorance is not a way to endear them to everyone around them.

I think self-awareness doesn't make a person’s wrongdoings better even though a lot of people say it does. What does everyone else think?

Being aware of your wrongdoing is normal unless you are sociopathic and think that doing wrong is normal. If you want to make your wrongdoing better, then stop doing the wrong you do and try to make amends. Everybody can change, but you have to make the choice to be better than you are. What you have done wrong will always be your history, but what you do in the future will redefine who you are.

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

-- C.G. Jung

How do I stop being mad at stupid people?

Find the person who made you their "judge" and resign. Oh… that would be you.

Is it okay to be stupid?

It’s worked out okay for me, but, then, I’m a lot smarter than most people around me. I just don’t show it. If you’re a bomb technician, being stupid isn’t a good thing. Being stupid isn’t good if you do anything dangerous. Stupid and dangerous isn’t a mix that creates longevity in life. 

What do you call someone good at everything they do?

Talented.

What's the key to staying motivated for regular exercise?

Health comes to mind. I’ve dropped 20 pounds over the past month with diet and exercise. I’m approaching 70 years of age, in short order. I plan on exceeding my dad’s age when he died at 89. I can’t do that by sitting on my ass. That keeps me motivated. 

How do I know if other people think I am stupid?

Why do you care? It matters more what you think of yourself.

What does it mean to be "willfully stupid"?

They really don’t care that they’re stupid. It means they work at it. They’re the person who holds a lit firecracker in their closed hand, or throws the parachute out of the plane, and then jumps after it. Free climbing, to me, is willfully stupid. Sooner or later they will slip. Being stupid is what the “willfully stupid” do.

Reader comment: Or insisting things that can’t possibly be true are. I had a guy the other day who wanted me to cite that divorced and single-parent households produce more neurotic children. He wanted me to cite that. Like, isn’t that the core of psychology? So, I just teased him.

I had another guy who tried to tell me that Modern Music is the same as it always was. His argument was “Every generation only produces a few classics.” As he cited three songs, two of which were indeed classics he’d never heard of, but that’s beyond the point. Even the one that wasn’t, was leaps and bounds better than modern music. I won’t get into the whole spiel, but basically, I had to enlighten him that my old Lutheran Hymnal had qualitatively much better music than Tekashi 69 and Drake. The transition to Modern Music is nothing like the transition of Jazz to Rock and Roll. Nothing of the sort. It’s apples and oranges.

It’s like people are living with blindfolds on.

My reply:  Indeed. 

“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”

-- Benjamin Franklin

Why do we do things and do other things?

Because we like to do things, and when we’re done, we move on to do other things, because we like to do things.

Is it seemingly impulsive when you do something that just comes off the top of your head without thinking of the consequences of your actions?

That is, pretty much, the definition of impulsive.

How can you maintain your humanity while living in the world?

Practice selflessness, always and in all things. If you let the world direct your humanity, you will lose yourself in politics, lies, and games. Better to be always selfless in everything you do; in this way, you don’t have to worry about staying on your path.

What do you say when she says, "Do what's best for you"?

“You’re the best for me.” But, then, I’m a glutton for punishment.

Have you chosen the right direction in life?

Absolutely! I constantly strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. Because “true happiness” is a choice, it is sustainable until I change my choice. Changing my choice would be counterproductive.

Can you lose your job if your boss doesn't like you or is jealous of you?

If he has you sign an “At-Will Employment” agreement, his “will” is all it takes.

"An at-will employee in the USA can be terminated at any time, and for any reason – or no reason at all – and the courts will generally not intervene to protect the ex-employee from allegedly unfair treatment by the employer."

-- Ronald B. Standler

What is it called when stupid people think you're stupid but they are the stupid ones?

Misplaced judgment? The pot’s calling the pan a dish?

Do you have a guiding principle in your life?

Strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. 

As a leader, how do you handle difficult situations where everyone has their own opinion about things?

Differing opinions is the spice that creates efficiency. But, I am a poor leader, indeed, if my word isn’t the final word.  

Why do some people become leaders of projects while others don't?

Those that can, do. Those that can’t, follow.

What does it mean when guys say to their friends, "She's a good one"?

It can mean several things. She might be a great girl to be around; supportive, caring, loving, and the such. She might be a great worker. Or, she’s great in bed. It all depends on what the guy is trying to impart. 

What do guys who are possessive like?

Women, or men, who like to be possessed. Is this a trick question?

“Mine. The language of love is like that, possessive. That should be the first warning that it's not going to encourage anyone's betterment.”

-- Holly Black

How can we make people understand that there is more than one version of truth?

They do this in politics all the time. Most people understand this and don’t buy into it, no matter how many times they change the truth.

What do you do when your partner lacks a sense of urgency?

If you require a “sense of urgency” you have to find a new partner.

What is the word for a male friend who is not close enough to be called a "friend"?

Why do you call him a friend if he’s not close enough to be called such? I’d call him an “acquaintance” instead of a friend.

Can a person hold logically-incompatible beliefs? If so, why is this the case?

Yes, but only if they are illogical, where beliefs are concerned.

Why did people start writing down recipes?

When they realized they were forgetting essential ingredients, or a friend wanted the recipe.

Do art teachers think about their students' work?

If they don’t, they aren’t very good teachers. But, then, illiteracy is becoming commonplace in America. Why shouldn’t art follow suit?

"Art teachers are always the doormats of the previous generation."

-- Peter Schjeldahl

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