Questioning Hatred, Authority, Charisma, Sex, and Judging

 

“Constantly exposing yourself to popular culture and the mass media will ultimately shape your reality tunnel in ways that are not necessarily conducive to achieving your Soul Purpose and Life Calling. Modern society has generally ‘lost the plot’. Slavishly following its false gods and idols makes no sense in a spiritually aware life.”

-- Anthon St. Maarten

What tools are used to incite, magnify, and spread hatred?

Mass media. People, especially political parties, use it to great effect.

Why did you decide to do what you are doing now in your life?

I’ve retired enough. It was time to really do the deed. Besides, Dad had a stroke and Mom was alone to deal with it.

What innovative strategies or policies can we implement today to ensure that future generations inherit a world that is not only sustainable but also rich in opportunities and ethical values?

Get rid of socialism.

Reader comment: Socialism is a complex and multifaceted ideology with various interpretations and implementations. While it has its proponents and critics, addressing the challenges facing future generations requires a nuanced approach. Rather than dismissing or embracing an entire ideology, it's important to consider specific policies and strategies that can promote sustainability, equity, and ethical values in our rapidly changing world. Open dialogue and innovative solutions can bridge ideological divides and pave the way for a brighter future for all.

My reply: "Socialism is a complex and multifaceted ideology with various interpretations and implementations." Like I said, get rid of socialism. It's "complexity" has never worked.

Do emotions trigger the wrong investment decisions?

Oh my, yes! It triggers the “knee-jerk” reaction to an investment you think you need to get on top of right now. Due diligence be damned.

Is it just me, or is there a serious decline in integrity and honesty among people these days?

Nope, it isn’t just you.

Does modern psychology promote a lack of humility?

It depends on whose “school” of psychology you’re discussing. A sense of “being humble” can do a career some good. A lack of humility can put you at odds with people you shouldn’t be at odds with. Knowing when to be humble and when to speak up is a talent missing in the workforce of today.

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

-- Ernest Hemingway

 Is 'Being the authority' a valid argument when it comes to decision-making and setting boundaries?

It is, but it doesn’t make them right. “Authority” gets it wrong more than it gets it right. Authority is power, and power unregulated can be the cause of destruction.

How do I actually progress in life?

Don’t commit suicide. Every morning is another day to work on your life. In other words, every morning is another progression in your life. Every day on this side of the dirt is a great day to be alive. Now, “progression” along your path has little to do with attaining goals. Attaining goals usually requires some work on your part. You can’t “attain a goal” without starting. 

Have you ever wished you were not you?

Yes, before I joined the military. I had no idea just how great I really was. How do I actually progress in life?

What are unethical ways to gain power?

A lack of ethics makes it so much easier to gain power. The problem is holding on to it. Unethical leaders don’t last that long. There is always someone with less ethics that will take them out. Political parties lose their ethics in order to control a country. We see this in the United States, with socialism.

Were you satisfied with the shipping options offered during checkout?

Checking out from where? Nancy’s House of Whips?

I have trouble talking to people other than my fiancé and my cat. I say the wrong things and people avoid me. How can I improve my social skills?

Well, your fiancé seems to not avoid you. I assume you must say things to him/her, so, you must be doing something right for them to stay. I’d ask your fiancé and see what they think.

“I'd never been great at meeting people. I wasn't shy or anything, It was only that sometimes, with new people, I didn't know how exactly to start a conversation. I liked to listen first. You could learn a lot about someone that way.”

-- Robin Talley

Would you rather be extremely intelligent or extremely charismatic?

Extremely charismatic. I gave up being intelligent for being extremely smart. Being smart, for me, made being charismatic a necessity. Most intelligent people, I’ve met, seemed to miss this boat.

If you have a real fear that a decision you just made might be the biggest mistake of your life, are you usually right?

If you’re usually right, why would you have this fear? Being usually right is a sign that a person considers all the options and picks the best choice and the most advantageous. It will usually be the right choice, but if it isn’t, they usually have an out, or the usual comment is, “Oh well. Better luck next time.” Never make a decision that can be the “biggest mistake of your life” without knowing you can land on your feet if things go to hell in a handbasket.

Am I letting anyone down by being my own arch-nemesis?

Let’s hope not. I am my own worst critic, and I manage to stay truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances.

Am I supposed to be asking why to every question or not ask any questions at all whatsoever?

I ask questions of questions being asked because people tend not to put their questions in some context so you can understand the point. For instance, “What do you think?” Great question. My response would be, “About what?” Great answer, asking for the missing context.

Between planning and decision-making, which one of the two mostly influences the other?

When you plan to do something, there is some decision-making that will validate your moving forward.

Are there other factors that create societal tension besides having a tough time accepting cultural differences?

When I was overseas in the military, I had to put my preconceptions about the culture in a bottom drawer. I went about accepting cultural differences. The “other factors” for me were my own biases. If I had let them get a foothold, I would have never enjoyed my stay in a foreign country, especially not in Turkey. As it was, I made my stay there very informative and enjoyable. The “cultural differences” aren’t going to change just because you’re there. You have to change your attitude to enjoy your stay.

“Kagan's law of first contact, 'You'll surprise you more than they will.'”

-- Janet Kagan

If a guy asks you about how the sex was, what does that mean?

Insecurity, or making sure you are satisfied. Okay, insecurity.

What is the difference between having a high opinion of yourself and being delusional?

When the “high opinion of yourself” is delusional. This happens when other people keep looking for the reasons why you have a high opinion of yourself, and they keep coming up empty. “I’m a great poker player.” But, you always lose. “I’m a ladies man.” Uh-huh. And, we’re going to see this transition… when?  "I make a great fashion statement." Dressing like a "pimp" is not a great fashion statement.  It is a statement, though.

Is it ever morally permissible to tell a lie? Under what circumstances?

No, and there are no circumstances when a lie is permissible. It goes contrary to morality.

What are the dangers of holding deadly enemies in contempt? Is my natural disgust with them a weakness?

Offhand, I say “death” would be an obvious danger from “deadly” enemies. And, yes, it is a weakness. Better to distance yourself from them and focus on striving for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

Why do people listen to bad relationship advice instead of ignoring it?

People are generally stupid. 

Can someone psychologically destroy their moral compass, or is it there by birth?

Two questions. Yes, you can destroy your moral compass. If you had great moral parents, your moral compass was probably nurtured from birth. Even so, you can destroy this moral compass if you choose to do so. Everything in life is a choice you make.

"I think if you look at people, whether in business or government, who haven't had any moral compass, who've just changed to say whatever they thought the popular thing was, in the end, they're losers."

--Michael Bloomberg

Is lack of knowledge the reason why people judge people the way that they see them?

People tend to judge, whether it is a lack of knowledge or just an overabundance of misplaced ego. People who have a responsibility to judge, on the other hand, do so for many reasons dictated by their responsibility.

What is the definition of a useful woman?

I’m making the conscious decision not to open myself up the the League of the Perpetually Offended. Good luck with this.

What is the word for someone who refuses to buy things because they believe that buying will not make them happy?

Smart. Strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Buying crap you don’t really need will not make you happy for very long. Discover true happiness, and you will discover the majority of crap you have already bought, you really don’t need.

How can the mind have knowledge without knowing that knowledge exists?

Whether you are aware of knowledge has no bearing on knowledge existing. It exists whether your mind acknowledges it or not.

How do you feel after giving an excellent speech?

Fulfilled. Having given briefings and speeches for a good bit of my 23 years in the Intelligence field, I found that an “excellent” briefing or speech will have the interest of your entire audience. You will also get a minimum of questions, due to the fact that you covered all the bases. The questions you do get are part of your “learning curve” for the next time.

If I treat my girlfriend poorly and make my friends upset, will I finally become a real man?

When you learn the definition of respect, and exercise it often.

“His dad had told him many times that the definition of a real man is one who cries without shame, reads poetry with his heart, feels opera in his soul, and does what's necessary to defend a woman.”

-- Delia Owens

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 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