Questioning Honesty, Truth, Defense, Debate, and Educators

“It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.”

-- Noël Coward

 

Is it always better to be honest and direct with someone?

Yes. They may not like it, but they will always know you don’t blow smoke up their skirt. They can always depend on you for honesty.

Why do people say, "To be honest with you..."?

It is a warning: "Here comes a load of crap."

What are some benefits of asking for help when faced with a challenging task or problem?

If you ask the right person, they can mentor you through the challenge so you are ready the next time it comes around. Asking for help only works if you learn something in the process.

What is the definition of "I will always be honest with you"?

Yeah, right. Watch your six. They started the entire relationship with bullshit.

What is the definition of over-motivated and under-motivated?

Over-motivated will be quick to please and end up making mistakes. Under-motivated really doesn’t give a shit and will end up making mistakes. At least the “over-motivated” will make the mistake right. The “under-motivated” really doesn’t give a shit.

Pushups, dips, jump squats, lunges, inverted rows, pullups, is this a good exercise selection?

Works for me. You forgot the "bourbon curls" which is always a good ending, for a 70-year-old.

“Whenever I feel the need to exercise, I lie down until it goes away.”

-- Paul Terry

Is it possible to be kind without being truthful?

So, you’re lying. The person you’re lying to thinks everything is okay when it might not be. The person is operating on the lie you told them, trying to be kind. They get shot down for a third time because they aren’t that pretty. They commit suicide. But, you were kind, albeit a liar.

It is possible to be kind without being truthful, but at what price?

Is it a good idea to ask your questions and answer them yourself?

Not on this site. It makes you look a bit… simple, or egotistical. However, asking yourself questions, personally, and researching the answer for yourself, is commonplace.

Can you experience or feel true joy if you don't like yourself at all?

No.

How do I know I'm not a horrible person?

You’re asking the question, so how horrible can you be? Obviously, you think you might have issues. Perhaps some introspection might be in order. Watch what you do and say, and ask yourself if it is horrible. I’m not a horrible person, but when I’m driving people push my buttons when it comes to patience. My girlfriend scolds me. And, she is right to do so.

What does “nothing but you” mean?

In what context? 

How do you win an argument where the other side publicly ridicules you and even more people start to make fun of you (you are stating facts and pointing at unfairness)?

It will suck being them when you are vindicated. You should say, “These are the facts. Check them, or you can continue to be deficient. Your choice. I’m done with you.” Then, you can simply walk away, knowing you have tried to educate the League of the Perpetually Offended, and failed.

“Arguing with anonymous strangers on the Internet is a sucker's game because they almost always turn out to be—or to be indistinguishable from—self-righteous sixteen-year-olds possessing infinite amounts of free time.”

-- Neal Stephenson

What are some ways to tell if someone is good at self-defense?

They’ve quickly kicked your ass with moves you don’t recognize.

What is the difference between words and deeds?

Words are just possibilities until the actual deed begins. The deed speaks louder than words.

Why do people always assume the worst?

People who always assume the worst are usually the ones who are prepared. 

What is the meaning of, "Everything is a part of something else."?

As far as we know, this is true. We have a chart of elements, but who is to say that these elements were not separated at the time of creation from the energy that created the “Big Bang”? This would make them part of something else. What we don’t know, we shouldn’t simply assume. We have to leave the door open for all possibilities.

Why is being alone not scary but lonely?

People who don’t like to be alone might find it scary. Don’t let one define the other. People are all different.

What are some reasons why ignorance is considered to be bad?

Ignorant people like to argue that they’re right. The facts state that they are wrong. This is how we get criminals voted into government so they can screw up our government and spend more money than we can print. Ignorance is killing our country. If you pay attention, the ignorant are getting educated. It would seem the number of people disenchanted with the government in both political parties has climbed. God bless them.

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”

-- Aldous Huxley

What are the best answers to a debate question?

Factual answers are the best.  Anything else opens you up for ridicule.

Why must being good and humble mean you HAVE to do things terribly, repress your talents, and never be allowed to do extraordinary things?

Who in hell told you this bullshit? I’m good and humble, and do things with panache, and talent, and, occasionally, I’m extraordinary when I do them.

Why does being a "good humble" person mean you have to agree with everyone, not have your own ideology if it's different than everyone's and not be different?

Again, who is spreading this bullshit? You can be good and humble and be the opposite of all of this.

Reader comment: Exactly. Being good and humble doesn't mean appealing to the masses and removing our sense of individuality, actually, I'd say to be good and humble means standing up for our values and telling the truth even in the face of adversity. Some of the best people that we see in the public eye who have made generous contributions, like Oprah, Michelle Obama, Miley Cyrus, Leo DiCaprio, Sophia Bush, (and going further back: Rosa Parks, MLK, etc.), have proven over generations how the people who stand up to have their own beliefs are often innovative and solve problems with their incredible way of thinking derived from their good and humble nature.

If even one person learns the truth and verifies facts, then it's worth it to be different - maybe even “too much” At Exceptional times, and even go against the grain, as it seems far fewer people now are being good and humble and losing their humility and their humanity. 

How do you deal with bad karma in a relationship?

Leave the relationship. The last thing a person needs in life is being around bad karma, especially if the bad karma misses the target.

What is the difference between self-inquiry and introspection?

I think it’s basically the same thing.

How do we know that we have knowledge?

That is a very understandable question. You must have knowledge. Knowledge is in the knowing. If you know how to breathe, you have knowledge. But do you understand why you need to breathe?

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”

― Albert Einstein

Why is it important for educators to be lifelong learners?

Change is the only constant in the universe. If they don’t keep up with changes they will be left behind. This is true for everyone, not just educators.

What are some benefits of kids developing interests?

They aren’t underfoot.

Who believes that there are people with acute awareness? What is your understanding of it?

You are aware of everything going on around you. You are amazed at things some people notice that “normal” people would not. As an Intelligence analyst, I love the Jack Reacher series of books. He is not only aware of what’s happening around him, but he sits in the back of a cafe and is aware of the exits, all the people eating, all the staff, and available weapons of opportunity. This, to me, is acute awareness. Well, it isn’t really “cute.” But it is a bit severe.

How do I build my boyfriend’s trust again?

Good luck!

Why is it important to stay true to yourself in the pursuit of success?

If you aren’t true to yourself, who are you being true to? If you’re pursuing a goal for yourself, you can’t divide up your loyalty. It is your goal, not someone else’s. Keep your eye on the prize you are pursuing. If you take your eyes off of it, it might be claimed by someone else. 

Is death really final?

It depends if you give a shit, or have an atheist, theist, or spiritual mind.

“I go to seek a Great Perhaps.”

-- François Rabelais

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