Questioning Jealousy, Coexisting, Defending, Loyalty, and Choices

 

“Jealousy is a disease, love is a healthy condition. The immature mind often mistakes one for the other, or assumes that the greater the love, the greater the jealousy - in fact, they are almost incompatible; one emotion hardly leaves room for the other.”

-- Robert A. Heinlein

Why do some people don’t like others who are more successful than them?

Jealousy.

What's better, being humble or confident?

It is very difficult to be humble. If you can manage to be humble always, then you can be confident in your humility.

Reader's comment: Humility. That’s a keyword, right there. Humility… second one really got me rolling… I have to laugh, but I want to cry.

What separates the winner from the losers?

The trophy.

Why do you love money?

Money is a necessity to survive in today’s society in relative comfort. I don’t “love” money, but I do love having money so I don’t have to worry about survival.

Does something burn your soul with purpose or desire?

Attaining true happiness.

Why do I constantly feel confused about my feelings because of his bad haircut?

Because you don’t see the humor in it. He got a bad haircut. I’d be looking at it with my best “knitted brow critique” look. Then I’d offer, “The next time you want to do this, let me come with you, so I can explain what they screwed up this time.” Then, I bust out laughing. It’s just a haircut. He has the option of shaving it. It will grow back… in time… a couple of months.

"There are no bad haircuts in cyberspace."

-- Dave Barry

Can strong and intelligent people coexist?

If they have mutual respect for what each of them brings to the table, then yes. This stands for everybody, though, regardless of strength or knowledge. It benefits all of us to respect the abilities each of us brings to the table, regardless of what they are.

What is the definition of an arrogant person who thinks they're humble?

A hypocrite.

What distractions and challenges can arise when working towards a goal?

Sexual desire. If you’re working toward a goal, there should be nothing to distract you. However, a great set of legs has the uncanny ability to distract me. And, if the skirt is short enough, I will probably have to take a break. Sexual desire, well, any desire, will divide your attention to the point that mistakes might be made. Taking a break is the most sensible solution. To slake the desire is even better.

I have a week or two to decide whether or not I will keep going to college for this fall semester. How do I make that big decision in a short time?

Are you a dumbass?

Author's comment:  Did you misread the question or did you sleep on the wrong side of the bed? 

My response:  If you’re a dumbass, don’t worry about education. If you’re really concerned about the “big decision,” then keep going to college. And, yes, I have not been sleeping well. Thank you for your concern.

How do you answer a "fill-in-the-blank" question?

The answer would depend on the question. Either I’m an idiot, or this question has no context. I’m hoping to be an idiot.

Do you know any sayings or quotes about having faith in yourself and believing in what you can do?

Try this:

“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

How do you defend yourself when a group of people attacks you?

I fear for my life, and I live in a “stand your ground” state. I will kill as many of them as I can, as horrifically as I can, before I go down. Hopefully, they will lose their taste for battle before I lose my last meal.

Is lack of experience always what makes the beginning process difficult?

Lack of experience, knowledge, and understanding, all have aspects that make the beginning process difficult.

Are you more afraid of old age than dying?

Yes! “Old age” means I’m closer to dying.

What is the best way to predict someone's success in their chosen career? Should people try things out themselves first, or is there a way of knowing if they will be successful?

You can predict the probability of one’s success in their chosen field of endeavor. Whether they are successful, or not, depends entirely on their desire to succeed and their ability to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds 

What is the most meaningful phrase ever spoken?

“It is what it is until it isn’t.”

How can you write a good wisdom quote or saying?

You need a message you want to impart. It must be meaningful, constructive, make perfect sense, and be considered wise… by more than just you.

Try this:

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

-- F.A. Villari

What causes some people to be loyal to their favorite sports team, even if they're not successful and don't have particularly exciting players on the roster?

A lot of people will cheer on the underdog, hoping against hope, that they will rally to victory over their favorite teams. If they do, there may be some roster changes and money to hire better players to boost the team’s stats.

What are the signs that your phobia is gone?

Uh… I don’t suffer from that particular phobia, anymore? Is this a trick question?

Can you think of an example of something that really gets on your nerves, yet other people seem to be able to get away with it without being called out for it?

People who drive while texting. Whether they drive or stop at a stop light or a stop sign, they don’t pay attention to what they’re supposed to be paying attention to. I honked my horn at one guy and he flipped me off. I got out of the car and he took off. Not only was he texting, but he was a pussy as well.

What does it mean when someone says they don’t judge people and can't understand why others do?

Isn’t “someone” looking for a reason to judge those who judge? God forbid they “understand” why others judge, and then they might have a reason to judge them, as well. 

Do people who are bad at life and blame others for their failures tend to be more popular?

Contrary to popular belief, opposite personalities rarely attract. People attract those who are attracted to them, particularly people of the same mind. A few “opposites” might slip in, but the “popular” will weed them out.

In this crowd, not taking responsibility for your own shortcomings is the rule, not the exception. This will make the loudest whiner, with the best bullshit story, the most popular, since no one wants to admit to their own failings.

It boggles the mind.

Who said "You should never judge anyone" and what is the exact quote?

Try this:

“Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”

-- Romans 14:4

What does it mean when you have made someone copy your assignment task and they pass it as you then you feel unhappy about it?

It means I’ve disappointed myself, and I should be unhappy about it. Life is all about the choices and decisions we make, and this was a bad decision on my part. Spankings will commence!

Is it common for successful people to humiliate themselves?

I don’t think it’s common. However, I did see a respected medical doctor, at a dinner party, lick his plate clean. It does happen.

Do you need a loyalty program in a wine store?

If the prices are reasonable, people will always drink wine. Now, if they had a “whine” store, on the other hand… no, people would still whine without a loyalty program.

Can it be true that people who have achieved something will never laugh at you for starting small? It’s usually quitters and those who have never tried anything in their life.

People should never laugh at you unless you’ve done something funny. Those who have achieved had to start, and starting is no small thing. People that laugh at you for starting, laugh out of jealousy. You might as well laugh with them. 

Author's comment: I like this, thank you. 

  What interesting or unusual activity are you planning for the weekend?

I will not be meeting with bankers, attorneys, or insurance agents, as is usual for my week. I might browse through some antique shops in Bay St. Louis or Ocean Springs, however.

What questions do people in their twenties have?

The questions in our twenties are simply the “preamble” to the questions we have in our seventies. We go from, “How will I be respected?” to ”Was I ever really respected?” We want to get married, then wonder, “Why did I do this?” when she’s still languishing off the divorce settlement (half of your retirement) at seventy. We wonder if we’ll ever get laid, and then wonder where all the grandkids came from. I would be very careful with what questions you ask in your twenties. You may not like the answers to those same questions in your seventies.

“I thought I had it all figured out in my early 20s, but then I realized I was still clueless.”

-- Let's Learn Slang

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