Questioning Language, Behavior, Fights, Happiness, and Applause

 

“He who speaks a bit of a foreign language has more delight in it than he who speaks it well; pleasure goes along with superficial knowledge.”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Does being able to quickly learn multiple languages usually indicate that you are a very impartial and open-minded person, and can work with all kinds of people?

No. It means you have a penchant for quickly learning multiple languages. Some people have a knack for languages, and some, like me, totally suck at it. But, even though I suck at learning languages, I am a very impartial and open-minded person who can work with all kinds of people. Well, except for the League of the Perpetually Offended, that is. They choose not to work with anyone, even their own.

I find it hard to read philosophical texts in English. How can I overcome it?

Learn Greek.

What percentage of people are love failures?

If you fail at loving yourself, you have failed at love. Personally, I think most people fail at loving themselves. Ask 20 people if they love themselves. See how many of them take a second to think. If you really love yourself, the answer is a no-brainer.

If Socratic dialogue is not permitted in a society, can that society be considered a democracy?

If any “dialogue” is not permitted in a society, then can that society be considered a communist dictatorship? Perhaps the indoctrination of the population is complete.

How do you perceive yourself in terms of your strengths, weaknesses, and values?

My strengths, weaknesses, and values are at the mercy of the women I meet.

How can I be humble without being disrespected?

Being humble has nothing to do with respect. It has to do with thinking less of yourself and more of others. By doing this, you cultivate respect by being selfless. Those who don’t see this have much to learn.

“To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.”

-- Criss Jami

What is risky behavior, and why is it important?

Risky behavior leads, ultimately, to failure. It is important to not exercise risky behaviors so you don’t constantly fail. Occasionally, if you can afford the risk, dabbling in this behavior might be beneficial. But, gambling casinos make a lot of money off of people who constantly dabble in risk.

What is your favorite way to give back to your community?

Selflessly.

Do you think it’s easy to be judgmental of others when you’re shy because you’re not putting your true self out there like others are? It’s easy to sit back, hide yourself, and then judge everyone? I’m coming out of my shell as an adult finally?

It is easy for us to be judgmental. We are human, after all, and, for the most part, we have not learned not to judge. Hiding behind your computer makes it so much easier to be a judgmental ass. I’m being judgmental with these comments, but, then, I’m also a self-proclaimed hypocrite. I have learned to hold my tongue and not be quick to judge others. Everyone has issues, and those who judge seem to have more issues than others. By the way, being an adult is no guarantee that you are mature. Truly mature people tend not to judge, due to wisdom.

Is suffering the best lesson in life?

Yes! You learn you’d rather not suffer.

How do you make ethical consumer choices?

Do I really need to purchase this, or is this another choice of crap that I won’t make use of? When you are spending money you work hard for, you should take a moment to think about what you’re spending it on. Much of what we buy ends up in the “yard sale” box because we never use it. 

What are the benefits of failure and mistakes?

Knowledge. We learn more from our failures and mistakes than we do from our "success" in life.

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

-- Paulo Coelho

How do you back away from a fight without it ruining your ego?

Backing away from a fight, knowing you can ruin the person, takes more courage than getting involved in the fight. Your ego will be intact. If they won’t let you back away, then ruin them just enough to make the point, then back away.

What is your best beauty advice?

Natural “beauty” is rare. If you really care, you will have to work on it. It is a choice.

If someone has low self-esteem, is it okay for them to complain about it without taking action to change it?

It is never “okay” to complain without taking action. To do so is evidence of cowardice. It is probably valid to expect someone with low esteem to display cowardice, but it does not excuse complaining without taking action.

Why do I feel as if he's lying?

Because he probably is.

What would you do with Absolute Unlimited Power?

That would make me a “god” and, as a god, there is no reason for me to do anything. However, being selfless in helping those in true need would probably keep me busy.

What do you think about the quote, "Life has no meaning"?

The author has no clue. Life has its own meaning. Life defines itself. To try to answer this question would be like trying to answer the question, “Why?” Impossible, without any context. The answer will always be, “Because.” Life is what it is until it isn’t. Life is what we all make of it, for ourselves and those around us. Life is a book to be written, a canvas to be painted, a life to be lived.

“The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.”

-- Joseph Campbell

What would you like from life to be truly happy?

Freedom of choice to be happy. True happiness is, for all intents and purposes, a simple choice to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

Is wearing only designer clothes a sign of a weak personality?

No one really gives a shit. That should tell you something. I can wear whatever I choose, yet, I choose to shop at Walmart. I can wear expensive tennis shoes that last a couple of years, or I can wear a pair of inexpensive tennis shoes, just as comfortable, that last just as long. It all depends on how you choose to squander your money. My Dad was the same way. He was a frugal man that knew the value of a buck, and when to buy quality.

What are some good communication skills in order to impress someone?

Honesty. If you wish to impress through communication, do what few people even think about - be honest.

Is being happy with what you have the secret to happiness?

No. Being truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, or “what you have”, is the secret to true happiness. Being truly happy is a simple choice. You can choose to be miserable or to be happy. Which one makes more sense? Choose wisely.

Do you agree with the famous quote "A problem well-defined half solved"? Why or why not?

It may not be “half solved,” but defining the problem is “half the battle.” If you haven’t defined the problem you are no way near being ready to solve it.

Where do you think you are in terms of intelligence percentiles? What percentile do you consider as "stupid"?

Well, Air Force Intelligence ranked me in the top 10%. I have no idea what that means, but it kept me in the military for almost 23 years. One fact ranks me as “intelligent” while the other fact seems to be contradictory. I always thought of myself as “smart,” more than intelligent, but I am so confused. I try not to judge, but questions like this demand to know the percentile of “stupid” people. Let’s just leave it as “significant.”

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

-- Albert Einstein

Is it rude to not clap during a speech?

I always considered it rude to applaud during a speech. Applause should be held until the end, to applaud the entirety of the speech. I would hate to applaud and have the speaker say something totally against my belief in the next breath.

Can you give some tips on how to act like you're not poor around your rich friends?

But, “poor” is what you are. They are your friends, so be the friend they expect you to be - who you are.

How do you combat the fear of making a decision? I’m trying to decide to go back to being an EMT but the fear is not letting me.

Fear is what keeps an intelligent person alive. Fear makes us be careful in everything we do. Your fear will help you keep patients alive. Making a decision is a simple task, but keeping your patients alive is the purview of your knowledge and your fear of failure. A person without fear is dead already.

What does it mean to write off a person as bad or good?

If you write off a person as good, you must be bad. If you write off a person as bad, you must be good. Unfortunately, those who judge are in need of a mirror. 

What is the definition of trustworthiness? What is the definition of morals? What is the definition of integrity? How would someone display trustworthiness, morals, and integrity in their actions/words (or both)?

The definition of all these words is the definition of each of these words. For the most part, they are interchangeable. If you display one, you are displaying the others. If you are looking for a deeper meaning, they all mean to do that which is right.

How do you spank your wife?

With vigor. If it doesn’t sting, what is the point? And, if she enjoys the attention, lean into it. All things being equal, it will be her turn to mete out punishment, in short order.

“He grinned. “I was trying to remember all the deadly sins the other day,” he said. “Greed, envy, gluttony, irony, pedantry…”

“I’m pretty sure irony isn’t a deadly sin.”

“I’m pretty sure it is.”

“Lust,” she said. “Lust is a deadly sin.”

“And spanking.”

“I think that falls under lust.”

“I think it should have its own category,” said Jace. “Greed, envy, gluttony, irony, pedantry, lust, and spanking.”

-- Cassandra Clare

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