Questioning More, Superior, Skills, Understanding, and Passion

 

“The critical issues here concern what is right, what is just -- not the balancing of benefits.”

-- Carl Cohen

If a person has benefits, do they expect more?

Yes. People are selfish, and as so, are never satisfied.

Can a person have a sense of intellectual honesty without integrity? Why or why not?

Just because a person is “honest” intellectually, doesn’t mean they can’t use their intellect for evil. If they use their intellect for evil they have no integrity. Intellectual honesty and integrity are two different things.

Do you possess a belief in love at first sight?

I possess a belief in lust at first sight. Love will come when I get to know her. Until then, lust.

What are some of the red flags in relationships where one’s expected behavior of their partner is not met?

Uh… I’d say, the biggest “red flag” would be when their partner's expected behavior does not come to fruition. If one expected behavior doesn’t show up, you can almost guarantee more expected behaviors will also go missing. Expected behaviors are like promises. Some are kept and others are broken. The best you can do is to expect nothing, this way you won’t be disappointed.

Why is life not fair sometimes?

There must be balance in the universe. 

What is the grammatical expression of the sentence "first wife"?

I suck at grammar, but this doesn’t strike me as a proper sentence. It should have a subject, predicate, object, complement, and modifier. The word “first” isn’t capitalized and there should be punctuation after “wife.” The missing punctuation prevents it from even coming up to the level of a phrase. Of course, as usual, I could be wrong.

“If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”

-- Dorothy Parker

Why are narcissists superior to narcissists?

They just think they are. In reality, narcissists aren’t “superior” to anyone, because of their one obvious flaw. They are narcissists. 

How do you avoid miserable people?

Don’t be around them. If you bump into one, walk away.

Why do some people talk about other people but pretend to know everything about them but actually don't know anything at all?

They like to embellish their bullshit. It makes the story more believable to the gullible people listening to the lies they tell.

What does it mean when someone says, “You’re just not telling me the truth,” or “You’re just lying.”?

They’re on to you!

How does someone relate to a rich girlfriend?

I will relate to her however she wants me to. If she is that rich, “submissive” could be my middle name.

Say someone were to see one person making fun of the other and think the other person got his feelings hurt despite the lack of evidence for the belief. Would you be able to say the person witnessing it was projecting their own feelings onto them?

Probably. You are judging without evidence for your belief. It would be better for you to ask the person how they feel. Their feelings will provide the evidence needed to make an informed opinion.

“You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.”

-- Harlan Ellison

 How do you tell someone that they lack skills?

“You really suck at this.” Of course, I have no filter, so what I say is pretty honest.

How can I maintain my weight after achieving my goal without exercise?

I am going through this at 70 years of age, I’ve lost about 27 pounds, so far. Buy a good scale. Try a good, balanced diet. Don’t eat “free food” and eat smaller portions three times a day. It will get easier as you see good results. You will always go up and down, but getting your diet right will help you stay in your zone, and you’ll find you won’t need to weigh every day. 

If you have to say something that will positively impact people's lives, what would it be?

“Why?”

Who is your favourite teacher and what was their name and the subject they taught? What was it about them that left a huge lifelong impression on you? Tell me! Intrigued as most people can remember that one special teacher with great fondness

Mrs. Hummle. She taught English and Drama She got me reading and dabbling in creative writing. She was patient with me. I think she understood that my “high-active” personality disorder was tamping down on my intelligence. She was right, of course. 

How does critical thinking intersect with ethics and moral reasoning?

Critical thinking is discovering what is right and true through good ethics and moral reasoning.

How to balance your work and personal life?

When I was in the military… I let the job destroy my marriage. The Intelligence field is something you can’t take home and discuss. You hold it in. I loved the job. My wife, not so much. When I retired into the civilian sector, I still held it all in… it is hard to break habits. After 25 years of hell, we got a divorce. In my mind, I was at work 24/7/365. Since then, I learned to separate work and personal life. I learned to talk about work. I learned to be truly happy in my life.

You have to balance your life. Don’t bring work home, mentally or physically. If your significant others ask what’s bothering you, talk about it. You don’t have to beat it to death, but you can talk about things. Your significant other is your partner, and you should never forget that. You have to relax, and your family expects you to relax with them.

“The speed of modern life is an oppressive thing, and the corporate world is quick to punish those with an honest heart. Qualities such as ‘nice, honest, kind, happy, relaxed, sincere, innocent’ are frowned upon as weaknesses. Yet these values are the essence of a good person. Unfortunately, if you don’t keep the balance, they can be lost like sand through your fingers.”

-- Fennel Hudson

Why do individuals say that a person who is incapable of understanding emotions is bad? If the bad try their best to understand your emotions so as to make your life more comfortable than their own, wouldn't their attempt to fit in be virtuous?

I’ve never heard anyone say this. People incapable of understanding emotions can be as good as anyone, they just don’t understand emotions. This does not make them bad.

I like your comment, but I would delete "bad" and change the comment to this: “If they try their best to understand your emotions so as to make your life more comfortable than their own, their attempt, even if they failed, would be virtuous.”

How do I stop getting all these "I'm in love" questions?

You can’t. Just ignore them. Everybody wants to be in love, and everybody has questions concerning it. It is who we are.

Why can't some individuals understand they, as a being, may not have value to other individuals? For example, I have seen rays of sunshine come through my window that have meant more to me than the life of some, why can't people understand that?

Interesting judgment. I love all things nature, but some people make it their goal to destroy what God has made. This is why we recognize “karma” as a force to even the playing field. I value all life, but those with no value for life will, sooner or later, meet karma. Some people can’t understand how you value nature more than some human life. This is their choice, and you are enjoying your choice. Freedom of choice is what makes life so interesting.

What is a good reason to ask for a character reference for court without telling someone it's for court?

If they can honestly give you a “character reference,” they don’t need to know why you need it. However, it is hard to address the court with their opinion of you, without knowing who to address. 

How can I fix this? I tell lies, because I want others to think good of me, also for attention, but, then lies cover up other lies. I regret doing this and I didn't know, till now, I do it. (Finding the root cause) how can I fix this issue?

Stop telling lies, is the best fix. Be a good person and others will think good of you. You only think you need attention, but the attention you get is based on lies, so how valid is it? Mark Twain once wrote, “If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” Sage advice.

What is your quote that lines up with a real-life experience?

Try this:

“It is what it is until it isn’t, then it is what it is again.” 

-- F.A. Villari

What is one thing you're passionate about that most people don't know?

Women with beautiful ankles. Wait… that’s a fetish. How about all things paranormal? Most people I know don’t know I am passionate about that. I have cases full of equipment.

What are the reasons why someone often misunderstands things?

Lack of cogent communication, a detailed explanation, and feedback. 

Is being anxious immature? Is it childish not being able to control your emotions?

Almost everybody experiences anxiety. Most of us can control our response to it. Anxiety is no more immature than feeling fear. Not being able to control your emotions might be seen as immature, depending on how out of control you can be. Those who can control their anxiety can teach those who can’t how to calm down in order to act professionally. If the building is burning, and we all run around like chickens with our heads cut off, the building will definitely burn to the ground. We are all anxious, but cool heads will save the day.

Can a person be both honest and sincere and a hypocrite?

You’ve caught me.

Is 26 years old too late to completely start your adult life over again? (Find and master a skill) What experiences have I missed out on forever by lacking in foresight for the past 8 years?

Nope. Some people are just graduating from college at 26. Everything you missed, you can experience, but you have to live life to do it.

Why do people nowadays tend to always look at the bright side of everything and try to ignore the not-so-pleasing truth or the dark side of things?

Ignoring the current American President might be one reason.

“Although ignoring or repressing our dark side is the norm, the sobering truth is that running from the shadow only intensifies its power. Denying it only leads to more pain, suffering, regret, and resignation. If we fail to take responsibility and extract the wisdom that has been hidden beneath the surface of our conscious minds, the shadow will take charge.”

-- Debbie Ford

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