Questioning Yourself, Wealth, Self-Fulfillment, Older, and Rude

“Being bigheaded can be as irritating and as dangerous as being small-minded.”

-- Mokokoma Mokhonoana

What does “being full of yourself” mean?

You have the false belief that you’re much better than you really are. You think you are all that. Someone will be right along to disprove it, no doubt. Being egotistical brings the wolves out to feast on the bullshit being spread.

What is the difference between saying "No one does" and "Nobody does"?

One uses three words, while the other gets the same message across using two.

How do you convince someone to change their beliefs, thoughts, and opinions about something?

You need to present verified facts to back up your arguments. If they don’t accept verified facts, then you are wasting your time and theirs.

Why can't we see our thoughts if they exist in our minds?

You don’t?

How do you know that your thoughts are not real? How do you prove logically to yourself that they aren’t real?

I wrote two books, and both were total works of fiction. I thought of a fictional story, with fictional characters, and fictional weapon systems. These were not real. However, some of what I put in the stories were real systems, and I know this to be fact. I know the majority of my thoughts were total fiction, and I researched those areas where reality was insinuated into the stories. Logically, I prove it to myself through research. It is something I was very good at in the Intelligence field.

What can you do if your friend keeps twisting everything that you say?

This is something an asshole might do. A “friend” won’t keep doing that.

"People will always twist your words, to justify their actions."

-- Melissa Stephens

Do people think they're special just because they have money or wealth?

Yes, it is just sad that so few of them are truly happy. Money or wealth can buy many things, but it falls short of being able to purchase true happiness. Selflessness can help you find this, but you need to let go of the erroneous preconceptions of monetary happiness.

If you can strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, then being wealthy will have so much more meaning to life.

What should I say when my girl asks me what my motto is?

“Be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.” 

How can I build confidence, motivation, self-love, honesty, and morals?

Well, gee… you have the confidence to ask this question of strangers, which means you must have been motivated out of self-love. The fact you asked a question concerning what you think you are lacking shows some honesty and morality. Personally, I don’t think you need to build on anything. You simply have to use them more.

Are people who think more critically less prone to inconsistency?

More times than not. They aren’t prone to jumping to conclusions that may not be right.

Why is an individual who lacks empathy immediately seen as a horrible individual even if they attempt to use logical reasoning to help the individual suffering cope? Individuals lacking empathy may not have feelings, yet they can still try to help.

So, you asked the question, then answered it beautifully. One point, though. They have feelings, they just don’t have empathy for other’s feelings.

What is love? Explain in one line.

Try this: 

"It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up."

-- Neil Gaiman

What is an example of the statement, "each person has right to self-fulfillment, deriving his inherent capacity and toward that goal"?

I was ready for self-fulfillment by deriving my inherent capacity to become the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Wing Intelligence Division. I did this for about 8 years, and every year we made “Excellent” on the Operational Readiness Inspections, compared to the “marginal” or “satisfactory” ratings they were used to.

Let's say 100% of the people are consumers, 80% are voters, but 60% are employed. So consumer philosophies should rule the state and society. So how to increase the responsibility of consumers for state decisions and the government budget deficit?

Therein lies the rub. It is amazing we still exist as a government with the idiots we vote in.

Do people who vent more often in a day, lead healthier lives?

Maybe. But if you are truly happy always and in all things, being healthy is just part of your life. If you, on the other hand, are not always truly happy, then you might need to vent in order to get the weight, that is bothering you, off your chest.

What are your interests and passions? What do you want to be able to do with your skills?

Open a large enclosed (six-foot walls) garden meditation center, with an attached coffee, tea, and pastry shop.

"If you have to choose between being right or smart--choose being smart" Is this correct or even ethical?

Yeah, the ethics of it sticks out. So, being “smart” and being wrong is okay? I would rather be right. If I cut the red wire to the bomb and it explodes, so much for becoming smart. If I’m right, however, and cut the green wire, I can worry about becoming “smart” later.

What does "Socratic question" mean? How is a "Socratic question" different from a regular question?

Try this:

“Socratic questioning is a form of disciplined questioning that can be used to pursue thought in many directions and for many purposes, including: to explore complex ideas, to get to the truth of things, to open up issues and problems, to uncover assumptions, to analyze concepts, to distinguish what we know from what we do not know, to follow out logical consequences of thought or to control discussions.”

-- Wikipedia 

What will I be 5 years from now?

5 years older.

Has anyone's mind ever been changed by a post or argument on [this site]? Have you ever upvoted an answer you disagreed with?

Yes, and no. I have been thanked by the person who held an erroneous opinion. My explanation made sense to them. 

I have never upvoted an answer I disagreed with. This would be saying someone is right when I don’t think they are. And, if someone thinks I’m wrong, I’d like the same honest courtesy.

In your own personal way, how would you define the word "friends"?

Friends are the people you think of before yourself.

Can you share an experience where you had to make a difficult decision, and what was the outcome?

The Vice President, of the company I worked for, threw me under the bus for an important decision he made that the President of the company didn’t like. I bit my lip and let it go until we made it back to his office. My “difficult decision” was to confront him. He apologized and I told him not to ever do that to me again. We went for drinks after work.

If we can't define our own goals, what should our next move be?

According to your question, the next move would be a goal we can’t define. Now, what?

How do I take the lead? I often am a follower and so have a hard time being the leader. I always want someone to lead and help me because I don't know how to lead and help others in group projects, community service, school, etc.

Leaders rarely volunteer. Leaders are thrust into the light. They usually learn their leadership skills in the school of hard knocks. When you think you are ready, someone will choose you to be the lead and you will struggle to do justice to the title. In the back of the mind of every good leader is the fear of failure.

How do you take the lead? Volunteer, when no one else does, or help the leader to lead. There is nothing better than getting a recommendation from the leader you help.

“If you have a strong purpose in life, you don't have to be pushed. Your passion will drive you there.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What would you say to a person who was rude about your writing?

“Stop reading my writing. It’s meant for intelligent people, not you.”

How do we know who we are without thinking?

Knowing who we are is a thought. Any stimulus we sense becomes a thought. If you aren’t thinking you are either dead… or asleep and not dreaming.

What do you really, really want?

A two-week vacation up the Mississippi River on a cruise ship.

How do we make sure that we are not outlawing certain points of view that we do not agree with?

Usually, we have “checks and balances” to help ensure the right opinion is chosen, but this doesn’t always work. Listening to all sides of a discussion and keeping an open mind can help. “Outlawing” is only appropriate when wrong and dangerous points of view are being considered as right “Outlawing” can be construed as the purview of a socialist state. It is much better to let the majority of society decide, as long as the decision is good and righteous.

What is your goal as of right now?

To get my finances under control, after my Mom’s death, before tax time.

 How can I become a great graphic designer by networking with industry professionals and seeking mentorship to expand my knowledge and opportunities?

Develop the “talent” of a graphic designer, then you can work on becoming great. Don’t put the cart before the horse.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

-- Mark Twain

 

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