Questioning Character, Ego, Annoying, Criticism, and Morals

 

"Curses! Foiled again!"

-- Snidely Whiplash

What was the likable bad character that was actually just plain bad?

Snidely Whiplash.

How can we confront our fear?

Two ways to confront anything: Understand it, and/or do it. Understanding your fear might make it less fearful. Doing what you fear, might give you a feeling of accomplishment. Either way, even though you might not show it, you are still afraid. Fear is what keeps paying attention to the minutia. It keeps us alive.

What ethical considerations should be taken into account when designing AI systems that make decisions affecting human lives?

Instituting Asimov’s “Laws of Robotics” might be prudent.

What is the definition of a complex mind? What is the definition of a simple mind?

Good question. Most “complex minds” are simple. A few of the simple minds are very complex. This makes definitions difficult, as they won’t fit everybody. I hang around a group of guys who might think they are complex, when, in reality, not so much. I can be complex, but, at times, I can be simple. I think a complex mind might be like Einstein’s, but most complex minds might have a closet full of the same suit. They are complex but simple.

Do different persons' minds interact when they are interacting?

One would assume so.

Is competition, in a way, not an individualistic concept? Most people seem to think that they're only good if they're better than someone. But constant comparing is rather ill and collectivist. You can be also good because of your uniqueness.

If you are trying to be better than you were, you are, technically, competing against yourself. Even if you are unique, you might strive to be better by competing against what you were.

“Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased.”

-- J. Krishnamurti

How can we humble someone with a big ego?

Constantly prove them wrong.

Are people really preconditioned to get along or at least not mind others' business? These ideas are being advocated for, but the entire history shows that people always needed an enemy, and to divide by class and size. So what side to take?

People don’t always need an enemy, but, unfortunately, there is always one waiting in the wings that we have to deal with. Most of us used to be brought up to mind our own business. The side you take is the “good” side that preconditions their children to get along with each other and to mind their own business. 

What do you think is the most important thing about friendship?

Honesty.

For those that have overcome extreme negative intrusive thoughts or PTSD, how did you do it?

I had PTSD and didn’t realize it until a psychiatrist pointed it out to me. It might be the reason my 25-year marriage failed. I have come a long way in combatting paranoia, but, occasionally, I slip, and my friends, who really know me, have to point it out. I don’t think you ever totally overcome the thoughts or PTSD, but you can become strong enough to sit on the fallout and not let it rule your life. 

Is Trump a true success story?

The Democrats seem to think so.

What are the benefits of practicing gratitude daily, and how can one incorporate it into their lifestyle?

The benefit is that you are selfless and happy. You might even become known for it. You don’t have to be confrontational. Say please and thank you, hold the door for ladies and those who are infirm, be helpful to those in need and smile… a lot. Showing gratitude isn’t just about being gracious, it is about striving to be truly kind and good always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.”

-- Seneca

What is the definition of an overly positive or negative person?

Annoying.

An elephant in the room that nobody will discuss because we're all expected to just grin and bear it: [This site] has more than one aggravating quirk that its collective proprietors are too intellectually lazy to remedy. That is a fact, right?

I’ve been assuming so.

My friend keeps lying all the time. One time he was lying about some random stuff and I was telling him it's not true and he replied back saying, "You're funny." Obviously being sarcastic. What should I do?

Your friend sounds like they are in denial. You may be funny, but, at least you are truthful. You might mention that to them.

Why do people on TikTok never use critical thinking?

They use TikTok. Explains itself.

Can fashion designers work from home and make money online?

Where they work is a matter of space. If they have online skills, and design great fashions, making money should be no problem.

Why do people see me as the stupidest person to ever exist?

Well, you’ve used a “superlative adjective” which most people won’t even understand. So, people should give you some slack.

"Hyperbolic Suggestion is—as one might infer from the term’s literal interpretation—a method of suggestion induced upon the subject (or subjects), in question, through the blatant and immoderate invocation of hyperbole."

-- Ashim Shanker

What is the definition of criticism in personality?

Critical thought. The analysis and judgment of merits and faults.

So after having a bunch of conversations with people self-identifying as "woke," basically, they say anyone who doesn't like them or any of their ideas can and should go f-themselves. The question is, do you think they are going to win?

You mean, you actually had a cogent conversation with them? The fact they stooped to the “F” word is no surprise, though. Command of the language is not a priority. Look at Congress. I try to ignore them.

What super-toxic behavior is just ignored in our society?

Flashing. Most people chuckle at “nothing” and move on. 

Do you think we as a society should be more intolerant towards the bad things and we should all be hard to impress?

Never be tolerant of “bad” things. We have to accept “bad” simply because of “balance” but we don’t have to tolerate it. Oh, and, if I were hard to impress, I would never get a date. Balance. You really need some balance.

What is a good response when somebody says "I'm not doing so well"?

“STD?”

Where does poor judgment and decision-making come from in otherwise intelligent people?

Well, for one thing, they are “otherwise” intelligent. “Smart” people sidestep most poor judgments. 

“They say faith is taking the first step when you can’t see the whole staircase. Actually, wisdom is seeing the elevator behind it that would have taken you to the top floor.”

-- Shannon L. Alder

What is morally wrong with homosexuality?

It doesn’t help build the population. We’re “expected” to be fruitful and multiply.

Note to my readers:  I just had a feeling this answer would rub the League of the Perpetually Offended the wrong way... and it did. 

How can I move on from a 2 years relationship?

It’s going to be easier than moving on from a 25-year one. 

Is telling someone to be grateful, when they are sad, good advice?

Only if you can give them something to be grateful for. Otherwise, you’re just going to piss them off, and then you have someone who is sad and pissed off. What else can you not do for them?

What's a better comeback for, "You're stupid," than, "No, I'm not"?

“Takes one to know one."

Is love external or internal? Why?

Are you “feeling” the emotion, or are you doing something to “prove” the emotion? It really makes a difference, for obvious reasons.

What does it mean if you are caught between two people?

Ménage à trois?

“A three-way?” Garrett asked. “You’re kidding, right?”

-- Pam McKenna

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