Questioning Honesty, Death, Change, Reactions, and Talent

 

“I used to love the saying, 'If you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door.' It sounds great, right?

The only problem is that, as it turns out, it’s not even remotely true. Worse yet, it encourages people to passively wait for someone else to give them a break. Most people who do that will grow old waiting for someone to come along and recognize their genius.”

-- John Hawkins

What is the trend of honesty in the world?

It’s trending south. As a matter of fact, it’s dropping like a rock.

What is the difference between an end result and an end goal?

The end “result” may not be the “goal” you were hoping for. One is a fact, and one is a hope.

Why do we need to be satisfied?

We don’t. Satisfaction says there is nothing else for us to do. That’s nonsense. If everyone was satisfied, there would be no progress in the world. We are who we are because we continue to build the next better mouse trap. We should ask ourselves, who knows more about mouse traps than the person who designed the best one? And, when they retire, we hope they will teach everything they know to some new person, who will build the next better mouse trap.

How come coins are not worth more?

They are. They are just different coins. Gold coins are worth a lot more. 

What is the point of setting goals if everyone eventually dies?

That is an atheist point. Any spiritual being will tell you that if you don’t accomplish a goal in this life, there are many more lives for you to accomplish the goal in. I look forward to the next great adventure.

What is your advice to the individual who recently got their degree?

Find a job and go to work.

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.”

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why do people see death as a bad thing?

They see life as the one sure thing. I see death as an answer to the most important question.

What do others dislike the most about you?

I’m too damned happy, all the time. I whistle, hum, and smile all the time. I can’t help myself, not that I’d want to. I like being truly happy.

What are the reasons why some people look down on those who have high self-esteem?

Jealousy.

Why do people find peace?

Because it's better than living in misery.  Been there, and done that. Now I always strive for true happiness in all things, regardless of my circumstances. 

What are the things you wish you had in your past relationship?

Love, fidelity, and trust. What does it say about fidelity and trust when you lie about love?

Do you think of death often?

I’m 70. This is a silly question. Of course I do, My Dad passed away in 2019. My Mom passed away in May of this year. I’m banking on living until, at least, 90. As I get older I also get more spiritual. I am starting to look forward to the next great adventure.

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

-- J.K. Rowling

Can people change their beliefs based on evidence?

This should be the only way they change their beliefs. Evidence that proves the truth. To change your belief any other way, the belief didn’t have much of a foundation to begin with.

What are the benefits of having your own opinion when debating with someone else?

If you don’t have your own opinion, someone else will be having a “one-sided” debate. and kickin’ it.

What are some ways to ignore someone’s hurtful words?

Ignore them? Not in the South. They went out of their way to spew hurtful words. Someone who does that has a load of baggage to choose from. I’ll bury them in it. I’ll rip their heart out and show them what it feels like, so they never do it again. Ignore them? Not on a bet, God bless their little heart.

What is the difference between belief, faith, and knowledge? How are they related?

Knowledge was the way I found faith. Faith is the belief in hope. And hope is the fertilizer of the soul. Without hope we have nothing. You left out “hope,” so I added it back.

Can a morally good decision come from a morally bad choice?

Karma uses this tactic to teach what we should have learned.

Is it possible to argue with someone who says "I don't have to prove anything"?

Nope. Better to leave the dead where they lie. For instance, Atheists insist theists prove the existence of God, but atheists never consider proving the non-existence of God. Maybe it’s because most theists don’t care what atheists believe. Theists take what they believe on faith.  That, and, when atheists die, there is more room for theists in the afterlife. Just saying.

“Ego is borne of the need to ‘prove’ oneself instead of making the choice to ‘be’ oneself. And so maybe we need to begin curbing the birthrate.”

-- Craig D. Lounsbrough

What do you think people's reactions to compliments say about them?

If they were brought up by people who valued how you responded to compliments.

How do you find purpose and meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe?

You find purpose and meaning by not accepting the “indifferent” universe. Live your life to make a difference. When you do this, you have found meaning and purpose. Or, you can buy into the “indifferent” theory and wallow in the pool’s shallow end. The choice is to make a little effort.

How do you know if something is true?

I validate it.

Does God allow false religions to exist?

God allows hypocrisy, which invalidates the religion. Heretical sects of Islam fall under this, as do some Christian sects, and any religion that legalizes the murder of the innocent in the womb for no good reason. God should wipe humans from the face of the earth. Earth will abide.

What does a man do to have sex?

It really depends on how much cash he has on him.

How can I be smart in life generally, not in a specific field?

Read. Read everything you can get your hands on, and live life to the fullest. Read and experience.

“Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It's easier to let them have their way, then, trick them when they're not paying attention.”

-- Christopher Paolini

What is more important than talent in becoming rich & famous?

Knowledge, good sense, and the quiet knowing when to strike when the iron is hot.

What does it mean to treat someone as an object? And why is it needed?

It isn’t “needed” unless you’re dominant, or you have a submissive with you. To treat someone as an object is demeaning… unless they like it, that is. There are many women I would put on a pedestal. I suppose that would be treating them as an object, but it is an object I think of as dear to me. I would never intentionally demean them, nor would I think, for a moment, that I own them. 

Money is very important to you, isn't it?

No. It has made my life a mess.

Everybody wants to be loved, appreciated and encouraged. Yet barely anyone chooses to love, appreciate, or encourage. Why?

You are hanging out with the wrong group. Being close to 70 years of age, I suspect they are in their 20s or 30s… basically, young.

How do I have financial freedom? Can I model someone's success story?

Stay out of debt. Pay all your bills at the end of the month. Don’t buy into the credit “game” they want you to play. You will never be free. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, if you have no debt you are a free person and you belong to no one. Slavery is still with us.

What's so wrong with being shallow? So long as you abide by the law and pay your own way, is it really necessary that you be a profound person?

No. You provide the balance that the universe demands.

“In each of us lie good and bad, light and dark, art and pain, choice and regret, cruelty and sacrifice. We’re each of us our own chiaroscuro, our own bit of illusion fighting to emerge into something solid, something real. We’ve got to forgive ourselves that. I must remember to forgive myself. Because there is a lot of gray to work with. No one can live in the light all the time.”

-- Libba Bray

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