Questioning Meaning, Signs, Questions, Topics, and Anger

 

“Compliments in America can take an almost aggressive form, as if the speaker needs to defend her own shortcomings rather than simply to rejoice in another's ability.”

-- Tracy Chevalier

 

What does it mean when people say, "You are extraordinary, you are too advanced."?

They want something. Watch your back.

What is it like to take your opponents' talking points, reverse roles, and pose them as your own argument? Additionally, who commonly employs this strategy in negotiations, and what are the underlying reasons for its prevalence?

If they’re right, you’ll look like an idiot. There’s a political party that employs this. They think if they keep repeating the wrong answer, people will start believing them. They also sound like idiots, but most of their party believes them. It doesn’t say much for their party.

Extroverts, how open are you to letting a new person join your friend circle?

I’m an extrovert. Come one, come all!

How can you stop feeding your mind with negative thoughts? Most of what you think will probably won’t happen.

If it "probably won’t happen", then this waste of time can be used as your impetus to stop feeding negativity into your mind.

What should never be said during an argument, especially one that puts the other person down? Why?

“You’re an idiot!” This is just before you find out you’re wrong.

Can it be true that we are in a society that profits from your self-doubt, and liking yourself is a rebellious act?

I haven’t heard this, but I can see where most people would buy into it without knowing. Liking yourself is just a step away from loving yourself, and loving yourself is the goal to attain. If it’s “rebellious” then so be it. Take no prisoners.

“Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?”

-- Ian Wallace

What are some signs that indicate what one's true path in life is?

What they enjoy doing, comes to mind. If you don’t enjoy what you do; if you work for the sake of food on the table, perhaps you have missed the point of life. I joined the military and served for almost 23 years. I love the job. When I got out, I went to work for an Institutional Review Board for another 17 years. I loved it. If you don’t love what you do, why are you doing it?

How many dads out there would forgive their son for anything, anything at all? Also, how long do you think it would take you to forgive?

I can forgive my son if he were sincerely sorry, but forgetting takes a bit longer, I’m afraid.

Why do people call all of my questions insincere questions?

If you think they are sincere, then don’t worry about the judgment of others. Their judgment says more about them than it does about your questions.

What are all of my reflections, interferences, conflicts, problems, issues, warnings, and incidents from the past and reliving all pasts and past years in my head and mind and all in the present moment in 2023?

What?

What is the least confrontational way to not answer questions people have no right to be asking? For instance, my sister has a 504 Plan, and those who must provide accommodation almost always ask for information about her medical condition.

If they must provide accommodation, they must need information about her condition to provide the proper accommodation. I would hate to think they were providing the wrong accommodation. How concerning would that be for you?

Are all the greatest achievements made only through long-term approaches?

No. Some are made through “Aha!” moments. 

“The "aha" moment is a validating experience for your efforts and at the same time changes your paradigm of the world in favor of a more accurate one. Campbell simply says, “It wipes out the ego.”

-- Roumen Bezergianov

What question would you ask someone who is deceased?

It doesn’t matter. They are deceased. If you believe in the paranormal, how will you ever know the answer came from them?

Should we be worried about artificial intelligence?

We should be worried about the countries not being concerned about the ramifications of not paying attention and giving AI too much rope with which to hang us. AI isn’t the problem. It is us. We need laws to follow, and all countries won’t.

Why can't people accept that harassment of any kind is funny?

Because, to most people, it is hurtful.

Why are accurate estimations crucial for public projects?

Because people have to pay for them. No one would buy a car estimated at $30,000 just to find out they ended up paying $130,000 for it. Public projects move ahead, regardless, hoping that all the estimations are correct. Many times, they are wrong. Cities go into debt. Taxes go up. People are pissed. Next project, please.

Why do some people dislike being asked questions?

They aren’t good at coming up with cogent and intelligent answers.

How can I accept something like gravity without a moment's pause for thought but magnetism and the idea that it can move objects seems like magic, no matter in how much detail it's explained?

You have a problem accepting explanations for things you don’t understand. The “facts” are in the details, and the details are what you have a problem understanding. You need to open your mind to the possibility that what we know, we know… until it is proved that we don’t.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

-- Socrates

What are some good argumentative essay topics about artificial intelligence?

Guarantee all countries abide by rules and laws designed to keep AI from becoming “self-aware” and taking over the world. Good luck.

If you are one of those people who tries really hard not to get Covid, but got it anyway, what do you think you did wrong?

I believed wearing the mask made a difference.

How can I know or make sure that my choice is totally mine, irrespective that it could be deterministic or a random decision?

The fact that you ask this question, should give you some assurance that you’ll do the right thing. A “choice” is yours to make. You need to ignore advice from others. You can listen to them, and their arguments, but use the facts as they are known to make the best decision you can. You may not make a popular choice, but it will be your choice. It takes some broad shoulders to do what is right, irrespective of other opinions to the contrary.

Author's comment: Partially Agreed. Just trying to reason if faith and free will together with random and predetermined events can be a subject of measurement which is a feature in science.

Why do you call people names when answering questions?

What dumbass does this?

Is it normal to be in a kind, respectful, close and deep emotionally, trusting, and protective romantic relationship, but society does not approve of it?

It isn’t normal regardless of what society approves. This is the reason we have so many relationship issues. People need to know each other for years, not just weeks or months before they tie the knot in any relationship. You need to have each other’s back, and that requires a deep, meaningful, and honest friendship that will weather all storms.

Author's comment:  I thought that when I'm write “kind, respectful, close and deep emotionally, trusting and protective romantic relationship” it should hint that the relationship is time-tested, just like a reliable partner. Because such qualities are tested only by time.

I wouldn't date or marry someone I didn't trust. I physically cannot fall in love with a person until I get to know him/her completely, what kind of person he/she is, etc.

I can’t fall in love until we have personal emotional contact. So if I usually describe relationships, I wrote this one earlier, it means they really are like that, and I am with an equal partner.

My reply: What you think is “normal” is not what goes on in many relationships. Your relationship may be the epitome of what we shoot for, but it is only what we shoot for, not what many people get. I applaud your relationship, but it isn’t worldwide in its scope.

Note to my readers:  My reply was "upvoted" by the author.

How Can We Make This World A Better Place?

Become understanding, tolerant, and selfless. It will never happen due to greed and ego, but it is a nice thought.

"You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful."

-- Marie Curie

What do you think should be the opposite of Anger in "Robert Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions"?

Joy. True happiness (joy) always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, is the path to defeating anger.

Why do people with the most ‘skeletons’ in their closet so harshly judge others?

False sense of ego. It helps them keep the closet closed.

Why is everything showing me love and respect? Who knows this?

Why do you care who knows it? The fact that you are getting it is beneficial. Personally, I would be reveling in it and returning the love and respect being shown to me, with all the humility I can muster.

Author's comment: Am not talking about humans only I say everything nature around us.

My reply: My answer stands. Revel in it.

Should I become an architect if I'm only comfortable with basic math and prefer communication, creativity, marketing, leading, etc., instead of working with numbers?

You should become what you want to become. It is your life. Be truly happy living it.

What values and beliefs in general do you subscribe to? How do they direct your behavior?

I “subscribe” to having a personal code of moral ethics. Having a good code of ethics will direct your behavior. You may not be popular, but you must adhere to your belief in your code, or what is the point of having one? Always be selfless, and never let anyone take you away from what you know is right and good.

I am only 5'10. Can I become a great leader even if I'm not over 6 ft tall?

Mahatma Gandhi. It is who you are, not what you are.

“Keep it up, wise guy. I'm always going to be taller than you once you're lying unconscious on the ground.”

-- Jim Butcher

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