Questioning Tempers, Replies, Change, Secrets, and Coffee

 

“It's funny how much of the miseries of this world are caused by short people –they are so much more quick-tempered and difficult to get on than the tall ones.”

-- Erich Maria Remarque

Why are short people tempering quickly?

Because they’re short. Randy Newman wrote a song about them called “Short People.” That probably pissed them off. It would have pissed me off.

What are some tips to become decisive?

Make decisions. Right or wrong, you’ve become decisive.

Who is credited with the famous quote, 'Common sense is not so common,' and how did this saying come to be widely recognized?

Here I thought I had come up with it. Obviously, “common” sense isn’t very common. I run into “good” sense, every now and then, but any sense isn’t that common. I think, more and more, people have come to realize the rarity of “common” sense. People don’t use “good” sense that often, much less “common” sense.

Is peace in life a good idea for success?

Success in life is all about being truly happy. If you strive to be truly happy, always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances, you are, most likely, at peace.

Is it morally, if not legally okay to sometimes mildly hit small kids to teach them their behavior is wrong?

If you can spank an adult to make them submissive, you should be able to spank a child to bring them back in line. Of course, I’m old school. Spare the rod, and spoil the child. Dr. Spock admitted he might have been wrong. Jeeze! Ya think? Hitting them, however, is bad form.

How can one create a nurturing home environment that promotes overall well-being and a positive lifestyle?

Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice.

“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”

-- Marvin J. Ashton

When someone says "Be Kind," what do they really want you to do or say back to them in response?

“They’re not giving me much to work with.”

Are you a stranger to yourself and others?

It is difficult for someone in the Intelligence field not to be a stranger to others. You run the real risk of becoming a stranger to yourself, as well. I was in the field for almost 23 years, and I let it end my 25-year marriage. Oops… When I got the divorce, I worked hard to normalize my life and find true happiness. It took me 5 more years, but I managed to find the elusive happiness I was looking for. I am no longer a stranger to myself or others.

Is it better to live alone or be in an unhappy marriage?

Live alone. Unhappiness simply sucks.

What does a person need to be happy?

The choice. A person needs to make the simple choice to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of their circumstances. To make any other choice is non-constructive and counterintuitive.

What are the best philosophical questions?

“Why?”

How do I live the happiest life ever?

Make the free choice to strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

If you could change one thing in the world, what would you change? Why?

I would eliminate terrorists. Why? I think it explains itself.

How do you remain happy in such a cruel world?

My world is not cruel. I strive to be truly happy, which negates cruelty... unless someone wants a good spanking. But, then, that really isn't cruel. 

Which one is correct, "Be always happy," or "Always be happy"?

Both mean the same thing. It depends on where you’re from.

Is it correct to say “God always with us”?

Nope. Even "Grammarly" doesn't like it. God is always with us. God… always with us. You need to use “is” or put a break between “God” and “always.” Just my opinion.

What is the difference between planning and planning with God?

In the first case, you are relying on yourself. In the second case, you’re wasting God’s time.

What is the relationship between having a plan for your life and having faith in God?

There is no relationship. I can plan a life without God. Having faith in God is to believe in something for which there is little or no proof. But, my belief is a choice I make freely.

“I think if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.”

-- Jon Katz

What is a secret that made you successful that you’ve told no one?

If I’ve told no one, why would I tell you?

What does "answers are not always everything" mean? If I ask a question and I get the right answer. This will suffice.

Answers are not always understood. If you don’t fully understand, or misunderstand, then of what use is the answer? How will you be absolutely sure you have the right answer? Ignorance of surety is not always a good excuse.

When is it depressingly sad to have been on the right side of the argument?

Abortion and the murder of innocence.

What should I read? I want to gain a general understanding of all psychological theories, for personal life & my interest in self-knowledge & understanding human beings. For example, in 1000 pages. My detailed question is in the first message. Thanks.

Putta Pravallika has given you a good list of books. I would add to them “TAO The Watercourse Way” and “Taoism: The Road To Immortality” for your personal life and understanding.

What is something inappropriate that only you and someone else know?

If I told you, then the three of us would know the secret, and that would certainly be inappropriate.

I have to do a presentation in front of 50 students. I am so stressed. How do I prepare for it and how do I keep my voice loud? It’s really hard. I don’t even know how to breathe.

Practice the presentation in the venue, if possible, and have someone sit in the back and adjust your volume so they can hear you. Practice, practice, practice, until you almost memorize your presentation. Have an introduction, the body, and a summation as the ending. Then, use cards to give you your speaking points. After 23 years of giving Intelligence presentations, being prepared is half the battle. The other half is conquering your fear, which is all about the practice... and breathing.

“During the first few minutes of your presentation, your job is to assure the audience members that you are not going to waste their time and attention.”

-- Dale Ludwig and Greg Owen-Boger

Why does my teacher call me a cup of coffee?

Not to be indelicate, but… are you black? It could be that they enjoy the hot, smooth, deliciousness in the morning. In reality, it could be anything. Personally, I’d ask the teacher.

Is a dream a picture of a better perfect future in life?

It can be, and it cannot be. Dreams are like that.

Why are men so attracted to big breasts?

Not all of us are. Some like small breasts. My Dad always said, “More than a mouthful is a waste.” A bit off-color, but he made his point.

Did teenagers benefit the world in anything?

Youthful exuberance.

Do you agree with the statement that "history cannot be conjured out of mythology"?

Sometimes “mythology” includes a modicum of truth. Archeology has discovered many mythical cities and such. Sometimes what we think of as myth can be turned into fact.

What are some life lessons you wished you had learned earlier?

Satisfying girls.

“Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

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