Questioning War, Names, Alter Ego, Start, and Happiness

 

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”

-- G.K. Chesterton

Is it true that war is normal and natural for humans?

Greed is normal and natural. Greed can lead to war.

Would you rather have unlimited power or Unlimited Knowledge?

Unlimited knowledge. Unlimited knowledge will bring with it the wisdom that “unlimited power” has its limits. 

What do you call a person who loves fashion?

A “fashion plate” comes to mind.

If you have a combination of problems that interfere with the pursuit of healthy goals and very likely permanently as well, why not give up on life and just hope for something better on the other side?

You need to learn the lessons here before you are let loose on the other side. If you slack here, why won’t you also slack there? Life won’t let you graduate for doing nothing. You need to learn how to deal with the problems if you expect better.

What would happen if you lost control?

That would depend on the situation. I don’t usually lose control. 

What outcomes could appear with the phrase "If you can't beat them, join them"?

Just because you can’t beat them, doesn’t mean someone can. An unpopular outcome could be that you join them just to die on the field of battle when someone beats them. Joining is not the only option.

“If you can’t beat them, leave them. Good morals do not improve bad associations. It’s a reverse that will only drive to regret.”

-- Vincent Okay Nwachukwu

Do you think the name, "Ashley Stephen Nobes," flows well?

“Stephen Ashley Nobes” flows better.

Why do people on this site ask opinionated questions they already know the answer to?

They could be members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. They like to ask questions just to bait people to answer them so they can be offended. I try not to buy into them.

Since it is October, what are you most thankful for?

I made it to 70 years of age.

How much of your personality is innate?

Almost none of it. I am a product of my upbringing and the situations I have been up against. As I look back, I can see the changes in my personality through the ages. At 70 years of age, I have slowed down. Now, before I pass on the the next life, I offer my “bathroom quasi-wisdom from the always humble semi-ancient pie hole philosopher.”

What is a good response to somebody asking if your life is perfect?

"Yes!" Of course, this is the opening they'll take to tell you their own tale of woe.

How do you feel about being in control of your emotions?

Safer than I did when I was young and out of control. Knee-jerk reactions, brought on by emotions, can get you killed. When I joined the military, I learned to control my emotions.

“Don’t let people who don’t care about you, manipulate your mind, feelings, and emotions or control how you think about yourself. Never give that much power to someone else.”

-- Karon Waddell

What is the alter ego of a villain, and why is it needed?

It isn’t needed. Mean people are usually angry and mean. Why do they need an alter ego when they think the personality they have works for them? A “villain” is a villain. Anything else would detract from them being a villain.

What is the best way to learn how to fight?

Learn a “martial art” and you learn that fighting is a last resort.

How can you encourage people to give better answers and not say "I don't know" all the time?

Teach them that “I don’t know” isn’t a cogent answer. It simply indicates their lack of knowledge.

How hard is it to separate feelings from logic?

It depends on how illogical your feelings are. Love is a logical emotion to cement a solid relationship with a partner you choose to spend your life with. Hate, on the other hand, accomplishes nothing logical.

What can you say about the core rules of netiquette?

The “powers that be” need to decide if they want 5, 7, 20, or some number of “core rules” in between.

Why is it so much easier to run than to face your problems or issues within yourself?

Because you don’t have to face your problems… yet. Problems will usually stay until they’re dealt with. You can ignore them, but they are still there, whether within yourself or not. Truth be known, it is usually easier to face the problem, deal with it, and then go have a bourbon and a cigar.

“I need to stop fantasizing about running away to some other life and start figuring out the one I have.”

-- Holly Black

What started it all for you?

Birth.

Is it okay to do bad, and why? What are the dangers of bad and what are the dangers of good?

It is never okay to do bad. Karma takes care of those who do good and do bad. Those who do bad will suffer in time. Those who do good will not endure suffering for their bad deeds.

What are the most complicated humans on Earth?

Women.

What is a parent's role in setting restrictions for their child?

The role of protector. As they grow and learn, restrictions can be loosened and lifted, as they learn to restrict their own thoughtless actions.

How do you win your spouse's heart?

I divorced her.

What makes us emotionally dependent? Is it only love?

Protection. Actually, any need you feel is fulfilled by someone can make you dependent on them until you can fulfill that need yourself. For you to fulfill a need that is being provided, however, makes it hard for you to stop being emotionally dependent on the person providing the need. Not being emotionally dependent on others requires one to become independent.

"You cannot embrace happiness when your thoughts cling to nothingness trying to overcome an emotional dependency."

-- Araliza Arias

At what point does being richer stop making you more happy?

If you aren’t happy with nothing you won’t be happy with lots. One needs to strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of their circumstances. It is a "choice" and, as a choice, it is sustainable until you change the choice. But, to change the choice to be truly happy would seem to be counterproductive to happiness.

How do I manage working out, a full-time job, raising a young family, and studying?

Good time management.

Does being "sober curious" mean you never drink alcohol again?

Does “curious” give you a clue? You might decide not to drink again, but you might find it doesn’t work for you. Curiosity is all about finding out, not necessarily changing your lifestyle.

Why do we need both positives and negatives in life?

Balance. You won’t know what is positive without knowing what is negative.

How come some men rather date women without a job and overlook a good woman with a job and a career?

They can’t stand competition? He wants to show the woman he's capable of doing it all. And, if she's home, he doesn’t have to worry that she’s “doing” her boss.

Why do some people say they don't need goals in order to be happy?

They are exceedingly happy working toward nothing… they think. Unfortunately, they are usually working toward the goal of surviving. It is hard to imagine not having a goal of some kind. Even if one were to commit suicide in order to end their misery, that would be a goal. But, would it make them happy?

“Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.”

-- 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