Questioning Asperger's, Attention, Feelings, Rape, And Happiness

 

“And now I know it is perfectly natural for me not to look at someone when I talk. Those of us with Asperger's are just not comfortable doing it. In fact, I don't really understand why it's considered normal to stare at someone's eyeballs.”

-- John Elder Robison

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Note to my readers: Been a bit since I gave an update.  I've been averaging over 10,000 views of my answers per week. This has been going on for quite a while.  I'm not sure what it takes to raise the bar to a higher level. My answers are what they are.  Just thought you'd like to know.

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What is the most brutal truth about Asperger's syndrome?

It shows up in boys more than girls, and it is a form of autism to the point that the name has changed to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Can being straightforward be both a strength and a weakness?

I’m not sure how this can be construed as a weakness. Being straightforward is a strength. I have no filter, which makes me straightforward. I say what is on my mind. Some people don’t appreciate it.  The majority see it as honesty.

What is it called when you comprehend and understand something, and how do we comprehend and understand something in our brain that we understand?

You “grasp” the meaning through your knowledge of the subject matter. Without knowledge, you will have difficulty comprehending and understanding the topic.

Why do people only respect and value me when I lose my patience and stop caring?

This sounds like your opinion, not reality.

What challenges might arise in integrating AI into education, and how can they be overcome?

Take what we call “teachers” out of the classroom and put real teachers in their place. This will solve the problem of already having “artificial” intelligence in the classroom. 

What are your favorite quotes about money?

Try this:

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”

-- Epictetus

Can I have your attention for a minute?

No.

What are good examples when showing insouciance is the best response?

When someone else already has the matter well in hand. When it isn’t a “safety concern” and it doesn’t deal with you.

What made you happy recently?

Waking up. Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day.

Which are the things that one should never search on the internet?

Any topic that deals with committing terrorism, building bombs, killing people, and the like. This would be like writing a ransom note on the back of your own bank check. But, then, people are generally this stupid. 

Is it true that I am allowed to do whatever I want without any choices and without any of the following consequences at all whatsoever not dependent on what it Is and what they are?

No.

Why do people assume the most negative things over a simple question?

Sometimes the simple question is at fault. Being “simple” might make the question not have everything it needs to make it positive. People tend to “assume” where the information, given, leads them. I fall into this trap, occasionally. I usually let the people know that their questions could use a bit more meat to be well understood.

"Assumptions are dangerous things to make, and like all dangerous things to make -- bombs, for instance, or strawberry shortcake -- if you make even the tiniest mistake you can find yourself in terrible trouble. Making assumptions simply means believing things are a certain way with little or no evidence that shows you are correct, and you can see at once how this can lead to terrible trouble."

-- Lemony Snicket

Why, without ever looking into a matter, do people somehow think that their feelings have any bearing on whether something is true or not?

People are generally stupid. Understanding this opinion makes their “feelings” perfect sense.

What does critical thinking involve? 

By definition, it requires “objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment.” This is where people generally get into trouble. They make important decisions without using “critical thinking” before they put the decision into play. If “first responders” did this, people might die instead of being safe.

If the Columbine High School Massacre got a comedy stage musical, what should it be called? What would the plot be? What songs would you write for it?

Sick. The plot is what it is, and the songs would all be sad.

Single life is best, but do we still need someone?

We always need someone, even if it’s a friend or an acquaintance. You can be single, but not at the exclusion of everyone. If you exclude everyone, you become a hermit, not single. A hermit forgets how to act politely around people. Not a good thing. And, then, there is always the “sex” factor. Being “single” allows for having a bit of fun with other people.

Why can't I understand my emotions?

If you’re a woman, that might be the explanation. Men generally don’t give a fig.

Can someone reject atheism if they were raised as one?

You have the freedom to reject whatever you want to reject. If you were raised as an atheist and choose to be a theist, then so be it. “Miracles” come when we least expect them. Faith is the belief in something for which there is little or no proof. Neither theists nor atheists have any proof to back up their beliefs. As such, it makes sense that either side can change their belief.

“Of course, I reject atheism because I believe Christianity to be true. But I also reject it because I am a scientist. How could I be impressed with a worldview that undermines the very rationality we need to do science? Science and God mix very well. It is science and atheism that do not mix.”

-- John C. Lennox

What should I do when my boyfriend is 33 and I am 17?

Wait another year before you have sex. I have no idea what the penalty for statutory rape is where you are. You might want to look up the statute, just to be sure.

Why has no one answered my last 3 questions?

Are they cogent? You know, clear and logical? Whoa! I just answered one!

Why do we have to pick each other apart when we're all strange to some degree?

Because… we’re all strange to some degree. This makes us pick each other apart. It isn’t right, and we can’t explain why we do it, but we do. I think it has to do with ego, trying to be above everyone else. But, that’s just me. What do I know?

What is your current conclusion about life that makes you happy?

Life! Being dead would just piss me off. Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day to be alive.

Why are some people never satisfied with their lives despite having all the material possessions in the world?

Material possessions don’t equate to true happiness. Many people who constantly strive to own the newest and the best don’t understand the truth in this. They keep buying in hopes that they will become happy, and they are for a short time, and then they need to buy again. True happiness isn’t all about this. If you are not truly happy with nothing, then how will you be truly happy with something? Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

How can I motivate my daughter to swim?

My Dad threw me into the pool. I became motivated. I recommend wearing a bathing suit, just in case she isn’t as motivated as I was. 

“It is in deep waters that God teaches us to swim.”

-- Matshona Dhliwayo

Are you happy these days?

I’m so happy it makes people sick. Hell, I’m so happy it would make me sick, but I’ve had 23 years to get used to it.

When do you think you are happy now?

Uh… now? Is this another trick question?

What's your unique method for overcoming procrastination?

Making the conscious decision to get off my dead ass and do what I know needed to be done, would be the only method I know of. It isn’t very unique, but it gets the job done. 

Why should someone give you money?

Probably because I gave her more than she expected. It was my sincere pleasure, though.

Could anyone explain to me the Chinese proverb, "To guess is cheap, to guess wrong is expensive."?

Anybody can guess. It doesn’t cost anything to guess. But, if you guess wrong and you’ve made a promise to buy, it can be expensive. Better that you guess and then check out the real cost before getting yourself in a bind, especially in China.

What's the secret to maintaining motivation for a long-term goal?

Make sure the “long-term goal” is worth the “long-term” effort.

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four-hour days.”

-- Zig Ziglar

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 in 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