Questioning Behavior, Questions, Time, and Answers

 

“Most people talk too much, and what they do say is often just noise or irrelevant gibberish designed to keep themselves entertained”

-- Stuart Wilde

Is not talking a behavior problem?

If you talk too much, do not know when to shut up, and what you say is really stupid, then yes.

Do atheists feel threatened when their own beliefs are challenged and proven false?

I’m sure they do, as much as theists feel threatened. But, why? Neither atheists nor theists can provide proof for the faith in their belief. Faith, for those who don’t know, is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof. So, why would either side feel threatened when they base their faith on a belief they can’t prove? The difference between the sides is that atheists find it necessary to use gutter speak because they have no compelling argument. Theists should not care, as the proof will be in their pudding upon death. Both sides should just shut up and believe as they want.

Has anyone ever posted something extremely dumb about weirdness on the internet?

How can you post anything dumb about “weirdness” on the internet? Okay, maybe from the League of the Perpetually Offended, but that's it.

What is the difference between folkways, norms, mores, and laws?

The question has changed from “What is the difference between mores, values, and folkways?” to what it is now. “Values” has been dropped for some reason, and “laws” have been added. No matter, except that “laws” change my answer from “no difference.” In most free countries, laws will be ignored in favor of folkways, norms, mores, and values, by the majority of society except in countries that imprison you for recognizing folkways, norms, mores, and values instead of stupid laws that punish good sense.

What is the relationship between knowledge and semantics?

If you have knowledge of language and linguistics, you can discern semantics when a person speaks. 

There are so many people here on [this site] more experienced and smarter than I am. I find it a good opportunity to learn and grow, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed and discouraged that I'm below average. Advice?

Don’t let it bother you. The entire purpose of this site is to ask questions and to learn from others. The fact that you feel overwhelmed, probably means you are learning too much. Never feel discouraged about learning. The fact that you come here to learn is a sign that you are not below average, and you shouldn’t consider yourself as such. My advice is to loosen up. You are fine.

“Average is a failing plan! Average doesn’t work in any area of life. Anything that you give only average amounts of attention to, will start to subside and will eventually cease to exist.”

-- Grant Cardone

Can you ask any question and your problem will be solved here?

Not necessarily. You will get a fair amount of opinions, but whether they solve the problem is up to the person asking the question.

Why do people run and turn off the comments section to what they said?

I don’t even want to know how to turn them off. People can comment all they want. I pay very little attention to the League of the Perpetually Offended. For me, they are a waste of time. People that have cogent and constructive comments, I pay attention to. Some tend to want to call me names and curse at me. I’ve learned to ignore them.

How would I know if I am lying to myself about something?

If you don’t, your “other self” has control of you. I’d be concerned.

Are rampant modern Western libertarian and liberal views embracing traditional deviancy and destroying society the opposite side of the same coin as rampant authoritarian fascism destroying individualism? Where is the middle ground?

You make false assumptions and, then, look for a middle ground. Liberals will, probably, not accept any part of the “middle ground.” And Republicans will probably not accept your insulting definition of them “as rampant authoritarian fascism destroying individualism.”

 Are memories all false?

Memories aren’t false. Memories are what we remember of history. What we make of the memories may turn what we remember of history false, however.

Can you give me your own definition of forgiveness? Not reconciliation. Forgiveness.

This is hard to put into words, as I always assumed everyone knew what forgiveness was. Turns out, I also have a hard time with an explanation. I found this, and it best defines my thoughts on forgiveness:

“Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. The act that hurt or offended you might always be with you. But working on forgiveness can lessen that act's grip on you.”

-- Mayo Clinic 

If a movie is 2 hours and 41 minutes and it starts at 8:30, what time would it end?

If the title of the movie isn’t “2 hours and 41 minutes” then, I would think 11:41.

Do you have any thoughts or experiences related to the disconnect between words and actions? I'd love to hear your perspective on this topic!

I served 23 years in Air Force Intelligence. For 23 years, what was said was put into action, or people might die. In the civilian sector, this is not always true. I think “first responders” hold this as a fact, but the public, as a whole, maybe not so much.

How can I become the leader of the class in university? So everyone wants to be with me and we have a solid group?

That would seem to be up to the vote.

Does being an honest person make you afraid of something?

Nope. I’m honest to a fault. I have no filter. The only thing I’m afraid of is dying alone. But, being honest has nothing to do with my fear. Honest or not, I would still be afraid of dying alone. It’s just me. 

How can positive psychology facilitate optimal experiences and psychological well-being using technology?

It might seem so, but, not really.

How can I stop obsessing over the way I look? I obsess over the way I look almost every day. I take multiple pictures/videos analyzing every feature of my face to the point of mental breakdowns/thoughts of suicide. I can’t afford therapy. I need help.

Ask people you don’t know what they think of the way you look, generally. You can be a “plain Jane” and be beautiful in a natural way. I love all women, and the only thing I care about is that they take care of themselves. You don’t need help. All you need is to accept who you are, as you can’t be anyone else. Learn to love the person you are, for what you are. If you weren’t here, you would be missed, and that says a lot about who you are. 

"Cure for an obsession: get another one."

-- Mason Cooley

Why questions can never be stupid, but answers can be?

Questions are never stupid unless you ask them more than once. Answers, on the other hand, can miss the mark. They can be construed as “stupid” by the reader. 

Do you think there is an angel, a saint, a hero, or a martyr inside of us, waiting to get out on the right occasion, regardless of one's circumstances?

I think if you believe that the greatest gift a person can give is to sacrifice oneself for their friends, then you have all of them in you, ready to take action. This is especially true if you define all the people around you as your fellows and, thereby, your friends.

What does it mean when someone tells you, “Your philosophy is not working for you.”?

If you think it’s working for you, they have no clue. Don’t be thrown by someone else’s "opinion" of who you are. Your “philosophy” is your philosophy, not theirs.

Could a deceased person give a feigned response to a Quora question?

It depends on your belief. 

How should I interpret an addict telling me I should seek therapy when they will not seek therapy themselves?

Why take the time to interpret an addict’s opinion? They are trying to shift the focus onto you, and away from them. You need to stay focused on the issue at hand.

How do we balance our responsibility to protect people with incompletely formed brains (currently set by science for anyone under 25) with our commitment to freedom?

I haven’t heard this, but it makes some sense, considering the political climate. Our responsibility would dictate our need to push the voting and drinking alcohol age to 25. If brains aren’t fully formed, then they are a danger to those around them and, therefore, a danger to our freedom. Oh, there is a sector of society that will pitch such a fit!

“A balanced inner calmness radiates from a peaceful center. It neither craves others' approval nor rejects others' presence. It neither pulls towards nor pushes away. It has a reverent attitude towards life and all its inhabitants.”

-- Donna Goddard

If a question [on this site] isn't being answered by someone, then what should I do to ensure it is answered?

Give it to me, and I’ll try to answer it.

If I had the chance to speak and I didn't, and now things are bad, is there a way I can still speak up?

Yes. Speak up. It is never too late to voice your opinion, especially when things go bad. Be honest. Tell people that you should have spoken up earlier. But, it is better if you have a solution to offer.

Has someone ever tried to force you to take responsibility for something that wasn’t your fault?

More than a few times. They failed.

What do you do as a writer to make sure your story is not inspired by something that you've read or watched?

I make it up. You know if you’ve been inspired. If you’re concerned, discuss the plot with others and see what they think.

What can you say about this quote: ''To find a worthy mate, be worthy of a worthy mate.''

No truer words.

Every day I wish I was dead. Why is that?

Because you’re still alive. This is a good thing because every day on this side of the dirt is a day you should be working to make your life worth living. All that happens if you were to die, is that you’ll find yourself right back here. If you don’t learn the lessons set in front of you, you will keep coming back until you catch the clue.

“There comes a time when you look into the mirror and you realize that what you see is all that you will ever be. And then you accept it. Or you kill yourself. Or you stop looking in mirrors.”

-- J. Michael Straczynski

 

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