Questioning Education, Revenge, Selves, Life, and Atheists

 

“You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.”

-- Harlan Ellison

Can a person without a university education, and of average intelligence, have a more valid opinion on various issues than an intelligent and university-educated person?

It depends on how they handled the “indoctrination” at the university level. Did they actually learn anything they went there to learn, or was it all indoctrination? Were they “smart” enough to realize they were being indoctrinated, or were they too intelligent to bother understanding? Did they go to the university for education and graduate as a politicized zombie?

Can it be true that you become what you give your attention to?

Not unless you want to become it.

Who writes stupid questions?

There is no stupid question unless they’ve asked it more than once. People want information they don’t have. I’d rather have someone ask me a “stupid” question than have them go to bed at night as ignorant as they were the morning before.

Why is everyone in the multiverse distasteful?

Why are you tasting them?

What is one thing wrong with the world that you would change?

Racism. Adolf Hitler showed the world what it can do. We don’t need to go down that road again. And, yet, it looks like the same Nazi philosophy is insinuating itself into, not only our young people but our Congress, as well.

What's the quote of the day 20 November?

Try this:

“Reality is what it is, and what it isn’t, it isn’t.

Sometimes, what it is it isn’t, and what it isn’t, well... it is.

Other times it is nothing, and then it isn’t anything.

If it's nothing, it isn’t, and if it isn’t anything, it is.

Naming "nothing" makes nothing something;

Therefore, whether it is or it isn’t, it must be,

Because even nothing that isn’t, already is.”

-- F.A. Villari 

How do you get revenge on someone who pretends you’re in the wrong and talks like they are not the reason why you're angry?

You ignore them. And you ignore anyone who associates with ignorance. The last thing you need to do is to stoop to their level. Raise the bar. Tell them you know what they’re all about. Tell them you will be honest with anyone discussing them with you. Karma will take control of this, so let it go.

Can it be true that if you stay silent about the problem to keep the peace, there is a zero percent chance that the problem gets fixed?

Maybe. But, someone will probably speak up in your absence of voice, and the problem will be under the light.

What are some reasons why someone might say they see themselves being with someone forever but don’t want marriage or kids?

You’ve met my son and his girlfriend. They’ve been together for 20 years, since college, they both have careers and are having too much fun to be tied down with marriage and kids. Smart kids.

How does truth equate to opinion?

Opinion is not necessarily the truth, regardless of what you think is true. 

Is it bad that I was compared to a one-night stand?

I certainly hope not. I’ve been compared to a one-night stand many times, and each time I’ve been able to smile and make breakfast for them. Hey, at least you got a one-night stand. Some people go home alone. If you make them breakfast, you might get two nights.

Do whatever you want in sex with me?

I’m not so sure this is a question. Sounds more like a statement of desire.

“That’s real love and real happiness. It’s when you go to sleep every night hoping that you are less happy than your lover; it’s hoping that you’ve given everything you could to them so that their day could be just a tiny bit better.”

-- Lexie Syrah

How can we think like our true selves?

You are. If you don’t think you are, perhaps you need to do some introspection. If you still come up with crap, you probably need to change the true self you portray. I always think like my true self. I’m not always perfect, but, who among us is?

Do you think a woman that has ten sex partners at the age of thirty-six is too many?

Do you have her address?

What is the name of a friend who always seems to be happy?

Other than me? This is a tough one. Probably Nancy. She is close to my age, and not much bothers her.

Why should I care about " reputation or social image", is there a point, even if you do what social masses and norms consider acceptable what's the point, nobody wil l ever truly know you and they are restrinctions, why care for social image then?

Other than your grasp of grammar and spelling, I can’t see any reason you should care what anyone thinks, including me. Getting ahead and making mass money will not guarantee you true happiness. Knowing yourself and being selfless in everything you do, might show you the path you want to be on. Reputation and social image are for those who want to climb that ladder. Again, it is no guarantee they will find true happiness when they attain their goal.

What skill should I learn for 1-2 hours a day, that will help me become successful?

Comprehension. Understanding does you no good, unless you comprehend what you think you understand.

Why do my enemies know that when I finally win in eternity, I will burn them infinitely worse than they have me?

And you can live with the karma that will bring down on you? A “win in eternity,” when you are going to “burn them infinitely worse,” sounds like burning your bridge to a higher plane of existence. But, this is what revenge does.

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.”

-- Wayne W. Dyer

What is your funniest "petty revenge" story?

Revenge is never funny. It is a sad reflection on the person who sets themselves on that course.

Should we make National Coward Day to honor all cowards in history?

And who will be the judge? Who will sacrifice their reputation by daring to judge, when judging others says more about the judge than who they judge. Cowards have to live with what they haven’t done. I’m fine with leaving them there.

How can I boost my husband’s financial confidence?

Stroke his ego. He’d probably be happier if you stroke more than that. But his ego will suffice.

Can it be true that when people are contented and free from excessive desires, manipulative individuals find it difficult to exploit or interfere?

The professional manipulative person will take that challenge, and probably win.

What is your experience with social media and self-confidence?

Social media allows me to reach an audience. My self-confidence has never been better. Am I not understanding the question?

Why are you lying about who you are?

Oh, I wish I were. The truth is, that I can’t tell the entire truth. My job, back in the military, prevents it.

“We understand how dangerous a mask can be. We all become what we pretend to be.”

-- Patrick Rothfuss

Is there any experience of yours that convinced you in the pessimistic or optimistic sense that anything can happen in life?

My divorce, after 25 years of marriage.

Today I turned 25 years old and I don't have any great achievements in life, should I be worried about this situation?

No, but you should have been learning and preparing for those great achievements in life that will present themselves in short order. Great achievements are usually what you volunteer for. Sometimes they are thrust upon you. It is up to you what you decide to do when it happens. It is your life. You can reach for the golden ring or simply enjoy the ride. 

What are things you would have told your younger self to become a successful person?

Focus, work hard, and stand by your moral code of ethics.

Every time I tell someone they're pretty, they never say it back. Am I ugly? I don't compliment people to get complimented back, but it's just something I've noticed over the years.

So, let it go. You are giving a compliment, which says volumes about you. The fact no one complements you says volumes about them. I applaud you for giving compliments. So few people do it anymore. Continue to do it selflessly.

What are your thoughts on 'what if' questions?

It depends on the person answering it, and their life experiences.

What are the best hacks to always have a positive mindset?

There is no hack. You simply have to make the conscious choice to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. That’s it. If you find yourself being negative, stop, take a breath, smile or laugh, and change over to positivity. Pretty soon, you’ll find that the change will happen automatically. I decided, years back, that life is what it is. It is what I make of it, not what someone else makes of it for me. It is my life. You can try to find “hacks” to help you along, or you can just decide to control your life.

“The ability to make others feel good about themselves will take you further than proving that you are the smartest one in the room.”

-- Anastasia Bitkova

Can atheists handle the truth? What happens when atheism's foundation is shattered?

What truth? Neither side can provide a shred of proof to solidify faith in their belief.

What are the benefits of atheism? How does atheism help humanity?

It provides balance. Everything in the universe must have balance. Atheism has theism, as dark has light, sour has sweet, evil has good, and negative has positive. Atheism helps humanity by providing the antithesis to theism. It is a choice we make in life.

Is atheism being debunked just a desperate attempt to deny the existence of God?

What? Is it just me, or does this question make no sense?

Do atheists embrace the truth when atheism itself is proven false?

You can’t prove or disprove either belief. Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof, and neither side can provide it, as much as they think they can.

Are atheists ready to face the cold hard truth of their debunked beliefs?

Being a theist, I can say that neither atheists nor theists can provide incontrovertible proof for their position. It is a reason why they both lean on the faith of their belief. Faith is the belief in something for which there is little or no proof, and neither side can prove anything. Although, this question is evidence of my point. 

Do atheists secretly fear their own beliefs being debunked, or are they too arrogant to consider any alternative?

Being a theist, one can say the same for theism. There is no proof to either side of the argument.

“The best way to vanquish your enemies on the Internet? Ignore them. ”

-- Austin Kleon

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