Questioning Hope, Positivity, Enemies, Smarts, and Criticism

 

Hope: A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. A feeling of trust. Want something to happen or be the case.

-- Oxford Languages

What is the definition of hope? What are some examples of when someone might give up hope?

Hope is a product of one’s faith. Hope is "a feeling of trust; a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen." You have faith in your friends, and you hope they will be able to rescue you.  

Unfortunately, faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof, so we add our hope to the mix to give our faith some substance. It may all be for naught, but that is what faith is all about.

Can you tell us about yourself without fear?

Of course.

I spent months trying to persuade this person to take a class. He then ditches it. I got threatened, punched, and yelled at him for an hour. Was my anger justified?

No, it wasn’t. Nor was your belief in this person to take the class seriously. You didn’t know what they were going to do, and they disappointed you. Ask them if they want to take the class, don't waste your time "persuading" them.

Why, on every question in [this site], are there answers that very agree, agree, semi-agree, disagree, and very disagree?

Because everyone has the freedom to voice their own opinion.

While we have made it clear that we take each other seriously, when I communicated something that was troubling me he said that he was pressured by the fact that I was "overanalyzing" it so much. What exactly should I do after that?

Tell him that you thought, both of you were going to "take each other seriously." As it turns out, only one of you understood what that meant. Sit down with him and spell out exactly what it means for you, and tell him to get with the program or go find another main squeeze.

Can we be friends?

Oh, I think you have enough friends “following” you.

"There is a large stereotype about erotic content being vulgar and crude, however, this is not always the case. There are many different kinds of written erotica available – the stories can range from romantic and subtle to aggressive and outrageous. Not all erotica is created to stun and surprise – some erotica is created to help the reader explore parts of their sexuality they’ve never experienced before.”

-- Nadia Lambrusca

What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years?

Life. I hope to live through the next 5 years. Any day on this side of the dirt is great, and even a better accomplishment.

Whenever I give myself a task to make me happy, I stop myself from completing the task. Why?

You’re wishy-washy.

Why don't people like to waste their time?

Because it’s a waste of their time. Life is too short. People have more important things they'd rather be doing than to waste their time on bullshit.

Are Chinese hardly humans?

They are “misguided” humans.

Is the burn-for-eternity troll destined to be the greatest person ever?

If the troll is truly going to burn for eternity, then I really don’t give a fig. Trolls are a waste of precious time better spent with people who aren’t.

How can I be extremely boring?

You are off to a great start.

“Humanity is OK, but 99% of people are boring idiots.”

-- Slavoj Žižek 

Is it possible to be too positive?

Yes, but don’t let failure deter your positivity. It is possible, but that is not always a bad thing. I fail constantly, but I always try to do things that aren’t in my wheelhouse. It isn’t that you fail, it is what you do with the failure that keeps you moving forward.

What is the difference between an idiot and a person who has little knowledge?

Not much.

How do you deal with people who don't communicate directly but use subtle ways to show there is something not right? What would happen if I ignored the hints?

I ask them what they are trying to get across. You either talk directly to me or don’t bother. Life is too short to be playing “subtle” games. Tell me what you think is not right, or get out of my way so I can get down to it. Subtlety just takes too damned long.

What made you realize your life will never be the same?

My divorce, after 25 years of marriage.

If one can't learn or has trouble learning things can he then admit he is dumb? When you are young you are born with a feeling you can do something, but family and friends tell you can't do that, do they know something about yourself you don't?

First of all, one needs to learn not to listen to “amateur” psychologists. The “doctor” can’t even heal themselves, much less help someone else. If you’re born with a feeling you can do something, then the something you’re trying to learn isn’t it. Living life is one way to find what you can do well. When you finally discover your talent, you can drill down into it until you hit the motherlode of your talent, and focus on that. Not everyone is a rocket scientist. But, then, most rocket scientists can’t paint a landscape, either.

What is the thing most people in the world misunderstand about Americans?

Do people in the world understand anything about Americans? We’re pretty basic, and they’re overthinking.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

-- George Bernard Shaw

When is being like your enemy useful?

Being like your enemy means you probably think like they do. It is only useful if your enemy doesn’t know this, as well. 

Could your enemy lie by conceding 50% instead of 100% of the factual evidence?

The factual evidence, notwithstanding, depends on what your enemy wants to reveal. “Facts” are what you make of them. It is not incumbent on your enemy to reveal anything and, if they do, you should assume they aren’t revealing everything. They are your enemy. They certainly won’t try to reveal everything you do, and you won’t be revealing everything to them, either. You are enemies, and this is what enemies do. 

What are the implications of having a high IQ and being arrogant but not insecure?

You will have very intelligent, arrogant, and secure friends., who are full of bullshit. How boring is that?

Do you love and enjoy poetry?

Yes.

How can you phrase "I'm not sure" more assertively and confidently?

“I’m very confident that I’m not sure.” Of course, you have to say it assertively and confidently, otherwise, people will think you’re full of shit. It would be more correct just to say, “I don’t know.” But, again, you need to say it assertively and confidently if you want to. Not knowing doesn’t matter if you are confident or assertive, you simply don’t know, and that is being honest. 

What is a powerful non-religious quote?

Try this:

“The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change -”

-- Heraclitus

What do you think the statement, “You’re so smart. You could be whatever you want,” means?

Someone loves you.

What are the negative thoughts that spread the most?

Right now, I’d say it is hatred, propagated by lies told through the media to their audience. Hatred is up across the board since the retaliatory strike of the Israelis against the unprovoked attack on them by Hamas. This has little to do with Palestine and much to do with Hamas, which is why Israel is trying hard to get the Palestinians out of harm’s way. When Hamas puts their control centers under hospitals, this makes it very hard.

Is life harder when you are stupid or when you are smart?

It depends on how hard you work at it.

How do you make people on Quora follow you?

You don’t make anybody do what they don’t want to do. I follow no one. Even if I enjoy their answers, it is just my way. If you want people to consider “following” you, then you must make your answers cogent, entertaining, and informative. If they don’t reflect any or all of these, the chances of getting followers are slim. 

How do you respond to someone saying "you are fat"?

“And, you’re a shit-eating dog. So, what’s your point?” 

What is a good quote for your worst enemy?

Try this:

“Kill me, or... go to sleep. The choice is yours.” 

-- F.A. Villari

Can we do better with or without criticism?

Criticism, self-critique, or being told by someone else, is a way we begin to critique our work. More times than not, it makes work better. It may not be easier, but it can be better.

What is the best response to, “You can do better”?

“Everybody can.” There is nothing that man does that they can’t do better. This is a fact. There is no such thing as perfect, there is only excellent. Excellent can always be made better, and there is always someone, out there, that thinks they can. They usually do.

Do you think bullying women is okay?

Bullying is cowardly and never okay, and bullying women is very cowardly for a man. 

What is the best response to, "I disagree"?

“I’m listening.” If they disagree they think they must have a "better" idea. If they don’t have an idea, and it isn’t better, then you can tell them, politely, to shut their pie hole until they do have a "better" idea.

Is it difficult to be a Christian? Why or why not?

Only if you belong to an organized church. It is not what Christ has in mind.

In what ways can you approach criticism with a constructive and positive attitude?

Understand that “criticism” is a way of learning to do better. You may not accept it, but you should, at least, hear what the critic has to say. Another thought, you should have done a critique of your work, before anyone else had the chance. They may like what you changed. But, a “critique” is simply a chance to learn what others like or dislike.

“Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.”

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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