Questioning Needs, Friends, Life, Habits, and Lies

“People with a negative outlook on life are miserable. Instead of being unhappy, decide to see the wonder and beauty in the world.”

-- Shree Shambav

What exactly is a miserable life?

Miserable! I just hate trick questions.

How long have humans ruled the Earth?

Humans only think they rule the earth. The world abides. It will be here long after man is gone. The world will reclaim all of man’s works and, in the blink of an eye, there will be no obvious sign man ever existed.

When will you make the decision to search for the truth?

55 years ago.

If you have a subconscious need to control people to feel safe and yet you are kind, then are you just a big stupid ape?

Most people know when they are the subject of someone’s need to control. The fact that a person feels the need to control is a flaw in their own personality. The fact that a few people bend to that control is a flaw in their own personality. And, yes, the “controller” is just a big stupid ape with personality issues, kind or not.

How can I improve my basic knowledge about everything?

Read.

What are your friends like?

Cordial, but I keep most of them at arm’s length. People tend to dump their drama wherever they have a moment.

“People don't want their lives fixed. Nobody wants their problems solved. Their dramas. Their distractions. Their stories resolved. Their messes cleaned up. Because what would they have left? Just the big scary unknown.”

-- Chuck Palahniuk

What are your daily or weekly habits that contribute to your success?

I have gleaned the knowledge, so my desire to excel contributed to my ability to attain multiple goals. Those goals contributed to true life happiness, which is the definition of success.

How can I be happy alone?

Maybe, but your life will become boring. People are social animals. 

What gives "powerful" people the right to be vile and vindictive?

Their power, but that doesn’t really give them a “right” to be that way. They just bully their way into the “right” to be a prick. Being vile and vindictive is contrary to true happiness.

What are the benefits of being smart? What are the benefits of being good at learning?

The benefit of being smart is making good decisions. The benefit of being good at learning is becoming smart.

What was the hardest obstacle to overcome for you to succeed?

Leadership. My young life background would not provide evidence of this position. There was a need, so I learned. As it turned out, with all humility, I became, what people called, a pretty good leader. As the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of an Intelligence Division, we went from historic “Marginal” ratings to “Excellent” ratings during every inspection. I had good people in the Division who only needed the right push. I suppose I was it. 

Is a completed book reader a great leader?

One does not guarantee the other. There must be a physical catalyst, a reason, that creates a desire to propel one to a leadership position.

“Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What should be done to fulfill desires?

That depends on how far a woman is willing to bend her morals.

Do you think people are reading my mind?

Unless you have something interesting to read, probably no. Why waste the effort when asking a question of an honest person will suffice? Again, reading the minds of dishonest people would be a waste of time and effort. I much prefer to let people hang themselves with their contrived dishonesty.

I haven’t been on here in 3 years. Why does time go by so fast?

It goes by faster the older you are. I just turned 70, and the rest of my life is just a flash in the pan.

Is there such a thing as a little bit stupid, or can you only be just flat-out stupid?

I sure hope you can be a little bit stupid. I think I’m a little bit stupid, now and then, but I also think I’m pretty smart, as well. The people who get into trouble with “stupid” are the people who think they’re intelligent. It trips them up all the time.

What is the importance of time? Can time be known?

Time is a human concept developed to give life structure. If you want to know the time, look at a clock.

What are some realizations that lead to maturity that most youths are unaware of?

The “rule of law” is taught by most good parents, but children only see it as doing what their parents expect. They soon discover that rules are rules, no matter where you go or how old you are. It can be an eye-opener for most children transitioning toward maturity.

“We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.”

-- Anais Nin

Why am I going to ask infinite questions over eternal time?

Eternal ignorance?

What is the importance of the critical period?

A “period” denotes the end of a statement. I’m not sure how critical it is, compared to the statement.

If the information in the universe cannot be destroyed, then why do we forget about things?

The information isn’t “destroyed” you’ve just forgotten it. There is a difference. Some people make it their business to remember everything, like my girlfriend. She’s an encyclopedia of mostly useless knowledge. But, now and then, when I need it…

Can you guess where this quote comes from? “I think the young people enjoy it when I ‘get down’ verbally, don’t you?”

Sounds like Joe Biden, thinking he’s all that.

How would you communicate effectively with a Boss who is determined to undermine or discredit any success you’ve personally created and executed?

“I quit.” There are plenty of employers looking for talented people who can create and execute. You don't need to go head-to-head with an asshole. Let them find another you.  That'll teach them.

What are your plans for the week?

When you’re retired, unless you have an appointment, you take life as it comes.

“Gainfully unemployed, very proud of it, too.”

-- Charles Baxter

What causes a person to lie?

Fear, greed, or desire. The more reasons we come up with, the more people lie.

Does curiosity make life easier or harder?

Harder. Curiosity takes some effort to investigate. Without curiosity, we can go about life in a vegetative state.

What is your favorite abnormal psychology study?

Deviant behavior. I especially enjoyed the study of Donatien Alphonse François.

Who is right when everyone is wrong?

The question answers itself. If everyone is wrong, then no one is right. The better question would be, “If almost everyone is wrong, who would be right?” I know it’s nitpicking, but one must get it right or there will be no correct answer.

What is the most creative form of writing?

Fiction.

Why do I get upset and mad at myself when I say/do something stupid?

We all do this. We would like to think we are above saying or doing something stupid, but even the most intelligent, though they will deny it, do or say stupid things. We are only human. Given the right circumstances, we are all capable of stupidity.

“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”

-- George Carlin

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