Questioning Pletform, Colonoscopy, Smart, Success, and Degrees

“Five percent of the people think; ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.”

-- Thomas A. Edison

Who is a pletform is good?

What the heck does this mean?

Is positivity bad as it attracts negativity?

Everything must have balance, and “positivity” and “negativity” provide this balance to each other. Does this make negativity bad because it attracts positivity? No. It simply provides the needed balance. Without the positive, we would not understand the negative, and vice-versa. 

What is the fifteenth five-year plan?

It is the “five-year plan” after the fourteenth plan.

Are math wizards more organized in their daily lives?

No more than any other “wizard” would be. I could be wrong, but I think a “jack of all trades” would be a better organizer than someone focusing on one area.

How do I live a life of planning?

Always plan your life around your daily plan.

If trauma is related to being lied to, is it an abnormal response to become passive and okay with being lied to instead of being more averse to it than the normal person?

No. How you react is totally up to you. I don’t like being lied to, but it doesn’t upset me. I admonish the person who lied to me, tell them they are a bad liar, and then I go on my happy way. I suppose an “abnormal” response would be to rip their head off. But, this will elevate your blood pressure and, possibly, bring on a heart attack. Being lied to is not worth the physical damage that anger would cause.

“There are three types of lies -- lies, damn lies, and statistics.”

-- Benjamin Disraeli

How does colonoscopy make suspected perforation more harm than good?

The “suspected” perforation is confirmed through the colonoscopy. Now that it is confirmed, they can go about sealing the perforation.

Does happiness diminish with age?

It depends on what you understand about happiness. In my case, happiness has grown as I get older. The wisdom of age should dictate that you strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. If you are old and haven’t discovered this, you have no real understanding of true happiness.

Do you think using a straw to apply makeup is a genius idea or a stupid one?

If it works, it certainly isn’t stupid. Odd, maybe.

Why do people assume a controversial question reflects badly on the asker when a question is just a question?

Controversial questions are, occasionally, the bait used by members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. If they can get you to jump at it, they will get offended and break down into gutter language. This doesn’t happen all the time, but it might be a reason why some people might make an assumption.

Everybody says to be positive. What is this "positive"?

 It is the opposite of wallowing in a pit of negativity. Being positive is not dwelling on the negative aspects of things that would turn positive if you try to make them so.

Who enjoys his works more: an intelligent person or a genius person?

This is a personal choice. You can enjoy your work or not. I would think that when you reach either level you will have chosen to enjoy the work you do. If “smart” people can do this, I’d assume intelligent and genius people can follow suit. This being said, I’d say it is probably a tie. 

“It is highly impossible for you to be successful at what you don’t love. Do what you love and love what you do.”

-- Israelmore Ayivor

Do you think people who are too smart for their own good should dumb it down?

Nope. I do think that the people who think other people “are too smart for their own good” might think about raising their own bar a couple of notches.

Why did God bless some people with talents and skills while the rest of us are failures?

We are what we aspire to be. I was not “blessed” with the talents I wanted, but I found the talents I was meant to have. I worked hard and the skills presented themselves. This did not make me a failure. I did not make a monetary fortune, but I was blessed to be truly happy with what I made of my life, my divorce notwithstanding. Life is what we make of it. Some people are blessed with talents that take them higher, and others are blessed with talents that support others. There must be balance in the universe, and we all do our part. There is no failure unless you don’t know what to do with the failure. “Failure” and mistakes are the best way we can learn.

Why do people question my questions as stupid when they spring up from extreme intelligence?

They need to hold their judgment lest they be judged. No question is stupid unless the person asks it more than once. 

How can students overcome the fear of failure?

“Fear” is not understanding that failure is the best way we can learn.

What is the definition of self-perpetuating according to society? Explain step by step?

By definition: “A self-perpetuating cycle is a chain of events that repeats itself and is very difficult to stop it because it has the power to continue built into the cycle itself.” Our solar system is a “self-perpetuating cycle” of a chain of events that repeats itself and is very difficult to stop because it has the power to continue built into the cycle itself.

What causes stupidity? Is it possible to overcome stupidity?

The inability to find the right answer. Even the sharpest minds suffer from “stupidity” occasionally.

“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

-- Thomas A. Edison

What is success? Why does everybody want to be successful?

When you strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Everyone wants to be successful, but they don’t know what the word means. They get it confused with attaining goals, when it is a simple, sustainable choice they must make for their life.

How can I know if my partner is satisfied?

How close have they come to rolling their eyes back in their head during sex?

Is being smart always better than being dumb?

Usually. But, sometimes, if you’re really smart, it is beneficial to act dumb so people don’t think you’re smart enough to do what you did if it was wrong or bad.

What does it mean, “I've told you a hundred times”?

The receiver isn’t that bright, or the receiver doesn’t believe you… for the hundredth time.

How do we define success and is it the same for everyone?

True happiness in life, always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. This is true success. It is the same for everyone, but everyone doesn’t comprehend or understand it. Many are still in denial.

Why do employers fire good employees?

Control. Good employees balk at unnecessary stringent control. Or, they know too much.

"The day firing becomes easy is the day to fire yourself."

-- Tom Peters

How important is the field of study when obtaining a master's degree?

If you’re obtaining a “master’s degree,” the field the degree encompasses is important.

How do you distract yourself from intrusive, pessimistic thoughts?

I admit that they are intrusive and/or pessimistic thoughts. I laugh at my childishness and focus on the job at hand. 

How is a positive mindset obtained?

Always think positively. You haven’t failed, you’ve just found a way that doesn’t work.

Is there evidence that humans are becoming more aware?

We going backward as fast as we’re going forward. Some are becoming more aware, but the majority are lost and still feeling their way blindly.

Do I really mean nothing to anyone?

Everyone means something to someone, even if you don’t know them. The kind word. The selfless acts of random kindness. Holding the door for an older person or someone in need. We may think that we mean nothing, but what we do in kindness sticks with people. They remember, and tell other people about the kindness of a stranger. You only mean nothing to those your kindness hasn’t touched.

Why is saying no so hard?

It is? News to me.

"Whether they’re family or friends, manipulators are difficult to escape from. Give in to their demands and they’ll be happy enough, but if you develop a spine and start saying no, it will inevitably bring a fresh round of head games and emotional blackmail."

-- Rosie Blythe

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