Questioning Time, Vacations, Stupidity, Reasoning, Mistakes, Bullies, Science, and Lies

“If time travel is possible, where are the tourists from the future?”

-- Stephen Hawking

If somebody can time travel, do they know it?

One would assume so.

Why do people respect science but look down on, mock, or ignore philosophy?

They don’t understand it. They tend to look down or mock what they don’t understand. They end up ignoring it, which makes them look ignorant. The “philosophy of science is a branch of philosophy concerned with the foundations, methods, and implications of science.” Interesting that there is a “philosophy” of science, though.

How could you tell that success was too much for someone to handle?

Alcoholism, drugs, and then there is always suicide, a messy escape route.

My husband wants me to give up my job but doesn’t want to financially support me. What should I do?

Threaten to divorce him and find a man who respects you. That will either rattle his cage or send you on your way to freedom. It’s a “win-win” from where I sit.

What is the meaning of I'll be right with you?

“Have a seat.”

How come I always have to text first? We can all day without texting if I don't text him.

So, don’t text. There is such a thing as “respect” for your feelings. It seems this is only a one-way street. He needs to know you are an independent person that doesn’t appreciate being disrespected.

"If he wanted to, he would've. Never beg a man for the things you know you deserve. The right man will give you everything you deserve and everything you never knew about."

-- Charmaigne Vee

How do you feel about vacations that are shorter than a normal weekend?

You believed someone that this was a vacation? It’s a trip to Disneyland.

After a horrible ending with my narcissist ex, will she still try to come back?

Well, consider the definition, and I think you are a free person. She seems to have checked all the boxes here: Sense of self-importance, preoccupation with power, beauty, or success, entitled, can only be around people who are important or special, Interpersonally exploitative for their own gain, arrogant, lacks empathy, and must be admired. If she tries to come back, she's a horrible narcissist.

If a girl loses feelings for her boyfriend, is it normal? What should she do about it?

It happens.  Find another boyfriend… or a vibrator… a dildo. Her choice. Her life.

Why do we have jerks in the world?

Balance. There must be balance in the universe. If we have “great people” we will need jerks so we will know who the “great people” are, otherwise they will all be alike. Light defines dark, good defines bad, sweet defines sour, negative defines positive, and so on. There is balance so we know the opposite.

What do you think are the two most important words in life?

Happiness and ethics.

Can people use their thoughts to create things in this world?

That is the way we create things. Things don’t just appear for us to use. We created training for animals so they can be pets and useful animals in our lives, like horses, cows, chickens, and the like. Our thoughts created carts, cars, airplanes, jets, and space travel. Now, our thoughts have put us on the cusp of artificial intelligence. If we survive A.I., who knows what we’ll think of next?

“The only freedom you truly have is in your mind, so use it.”

-- M.T. Dismuke

Should you have a dollar for every stupid question asked here how rich would you be by now?

I would be poor. There is no stupid question unless they ask it more than once.

How can I open my heart to forgiveness?

Yes, simply open your heart and forgive, but you don’t have to forget. Remembering is a way of being prepared for their next issue.

What does "facts are the enemy of truth" mean?

It means someone doesn’t understand that facts will bear out the truth. 

Does God answer our questions before we ask them?

No. God gave us everything we need to live a life full of knowledge. If we choose to ignore these gifts, we will lag behind those that accept the gifts. We answer our own questions before, during, or after we ask. Or, someone else will help us out. You know, the people that accepted the gifts.

Are you more apt to like, or not like, the people that you meet?

I like most of the people I meet. Not liking people is a rarity for me, unless their members of the League of the Perpetually Offended.

“How then did it work out, all this? How did one judge people, think of them? How did one add up this and that and conclude that it is liking one felt, or disliking?”

-- Virginia Woolfová

What is a "red herring" in reasoning?

A “red herring” by definition, is “a clue or piece of information that is, or is intended to be, misleading or distracting.” In reasoning, you would be well served to ignore the “red herrings” you come across.

Can you change someone’s mind and feelings about you? If so, how?

You need to totally change who you are. Become your “alter ego” and surprise the person who has feelings about you. 

What does this quote mean, "It takes a long time to understand nothing"?

It takes an even longer time to explain understanding nothing. Suffice it to say, that a total vacuum doesn’t exist. Particles constantly pass through a vacuum, through nothing. So, is “nothing” really nothing? We gave “nothing” a name, so it must exist. And, if it exists… but, then, I’m full of shit. And shit, I understand better than nothing. Just saying.

Which is correct, 'Do you have awareness' or 'Are you aware'?

They have different meanings. “I have awareness, but, sadly, I am not aware of her infidelity.” You can have awareness, but are you always aware?

Can humans have full control over their lives and manifestations? If so, how can this be achieved?

No, and if they say they can, I’d throw the bullshit card on them. Nobody has “full control over their lives and manifestations.” If someone thinks they do, that, alone, manifests as a loss of control. The best we can ever hope for is “excellent” control. “Full control” is an absolute, and absolutes, especially among people, are non-existent.

Is it possible for intelligent people to have stupid ideas?

Try this:

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

-- Thomas A. Edison

How can two people in a relationship get along well when one makes frequent frustrating mistakes, that they bring on themselves, and the other person’s problems are mostly from that partner? They, themselves, rarely make their own mistakes.

Love for another is a powerful emotion. If you can’t handle a bit of drama, living alone is better.

What does it mean when people say life is a misery?

It means that people haven’t realized they make their lives with their own choices and decisions. If life is a misery for them, what have they done to rectify their bad choices? Probably nothing, because they are in denial that their life is their responsibility. They need to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of their circumstances. Any day on this side of the dirt is a great day to live in paradise. It is time to get to work.

How valid is the statement " we argue because we love each other"?

We "discuss" because we love each other. We argue because she pissed me off.

What’s the answer to the question, “Do you trust me?” and why? 

I don’t know you, so why should I trust you? With all the insanity infecting our world, the days of “blind trust” are behind us. Unfortunately, now I have to get to know you, and even then, I will have to watch you until I truly trust you. That may never happen. 

Is having a lot of self-respect a bad thing?

Not a bit. Pile it on thick. If you can respect yourself, how can you truly respect others?

When and why did you take revenge?

I have never taken “revenge” on someone. I fought back, but that was not revenge as much as self-defense. Revenge is the purview of karma. Sooner or later, karma will take care of the issue. Until then, I feel deeply sorry for their need to be an asshole.

“Revenge, the sweetest morsel to the mouth that ever was cooked in hell.”

-- Walter Scott

What are bullies like when they aren't bullying anyone?

Frustrated.

How come a lot of engineers out there have lots and lots of book smarts but absolutely zero common sense?

They are one level deep. Maybe, two. They have lots of book smarts but just can’t seem to think out of the book, er… box. They don’t see the “book” as guidelines that they can use to develop good sense.

Which one is correct: I go for a walk or I go walking?

Either one is fine.

Why is it so hard to pull the truth out of some people and still they would try to come up with all kinds of excuses not to tell the truth?

Maybe, they don’t realize that the truth might set them free. The problem with lies is that you have to remember them.

Which one is correct, 'he does' or 'he has'?

“He does,” is an action. “He has,” is ownership. It depends on what you want to convey.

What are the effects of fame and fortune on people who achieve sudden fame and fortune?

Almost all people who win lotteries, blow the money in short order. If you don’t know how to budget and respect the money you have, you will burn through it, or someone will take you to the cleaners.

“Perhaps he needs the money. Some of the men live too richly for their purses, if you understand me. Fame would allow him large debts, but everything has to be paid back in the end.”

-- Conn Iggulden

What are some reasons why psychology is a science?

The definition of “psychology” is all we need, here: “The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.”

What are some ways to deal with a very demanding, rude, and arrogant boss at work?

Find a new job, somewhere else.

Is it possible to go back in time and change something without destroying everything?

I’m one of those old heads who believe the old timeline will continue, but from the time you change anything, a new timeline, a different timeline, will begin. There are an infinite number of realities.

What does it mean when a woman says, "Do whatever you want," to the man that she loves?

The cows just came home. Hell just froze over. The sun didn’t rise. And, she just made his year.

Why can I not proceed like I want to?

A rule or law is preventing you from proceeding. Other than that, it is your life, so do as you will. The only thing that holds us back are laws, rules, or our own fear. Make the choice to move forward, and dare anyone to stop you.

What is the best learning you got in life?

The military. Not just basic training, and not just tech school. The entire 23 years was the best “classroom” from which to learn.

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”

-- Albert Einstein

Would you rather always lie or remain silent for the rest of your life?

I would remain silent. I mean, really? I’m 70 years of age. BFD.

There is this employee in my office who is so good at what he does, and sometimes it makes other people feel insecure about their work. What would be the best way to take it in a positive way?

Learn from the employee. If someone is better than anybody else at their job, the best tact is to learn from them. People feel insecure because they aren’t doing as well as they should be. This employee has pointed out everyone else’s choice to do what is expected. If one person can shine, why can’t all the employees shine? It is a choice.

What should be done when friends become enemies, and enemies become friends?

Introspection. You need to ask yourself, “Why?”

What type of life would everything being perfect be like?

Unrealistic. There must be “imperfection” so we understand what “perfection” is. What will we do if someone injures themselves? Kill them? There must be no imperfection in a perfect world, right? So, when things go wonky, it must be rid of in short order before people get infected with thoughts of imperfection. Personally, I like the life we have.

What's the best response to, "Nobody asked you"?

“They should have. They seem to be the problem.”

Is the fact that the mind experiences thoughts and knowledge innate or does the mind need to know the existence of thoughts first?

Before our first breath, we begin to have thoughts of staying alive. Heartbeat and brain activity have already started and are controlled by our peanut brain. When we are born, we understand nothing but staying alive. We begin to breathe, we cry, we wet and crap ourselves, we nurse, and we smile because our mind has become a more active player in our present and future life. If it weren’t for the brain having thoughts, we’d be a carrot shooting out the birth canal. Yes, I know. It is more complicated than this. Get over it.

“It’s important that what thoughts you are feeding into your mind because your thoughts create your belief and experiences. You have positive thoughts and you have negative ones too. Nurture your mind with positive thoughts: kindness, empathy, compassion, peace, love, joy, humility, generosity, etc. The more you feed your mind with positive thoughts, the more you can attract great things into your life.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

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