Questioning Depression, Belief, Age, Decisions, Bad, and Empathy

“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Can you be optimistic about life, yet depressed?

Many things in life can cause depression, but you can still be optimistic about the rest of your life. One has nothing to do with the other unless you let a bit of depression rule your life.

I have talent?

Who knew?

Surely computers cannot be intelligent. They can only do what their programmers tell them. Is the latter statement true? Does it imply the former?

It is very true.  Now, the programmer inputs instructions and everything necessary for the computer to think for itself. The computer may not be “intelligent” but, now, it has everything it needs to become very dangerous to life on this planet.

Is it dumb to leak military secrets to your enemy?

It is stupid and illegal on so many levels. If you “leak” on purpose, you are giving them secrets.

Are the mainstream US mass media greedy extremists?

You’ve answered your own question. Greed. Greed drives their extreme attitude.

What do you think about people who have idiotic self-reliance?

So many people rely on others or organizations, if a person’s “self-reliance” is considered stupid, at least they are self-reliant. I have no problem with this.

“To find yourself, think for yourself.”

-- Socrates

How do you believe in yourself? (Short answers only please)

I strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice.

If you could say one thing to the world, what would it be?

“Why?”

Why do people treat weak and smaller individuals with scorn while respecting bigger and stronger individuals?

I’ve not seen that in groups I have been affiliated with. We treat everyone with the same respect they give.

How can mankind achieve true world peace?

First, we must eradicate greed.

What resources are available if you believe people want to harm or kill you?

I have a choice of handguns to choose from, I am trained, I conceal carry, and I live in a “stand your ground” state. People wishing me harm are in danger.

Why do people always want free things?

Because they are greedy, and the things are free.

"There is no calamity greater than lavish desires There is no greater guilt than discontentment And there is no greater disaster than greed."

-- Lao Tsu

If someone didn't know your age, how old would they think you were?

Online? There is almost no way to tell. How I type and the answers I give might place me as an adult. If they meet me in person, however, I’ve been told I look 60. I consider that to be not bad for a 70-year-old.

What is your own philosophy in your daily life, with its psychological, social, and professional aspects?

“Strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.” 

Why do people fail to see the strength of our dark side as well?

People, in general, have been brought up to celebrate a person’s bright side, not their dark side. They fail to see it because they don’t look for it. A person usually has to evidence it for people to get a clue.

How does one show or say that they genuinely care and love someone who doesn’t believe anyone cares about them?

Tell them, and then go about showing them. Sooner or later, they might get a clue.

When does youth end? 25, 30, 35, 40 years old?

Youth should end by 21 years of age. If you haven’t mastered the art of adulthood by 21, you are struggling. The military can help push this along if parents have fallen on their collective sword. 

Why do so many people make statements and accusations but always fail to provide any verifiable documentation?

Try this:

“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic, and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”

-- Joseph Goebbels

Do all human beings use both logic and emotion when making decisions?

No, it is why so many people fail when making decisions.

What does it mean when a question is answered privately?

The person answering the question has been asked to answer privately. That would be the only reason I can think of. Otherwise, if you ask a question in a public forum, it will be answered in the public forum.

How do I build connections with rich people?

Have something they constantly need, be related, or become rich.

Is the glass half-full or half-empty in your eyes?

When I was young, I saw the glass as half-full. It was my goal to fill it, and I did. Now, as I have passed the age of 70, I see the level in the glass start to drop. I’m too tired to worry about it. My goal now is to strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is my choice.

How do you motivate learning for learning's sake?

Find something I truly want to learn.

What do you think people are judging you for that stops you from doing?

Nothing. I could care less what others think negatively of me. Their opinion reflects more on them than it does on me. They should be more concerned with themselves than judging others.

Reader comment: Sounds like you’d be judging them back for thinking that?

My reply: Maybe, but I’m a self-proclaimed hypocrite, so it’s okay.

“The self-righteous scream judgments against others to hide the noise of skeletons dancing in their own closets.”

-- John Mark Green

What is something you are really bad at?

Investing my money.

Do some things just make you mad? What?

I don’t get mad, I get annoyed. The League of the Perpetually Offended annoys me. No matter what your answer is, they will be offended. When all is said and done, the offended will have killed all of the offenders, and they will start on themselves. And when the second to last offender kills the other offender for offending them, the offended will hang themselves for their offense. The earth will abide. 

Why would a teacher say to kids that you can do acts of kindness without money? Buying a friend lunch, buying a gift for someone, money is a huge part of making life better, I don't get what the teacher meant by acts of kindness without money.

Helping someone selflessly, cost them nothing.

How do you be happier after going through so much?

It is a choice to not wade into a pit of misery. I strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a personal choice for my life.

What do you think about being happy for others' happiness? Is there anything wrong with it?

I find nothing wrong with enjoying another person’s true happiness.

What has defeat taught you?

Not to be defeated, and, if I am, I will shake their hand for being better, and I will try harder the next time around. In the wise words of Thomas Edison:

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

-- Thomas A. Edison

What does it mean if a person feels happy when they see others suffer and cry?

They feel no empathy for others.

Reader comment: That’s why you don’t cry in front of them. If they say are you crying you say, "No Bitch, I got something in my eyes."

What should we do to get rid of mental stress?

Stress, overall, is not healthy. Mental stress can affect the entire body and create stress where it doesn’t need to be - the heart and the brain. It can cause a heart attack or a stroke. It can kill you or leave you as an invalid. I decided during my “mid-life crisis” to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. Will I sidestep any physical malady? Time will tell.

Does releasing stress make you feel good?

If it doesn’t, you’re going about it all wrong.

What do you think of all of you?

I am what I am. I can try to be something else, but I will still be what I am. There is just no getting away from myself.

What is your biggest cause of stress?

Tax time.

How do I tell my man I'm horny?

Grab his package and tell him you need an injection. The best way to tell anybody anything is to just tell them. You don’t have to dance around the subject to be honest and forthright. Go up to him and say. “Hey! You and me, bed, right now!” If he’s any kind of man, he’ll get the hint.

“Don't bend; don't water it down; don't try to make it logical; don't edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”

-- Franz Kafka

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