Questioning Adversary, Best, Perception, Love, and Sharing

“We set no special value on the possession of a virtue until we perceive that it is entirely lacking in our adversary.”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Why are you such an adversary?

What would you like me to be? I have a collection of different hats I can wear. “Adversary” is just one of them. Military Intelligence does this for you. It is a “perk” of the job.

What is your prediction for when AI will become conscious?

Too damned soon. The “Terminator” scenario is right around the corner.

Can we share our deepest thoughts with our spouse, why?

If you can’t share your deepest thoughts with your spouse, whom you chose to marry, because she was your deepest love and dearest friend, who are you going to share those thoughts with? Seems to me you may want to rethink your marriage.

Was this incident rude? A colleague invited me to lunch. Another colleague was also coming. At the restaurant, the 1st colleague instantly paid for them both, and left me to pay mine alone. I was appalled. I never want to dine with them ever again.

It is a bit rude, but maybe they have a “thing” going on.

Is asking someone if they believe in God too much?

As long as you’re asking and not baiting for an argument, it should be fine. But, watch out for members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. They hide amongst the atheists.

What is your advice on forgiveness?

Try this:

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

In a situation where I have to choose between what I like and what I believe is best for me, which would be a better option?

If you have no “self-control” the choice would be what is best for you.

I crave a connection with my crush and feel frustrated about it, but I fear that he might take me for granted and break my heart. What should I do?

Your fears are warranted. If you’re not a “submissive” you might think about discussing this with your “crush.” Honesty goes a long way in a relationship.

What is the most childish thing you've done as a legal adult?

I was in the military Intelligence. Almost everything was the “most” childish thing.

Am I crazy or insane? I feel like I've played a role in my life and not my true self. I feel as if all was a lie and feel an unavoidable uncertainty in my future life.

Yeah, I’ve been there. At 70 years of age, I’ve stopped caring about it. I am who I am, for better or worse. I know I’ve played roles in my life, but, other than death, there was some certainty in my future. I discount my failed marriage, though. People have to make mistakes so they can learn from them. Crazy or insane? I’d say I’ve been a bit of both, as I walked on the razor edge of normalcy.

What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never done it out of fear?

Skydiving. My “common sense” keeps me alive.

What personal information is fine to share with people?

Unless you know them and trust them, your name is all I’d give them. Nowadays, anything else is subject to criminality.

“As a cell phone user in the USA, I assume the government has access to all information on my mobile device.”

-- Steven Magee

Does the world only exist as I perceive it?

The world exists as the individual sees it. What you perceive, however, is not, necessarily, the same thing that I perceive. How we process information can be different.

Does beginning "constructive criticism" in a friendly way make the listener more attentive?

It beats simply criticizing them. Brutal honesty is a poor way to elicit attention.

Are many bad people victims themselves?

For the most part, I’d say yes. They are victims of bad people, and “bad people” can be bad parenting, bad teachers, bad law enforcement, bad bosses, etc., etc.. and so on. Almost everyone is a victim to some extent, but how you deal with the victimization makes you a good person when you exit from the other side.

Is it possible to travel through time without a specific purpose?

First, we have to figure out how to travel through time. Then, we can focus on the specific purpose.

Is it illogical for you to help a person who wouldn't help you?

No. Helping anybody is a “selfless” act when you expect nothing in return. However, a truly selfless act can change another person’s outlook. That’s the strange thing about exercising “selflessness” in the world. People learn whether they want to or not.

What are some ways to deal with an older sibling?

Ignore them. They really aren’t all that, and, if they think they are, they aren’t.

“That was the trouble with older siblings. They were full of it and made everything up as they went along, just like normal people.”

-- F.C. Yee

What’s it like to only love one gender?

Less confusing? Pick one. It isn’t that difficult.

Is it stupidity to care for people?

People who other people care for would probably have issues with their caregivers being called stupid. For that matter, the people who do care for others would probably have the same issues with being called stupid, as well. Caring for people is, generally, a selfless and honorable calling. The people who answer the call tend to ignore the people referring to them as stupid.

I have 14 grandchildren and 88 great-grandchildren. What should I do?

Move to Puerto Rico, and don't tell them.

I'm 16 years old and I don't believe everyone has someone, especially me. I believe I'll never fall in love. What do I do?

As a 70-year-old fart, I know from whence I speak. You’re 16, so give it some time. You will fall in love, and someone will fall in love with you, as well. This mindset you have adopted, however, will not help the positive outcome. Be outgoing, be an extrovert, be funny, go to public functions, and, most of all, remember… you’re only 16. Finding true love is the purview of your 20s. 

Do you know anyone who has met a celebrity?

Yes.

Do older people typically take advice from younger individuals?

As a 70-year-old man, I have no problem taking advice from a younger individual if their advice is incontrovertible. Most of them don't know what that word means, but, when it comes to technology, I take advice most of the time, because I know that I’m “tech stupid,” for the most part.

“I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.”

-- Oscar Wilde

Am I wrong if I want to share my husband with my sister?

Where have you been all my life? Is it okay with your husband? (Stupid question.)

How can I be younger again?

Good luck with that. From the time we’re born, the clock continues to tick down to our demise. However, if you are lucky, you might be able to catch the train to the next great adventure, where you will be born again.

Why do nice guys sometimes finish last?

Being “nice” is no guarantee of competence.

Reader comment:  Too often “competence” means the ability to get over on people, bully people, and cheat people out of what they have.

My reply:  That isn’t competence. It is bullying and cheating. “Nice” guys don’t do that, and the truly competent don’t have to.

Why is it acceptable to question our own beliefs, but not those of others?

It is acceptable to question others. How will you learn unless you question? Questioning, however, is not demeaning the beliefs of others. Question with respect and with a sincere desire to understand and learn. Just as we question ourselves, so should we question others.

I don't like people. Don't like sharing. Is that bad?

It’s only bad for you. But, if you don’t like people, why are you sharing with us?

Why is love always not enough in a relationship?

True love is more than enough. True love has to do with partnership, friendship, honesty, forgiveness, and the desire to be joined at the hip with someone always. If you don’t feel this, and much more, then you aren’t feeling true love.

“We have to allow ourselves to be loved by the people who really love us, the people who really matter. Too much of the time, we are blinded by our own pursuits of people to love us, people that don't even matter, while all that time we waste and the people who do love us have to stand on the sidewalk and watch us beg in the streets! It's time to put an end to this. It's time for us to let ourselves be loved.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

If a girl dumps you, will she always come back if she loves you?

If she does, enjoy the sex, but look for someone else who truly cares for you.

When you’re too deep of a person to a brainless individual and all they do is call you names because they struggle like hell to understand you, is this because they're very jealous of you?

Ya think? They need to summon up some bravery and swim over to the deep end of the pool. “Name-calling” is a sign that they have no cogent argument to attack you with. Yes, they are jealous. If they are calling you names, they are very jealous.

What can a man do to fall in love again?

Stop catching yourself. Let it happen.

Why does my boyfriend say he loves me when he doesn’t seem like he cares and doesn't seem as if he even wants me to conversate with him but yet wants me in the same room?

This is a good question because everything you mentioned is evidence to the contrary. If he truly loves you, there will be nothing on earth he wouldn’t do for you. And, yet… maybe you should ask him. If he raises his hand to slap you, you'll know.

What qualities contribute to a person being understanding and less judgmental?

Good communication and mutual acceptance of peaceful beliefs would be helpful.

How should you respond if someone calls you stupid, beautiful, and funny simultaneously?

I’ve known quite a few beautiful and funny people. As a beautiful and funny person, you should slap them, in front of everyone, for calling you stupid. I can almost guarantee it won’t happen again.

Ethan Wyeth: "I hope you're thirsty."

Gideon Wyeth: "Why?"

Ethan: "Cause you're dumb and ugly, but I can do something about thirsty.”

-- Orson Scott Card

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