Questioning Curiosity, What, Apathy, Stupidity, and Gratefulness

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.

-- Albert Einstein

Why am I so curious about everything and ask a lot of questions about deeper concepts and ideas?

Your curiosity is a desire that demands you to glean certain knowledge about concepts and ideas. The best way to satiate this desire is to ask pointed questions.

Is it normal for you to fully stop caring about people when you get your heart broken? It used to be my best quality now it’s not even there.

My ex-wife ripped my heart out. I have never hated anyone like I hate her. Where love is concerned, I can’t just flip a switch and not care. I still love her, 23 years after the divorce. I can’t be around her, but she is the mother of my children and I put my all into the 25 years we were married, trying to salvage what she didn’t want any part of. Yes, I am an admitted idiot.

Why do you disguise your identity?

23 years with military intelligence. Hard habit to break.

Do you help the enemies who are hurt?

According to the Law of Armed Conflict, enemies who have laid their weapons down and surrendered are treated well and respectfully. If the enemy is hurt, they are taken care of by medical staff as soon as possible.

"What if everyone could instantly understand and empathize with each other's emotions and perspectives? How might that change our world?"?

For the better, if people really cared about empathizing.

In what situations can a deliberate delay in action lead to a more strategic or informed decision?

Just about any time you can take a breath and put a critical eye on what is about to happen, you will come up with better strategic and informed decisions. During 23 years in the Intelligence field, I hated knee-jerk reactions to important situations. If we had a few minutes to think and critique plans, we were better off for the time taken, even if no changes were made.

“Free men can easily become enslaved, if they let others do their thinking and talking, instead of using their own heads.”

-- Richard Puz

What would you do?

What, or who? “What” is so much harder than “who.”

What are some simple habits I need to adopt and the habits I need to stop if I wish to be very successful and become a leader in life?

Perseverance. This is the one habit you need to pay attention to. You will be faced with problems and failure on your way to success and leadership. You may fail numerous times, but, if you can persevere in the face of all that is thrown at you, you will eventually attain your goal.

I have come to this site to learn from others. Why do so many posters come here to express their views to others in the form of a question?

They are trolling. Better to ignore them.

Everyone is making the best choices they can possibly think of. They knew what they did was wrong, but they thought it was the best move on the board. So, why are they judged by that? In this logic, no one is considered guilty.

The logic is faulty.  To do what you know is wrong defines you to those around you. If the best move is the wrong move, then don’t make it. A person needs to know they can rely on your judgment, but if your judgment is tainted by wrong choices and decisions, why would anyone pay attention to you?

What should limit the credibility of a person’s ability to become an elected official regardless of the status?

Having critical knowledge of the office they are trying to be elected to.

Has being grateful for what I have kept me from trying for more?

Probably, but if you are happy with what you have why would you want to clutter up your life with crap you don’t need? Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. There will come a time when you might think you can try for more… if you need it, and you can get involved again. Until that happens, revel in the fact that you are truly happy and grateful for what you have.

“Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What’s the term for someone who doesn’t care about others’ feelings?

Apathetic. A serious lack of empathy.

If you had a genie and granted you 3 wishes, what would they be?

To set the genie free. I am truly happy in my life, and to ask for more would be greedy. My first and only selfless wish would be to set the genie free.

If you have ever been desperate for something you didn't actually desire, what was that all about?

I can’t remember her name, which makes sense. 

Why do good people force zero privacy?

They can’t force what you don’t let them. It seems to me, that those who are forced have weak minds. They need to stand up against being forced to give up privacy.

Are there any certain types of books, that if a person wrote one, it will really indicate that he or she has both a very good logic and good problem-solving skills?

Home repair “self-help” guide. But, the bookstores are flooded with them.

How do you know what you actually care about? Do I even care about anything deeply? If yes, then how do I know what is it that I care about? If not, then how do I start caring?

I care selflessly about the people around me; my friends and family. It is a tad selfish, but if you don’t care about people, then the people probably won’t care about you. How lonely would that be? If you give from your heart, though, it really won’t matter if they acknowledge your efforts or not.

“The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day.”

-- David Foster Wallace

Is it possible that all humans are by far more stupid than they'd want to admit?

Humans are hard-pressed to admit stupidity. Even the intelligent ones.

How true is it that a woman has two qualities, nagging and lying?

Not very. I haven’t heard if she has quality legs, breasts, or a great ass. All of this trumps her nagging and lying. You just have to work on making her submissive or making yourself submissive. All the nagging and lying becomes secondary to spanking and begging.

How do I recover from fear quickly?

The guys coming at you with a knife. Work it out, or die.

Who agrees that if everyone outside your family berates you, makes fun of you, and doesn't respect you, it is because you are the problem and you are failing at life?

It is a possibility. Of course, the people around you could all be assholes. Only an asshole would berate you, make fun of you, and/or disrespect you. It doesn’t mean you are failing in life, but it would seem you are failing at surrounding yourself with good people.

In all types of relations is gossip necessary?

No.

What proportion of our reality, or truth, is changeable through imagination, and how much is fixed via the laws of the universe/nature (i.e., the law of physics, chemistry, maths, biology, etc.)?

You can change anything through imagination. Your imagination is not “fixed” via any laws. The downside is that your imagination is not real. You need to get your imagination out of your head and work on making it a reality.

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.”

-- Robert Fulghum

Born in 1985 and pushing 40. When thoughts of it being nice to be younger, I think: I was lucky to be a teen when the 21st century began, which was a luxury many people born AD 1-19xx didn’t have, so I’ll be grateful for that. Is this a good perspective?

I was born in 1953, and was very happy I made it to the 21st century. Any day on this side of the dirt is a good day to be grateful for life.

Which things can give us happiness/enjoyment in life?

As a grandfather, watching children discover makes me smile. On the flip side, watching old people discover makes me smile, as well. But, I strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice I made for my life.

What are the most viewed questions on [this site]?

Most questions are “viewed” by the readers. Whether they are answered, is another issue.

What are your favorite qualities about yourself?

I don’t get angry very often. I temper my anger by taking in the larger picture and trying to understand why idiots did certain things. I think this is a holdover from my career in military intelligence. My ex-wife used to piss me off, but that was all on her. She went out of her way to flip my switch.

 Hello to everyone here I am new to this site! How can I cope with people here?

Starting out trying to “cope with people here” is not an endearing quality. Try accepting people for who they are, and then you can cope with the assholes you discover. 

How do you deal with the fact that most people in our society are extremely dumb and actively work against their own interests?

I choose not to deal with “extremely dumb” people. They are who they are and my “dealing” is not going to change the fact that they’re “extremely dumb and actively work against their own interests.” Life is way too short to give much time to lost causes.

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”

-- Albert Einstein

I am so easily influenced to not go to school. How can I stop that?

Think about how stupid you will be, compared to others around you.

What does being mature in a relationship mean? What am I supposed to say or do? I'm 23 and wouldn't say I'm immature, but I want to do better.

Don’t jump out and ask for cheap sex. Being mature in a relationship means that any sex is treated as an appreciation that you have to work towards. Treat your relations with due respect, and you will do better.

What answer should I give?

I recommend answers that deal with the question. Anything else will make you look a fool.

Is it okay to make mistakes in life? What is the distinction between making a mistake and being wrong?

Mistakes and failures are the best way we learn. Don’t worry that you failed. Worry about how you are going to persevere through the failure and turn it into a triumph.

Can you inspire us all with your New Year's resolution for “2024”?

Live till 2025.

How do you foster creativity in your daily routine to stay inspired?

I take some time in the morning to answer questions on this site. I hope I inspire others as much as I inspire myself through the creativity I “foster” in the answers.

“To seek truth requires one to ask the right questions. Those void of truth never ask about anything because their ego and arrogance prevent them from doing so. Therefore, they will always remain ignorant. Those on the right path to Truth are extremely heart-driven and childlike in their quest, always asking questions, always wanting to understand and know everything — and are not afraid to admit they don't know something. However, every truth seeker does need to break down their ego first to see the truth. If the mind is in the way, the heart won't see anything.”

-- Suzy Kassem

 

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