Questioning DiMeglio, Kindness, Elders, Anger, Respect, and Egomaniacs

 

"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."

-- Albert Einstein

Is Frank Martin DiMeglio smarter than Einstein?

What theories has Frank Martin DiMeglio published, Frank?

Would you say the phrase "those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it" and the mental health advice "don't negatively fortune tell" are conflicting?

No, they are significantly different. If you don’t learn history, you will probably repeat it. But, don’t tell fortunes. Everybody has to work on the fate that will unfold for them. It is dependent on their good choices and decisions. You need to learn history, and you need to make good choices and decisions.

What is the difference between helping and controlling?

Usually, you are helping the one who is in control. If someone is “out of control” and you step in to help, you are in “temporary control” while helping them.

There was a great quote that resonated. Did that not resonate with you?

There are a lot of quotes that resonate. Be more specific. 

How can individuals develop resilience in the face of adversity?

Perseverance. They need to “persevere” in the face of adversity. This means not to give up. This means to do everything you can think of to continue the fight, and then do the things you haven’t thought of. If you’ve walked a hundred miles, rest up and prepare for the next 100 miles. Never give up, never surrender. Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!

Have you ever changed your behavior to fit in with others? If so, what motivated you to do so?

I joined the military. I was motivated by the draft board and the Vietnam conflict.

“People undergo several sequential steps in maturing from infancy including childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and old age. Each stage presents distinct challenges that require a person to amend how they think and act. The motive for seeking significant change in a person’s manner of perceiving the world and behaving varies. Alteration of a person’s mindset can commence with a growing sense of awareness that a person is dissatisfied with an aspect of his or her life, which causes a person consciously to consider amending their lifestyle.”

-- Kilroy J. Oldster

I find myself constantly backing down when confronted and I feel as if my kindness is holding me back. How do I become a less kind person so I can stand up for myself?

“Kindness” is only holding you back from being a belligerent asshole. It has nothing to do with confronting those who confront you. You can be kind in handling those who verbally attack you. I like the tack of smiling and simply turning away. It tends to piss them off. That would be a point on your side. If you constantly shake your head and smile, say that you don’t have time to waste on their petty bullshit, they’ll get the suspicion that you know more than you do. They will probably leave you alone. Of course, knowing a “martial art” always helps.

Why is fighting racism wrong?

I can’t think of any reason why fighting racism is wrong. Of course, I’m not a racist.

When dreams shatter, and reality feels harsh, how do you piece together hope and move forward?

Faith. I have faith that things will get better. I have faith because I learn from my mistakes and assume that I will do better going forward. Faith is the harbinger of “hope” and without hope people have nothing. Faith is the belief in something for which there is little or no proof. It is up to us to provide that proof. We must prove that our hope is not in vain.

What happens when evil goes unpunished?

Evil spreads. We see this in liberal cities, with liberal courts, and liberal District Attorneys.

Why does he keep hurting me after 10 hard years?

Because you stay with him. One would conclude that you must like to be hurt. I stayed with my ex-wife for 25 years of heartache, before I finally caught a clue and divorced her. People have a hard time admitting when they are wrong. Think about it.

When does Gen Z start and end?

Try this:

“Generation Z, sometimes known as “Zoomers,” is the demographic cohort that comes after millennials and proceeds Generation Alpha. Members of the Gen Z years were born between 1997 and 2012. So as of 2023, the Gen Z age range is anywhere from 11 to 26.”

-- Max Gorynski

What are the most effective strategies for resolving a misunderstanding with an African elder who does not understand the modern ways of life? As in the most accurate way of laying conversation in his perception?

The African elder doesn’t need to accept the “modern ways.” You think they do, but it is their choice to stay with the “old” ways. Resolving the “misunderstanding” is on you. You created this by “misunderstanding” by assuming they need to be more modern. I would apologize to the “elder” for assuming they need to think the way you do. They are an “elder” for a reason, and the reason is in his perception that has gotten them this far. If they imbibe, I’d a bottle of what they like as a peace offering.

If a wife kills a marriage, how long should a husband wait to cheat or divorce?

Never cheat. Cheating just adds fuel to the fire, and you can’t prove that you didn’t cheat first. File for divorce. The marriage is dead.

What has [this site] taught you?

Answering questions keeps my brain active. It keeps my memory sharp and the applications teach me vocabulary, punctuation, and how to build concise sentences that are to the point. I’m not sure this site has “taught” this, but it provides a vehicle that allows me to teach myself.

In what ways can ruthlessness be beneficial?

It can’t. It will debilitate the ruthless person. No matter how strong one thinks they are, it will take something good from them.

How do I change my life to be better in 1 month?

Make the conscious decision to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. This isn’t difficult, it is a simple choice that you must strive to follow through on. “Regardless of your circumstances” means that it doesn’t matter how crappy you think your life is, you need to strive for true happiness. 

Who was worse than Adolf Hitler?

Has anyone topped his numbers?

“An estimated 17 million people were murdered by the German Nazi regime and their collaborators between 1933 and 1945, according to data published by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). The estimates are based on the regime’s own reports as well as demographic studies of population loss during World War II. The latest estimate of the number of homosexual victims is based on research by German historian Alexander Zinn, who carried out extensive research on this group of victims.”

-- Katharina Buchholz

Ask yourself what triggers your anger and can you think before reacting?

“What” is immaterial. Taking a breath and thinking before you react is the better tact. The “what” will always piss you off, until you understand it.

Why are successful sportsmen more highly paid than highly educated people?

Because even highly educated people enjoy watching sports. As a matter of fact, most of the highly educated people own the sports franchises. It makes sense that to stay on top you have to pay the big dollars for good players.

Why is it that most of the top answers on this website tend to be unnecessary long paragraphs that are usually written by some pseudointellectual egoistical smarta$@es?

Hey! That hurts! Besides, you spelled “smartasses” wrong.

Why is it so hard to get over an ex that is so immature and only causes heartache?

I divorced mine after 25 years of heartache. It has been 24 years, now, and I still love her. Some people can’t treat emotions like a light switch, on and off. Some of us have a dimmer, but the light never goes out.

How can someone read over 700 books in a year, while also having a full-time job? I watched someone on YouTube mention how they've read over 700 books a year while still having a job and time to do other things as well.

Probably very short books, almost pamphlets. Or, the person is full of shit. Go with the latter.

Is the ethics of a past action wholly determined by its consequences? If not, what other factors are at play in determining whether a past or future action is potentially more ethical than another one?

The ethics of an action comes before the action takes place. Is the action ethical? If it is, then the outcome will be a result of ethical action. You might lose the battle, but the battle itself was an ethical necessity. Taking the battle to the next step, again, should be determined by ethical necessity. When all is said and done, historians need to look at the action and report that it was ethical in its inception.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”

-- Elie Wiesel

Why do poor people respect rich people who treat them like shit?

They are getting what they want monetarily from the rich, they enjoy being submissive, or they’re stupid.

How often do you help the poor?

Good reminder! Not nearly enough. I need to get back on it.

How can I improve if I’m naturally a bad speaker and sound dumber than I actually am?

Practice, practice, practice, and then practice again. Find a large room or an auditorium, and find a famous speech to give to the “nobody” listening. When you think you have it down, have someone competent listen to you give a speech, Ask what they think, and practice some more. I have given speeches and briefings for 23 years, and there is no better way to build your confidence and ability than to practice in front of people.

Should you rely on discipline instead of motivation to achieve success? Why?

If you have no motivation, what good is the discipline? They go hand-in-hand to attain your goals. 

How can I build up a unique personality?

You can, but you need to understand, at heart, you will always be who you are. Keeping the lid on you are, can be a lifelong task. If you ignore the task and who you are comes out, you will have to start all over again. Better for you to round off the rough corners of who really are, and go from there.

Do older siblings have the right to discipline their younger siblings?

Only until the younger siblings can kick the older sibling’s ass.

“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

Are most egomaniacs extroverted?

I would think that would be the obvious answer.

My 4-year-old niece asked me today why I didn't eat meat. My reason is ethics, but I think she's too young to hear about this subject. I can't dodge the question forever. When will she be old enough?

Tell her now. She is hungry for knowledge, so don’t make her wait. You need to find a way to explain it to her. Her mom and dad can assist you in this.

What are 10 words others would use to describe you?

Quiet, humble, handsome, intelligent, wise, ethical, focused, talented, happy, and healthy.

Are individuals responsible for their actions, regardless of their generation?

They are individuals. Those are their actions. Does it matter what generation they are? No, because they are individuals responsible for their actions. Giving up personal responsibility to someone else makes no sense. They certainly can’t blame those folks for what they have allowed them to do considering one’s lack of responsibility for one’s self. They have given up the responsibility for themselves.

Can you have both good and bad intentions when doing something?

Absolutely, but it is wrong. To do something with bad intentions is to invite bad karma to visit you. Whatever we do in life, we must do good.

Is it wrong to attack other people’s successes and happiness, not congratulate them, and walk away and ignore them?

Other than being rude, yes, it is also wrong.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

-- John Holmes

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