Questioning Professors, Insight, Marriage, Confidence, Intelligence, and Atheism

 

“The first professor you meet in life is your mother; the second is hardship, and the last is death.”

-- Matshona Dhliwayo

My professor gave me a B instead of an A. But I know I deserve an A since I did A-level work. Should he be fired for this unethical behavior?

It would help to ask the professor why he gave you the grade. There is a reason, there is always a reason, though you might think you know more than they do.

Is the best way to win an argument by avoiding it?

That’s called “avoiding” not winning.

If a narcissist can learn, why can't they learn the way they think is not like everyone else?

That’s not the way they want to learn. They think they are all that. But, in reality, they aren’t.

Why do bullies feel happy by abusing others?

Because they can. If someone were to beat the crap out of them, for being a bully, they might stop. Although, they might not. It would be fun to watch them get the crap knocked out of them, though.

What are some tips for effective communication in a relationship?

Honesty. You’re in a relationship. If you aren’t honest, why are you there? Sex is not an answer. 

How can I come to terms with the fact that I made a string of irrational decisions three years ago when I was sometimes high by abusing stimulant medications, and these decisions ultimately led to more suffering and misfortune in my life?

Ta-Da! Sounds like you’ve come to terms with the irrational decisions you made. You were high, and it led to more suffering and misfortune. The best thing you can do is mentor other “users” about their suffering and misfortune. You’ve been there.

“What is a teacher? I'll tell you: it isn't someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give her best in order to discover what she already knows.”

-- Paulo Coelho

How can I look at myself from the outside to gain insight?

Try a mirror. If that fails, try asking people you know for their honest opinions.

Why are corporations of billionaires and employers so stupidly greedy that think workers should be working for peanuts and be thankful they have a job?

Because the workers are working for peanuts and are thankful they have a job. It makes sense.

What is the most destructive habit you have?

I have no filter. This means I say what I think, regardless of whether you want to know. Those who hang around me, have come to know this side of me. They appreciate the brutal candor because it is honest. But, it has the downside of not everybody appreciating the honesty, in particular, members of the League of the Perpetually Offended.

How do you understand how your plan works?

If you don’t understand your plan, then it’s a crappy plan. Back to the drawing board. 

How do I show love to others when nobody is showing love to me?

Do you need to be loved, to show love? How selfish of you. Love is a “selfless” act, unlike sex. Showing love to people who aren’t showing you love is a way of telling them that you don’t care about their selfishness, you love them anyway. I run into many assholes in my life, and I treat them with respect and love. It tends to piss them off, which is the entire point. They learn that being an asshole carries no weight with me.

Reader comment:  Selfish and selfless are two sides of the same coin. So why make an artificial distinction between sex being selfish and love being selfless? Sex can be selfless (which makes it beautiful and transcendental) unless you’re an asshole and just using someone for your own pleasure. Giving and receiving pleasure and focusing on making love and creating a connection, all of these things make sex human and not just animalistic. But anyway, this was not the point of the original question. I don’t agree with this answer the point of showing love is to piss someone off.

My reply:  Then, why didn't you give your answer, instead of busting my balls? 

What do you do when your morals conflict with your patriotism?

Try this:

“Since the American Civil War, Seventh-day Adventists have been known as non-combatants, and have done work in hospitals or to give medical care rather than combat roles, and the church has upheld the non-combative position. Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christadelphians, refuse to participate in the armed services on the grounds that they believe they should be neutral in worldly conflicts and often cite the latter portion of Isaiah 2:4 which states, "...neither shall they learn war anymore". Other objections can stem from a deep sense of responsibility toward humanity as a whole, or from simple denial that any government possesses the moral authority to command warlike behavior from its citizens.

-- Wikipedia, “Conscientious objector”

How do shared goals and values contribute to problem-solving in a marriage?

Shared goals and values can ensure you are both working toward similar/same goals. In this case, problem-solving would be much easier since you are both online with your shared goals and values. For one thing, if you don’t have shared goals and values, why did you get married? For that matter, why did you fall in love, in the first place? Lust? 

How can artificial intelligence (AI) be effectively regulated to ensure ethical use and prevent potential biases in decision-making processes?

The United Nations might pass regulations that no country wanting to do what they want will abide by. There will be those who will do what they want, regardless of the dangers.

What does it say about someone if they don’t like responsibility, or what happened to them to make them terrified of it?

If they are at fault, I’d be surprised if they owned up to it. They probably caught hell for something they were responsible for and, now, they are uncomfortable taking responsibility for anything, lest they screw it up.

Is atheism a form of "blind" faith similar to religion, based on one's perception?

Yes. Both sides rely on blind faith. “Faith” is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

Reader comment: This isn't a situation with two sides. The rejection of blind faith in favor of empiracle evidence is what leads people in religions to leave. Agai, this isn't about sides and Jr sounds funny ro frame it as such. It's like which side of a frog is greenest? (The outside). Which side of religion is evidence-based? (The outside).

My reply: Your comment is full of spelling errors.

Why was I mature at 9 years old? (Like I felt stressed, anxious, understanding older people, etc., etc., etc. Nowadays When I see kids at the age of 9-10 they seem like they are still toddlers. Is that how 9-year-olds are supposed to be?

No, but it is a sign of the times. I’m 70 years old. Back in the day, parents paid more attention to parenting, Now, they pay more attention to making money so they can relax. If you pay any attention to the news, “students” at universities are balking at learning and are more interested in being indoctrinated.

How do you enumerate the various types of arguments?

Mention them all, one by one.

“For what purpose could the enumeration of particular powers be inserted, if these and all others were meant to be included in the preceding general power?”

-- James Madison

I attempted to answer a question in my first lecture as a law student. I got it wrong and got laughed at. My confidence is shaken. How do I recover?

Mistakes and failure are the best way we learn. That you failed is not as important as what you do with the failure. That your confidence was shaken is a sign that you need to learn.

If you had the power, what would you want to do so badly?

Her name has slipped my mind.

If critical thinking is so important, why is uncritical thinking so common? Why are many people including highly educated and intelligent people observed to be uncritical?

Not everybody knows what “critical thinking” is, and, if they did, the effort would be cause to balk. As for the “highly educated and intelligent” people, they have no reason to “critically think” about what they assume to be right. I mean, they are “highly educated and intelligent” people, right?

Who are you a burden to?

Nobody. Maybe the owner of the cigar shop. Maybe.

Would you say that you are the type of person who does not mind being given constructive criticism, or do you dislike it?

“Constructive” criticism, I’m fine with it. I listen to it and correct what I think needs correcting. It is the person who doesn’t have the balls to put forth an opinion, but, instead, will bust my balls because I had the temerity to put my opinion out there that chaps my ass.

What is love without sex? Is this possible?

Yes, but it’s not much fun.

"Love is not based on sex. Love is based on respect, trust, and honesty."

-- Unknown

Isn't intelligence overrated? Why is it that one can still struggle to make money even though they are intelligent?

Intelligence is not the same as wisdom. For instance, you can be very intelligent and not have a lick of social grace (knowing when to shut your pie hole).

If you could have access to a different boss without having to leave the company, what would you do?

I’d have access to a different boss. Is this another trick question?

How do you define success and what motivates you in life? Why should someone consider hiring you?

Success is being truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice we should all make for our lives. People who have hired me have hired a person who is always happy, works hard, has no filter, and has good ethical behavior.

What is some life advice you wish someone would have given you?

Mistakes and failure are the best way we learn.

Where will the truth come from now if not from journalists?

The truth, as they know it, will come from smart people who care about good ethical behavior, certainly not from most journalists.

What are some tips for setting clear goals with clear rationale in a planning process?

Clear communication.

“Give a lot of information clearly and in a few words by being brief but comprehensive.”

-- Oxford Languages

Is atheism considered to be as arrogant as religion, or is it seen as even more arrogant?

Arrogant is arrogant, there is no “worse than” arrogant. Where religion is concerned, both sides, atheists and theists, have no incontrovertible evidence to back up their beliefs. Both can be just as arrogant as the other, yet neither has any evidence to back up their belief in their faith. Faith is a belief in something for which there is little or no proof.

How many types of arguments are there?

Four. Good and bad, true and false.

How can you tell if someone truly loves you and is willing to fight for your relationship?

The question answers itself. I’ll know that someone truly loves me when they are willing to fight for our relationship. But, what does the relationship truly mean to them, if I’m looking elsewhere? I fought this for about 20 years and finally lost the battle.

Do you know that respect gives respect?

Yep. It is supposed to, anyway.

Since love does cost a thing, could you love a guy without him spending money on you?

Back in the day, you could pick a bouquet and the girl would love the effort you put into it. Love was an emotion two people felt for each other. It was enough that the man worked his ass off to make a home for his love. Nowadays, it seems to be all about what is spent on dates and gifts. Times have changed, and not in a good way. Love has become a commercial enterprise.

What are some ways that politicians handle old age?

Bribery and graft. 

“A silver-tongued charlatan and a half-wit society are made for each other! When these two come together in an election, a great disaster happens: Charlatan comes to power!”

-- Mehmet Murat ildan

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