Questioning Adages, Intelligence, Introspection, Help, Rushing, and Following

“Don't explain computers to laymen. Simpler to explain sex to a virgin.”

-- Robert A. Heinlein

The "old" adage: To err is human, it takes a computer to really mess things up. True or not so?

True, to a point. But, who programs the computer?

How do you start studying with curiosity instead of academic demands?

Nobody told me to start studying the paranormal, and it wasn’t part of “academic demands” either. You find something that interests you, and you begin a course of study. It is that simple. There are no grades as it is a “pass or fail” self-study program that only you can administer.

What are some answers and questions?

“I don’t know. Do you?” There you have it, an answer and a question. Ta-da!

Why should people accept their age?

Because it is their true age. Accept it or not, it is what it is. To do anything else but accept it is contrary to reality. They would be lying to everyone.

How old are you?

Old enough to spank older women.

What is the secret in scientists’ brains that makes them smarter than the majority of humans?

They have the need to know. It isn’t that they are necessarily smarter, but they need to know. And, that burning need to know, makes them learn more things than the average person. The average person could be just as smart, but they don’t care about learning more than life hands them.

“Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.”

-- Jeffrey Eugenides

Maybe I’m intelligent but why I’m still poor?

You’re not that intelligent?

What is the Democrats’ common sense problem?

This is a question that will concern people who don’t want to know, for ages. My answer is that they provide a balance that the universe demands. I mean, Joe Biden… really?

Why not test all politicians, CEOs, and judges for any type of psychological defect? It seems to me that a psychological profile of these people would be a great thing for all of humanity.

Good idea.

Can you show me someone really talented?

Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Dame Mitsuko Uchida, Yuja Wang, etc., etc., etc. But, then, I like piano.

What was the outcome of your action?

50/50. It could be a lot more, but I like to push the envelope. It’s a learning thing.

Why do we have a hard time believing things that don't make sense, even when we know they are incorrect?

If we know they’re incorrect, it makes perfect sense that we have a hard time believing. The “why” is stated in the question. 

“If you are you and I am me, then why are you not me and me not you?”

-- Unknown (makes perfect sense)

Can we discover our purpose and reason for existence by introspection?

Not really, but it doesn’t hurt.

How would you describe yourself in one sentence? Is it possible to accurately summarize one's identity in such a limited manner, given the complexity of human nature?

Complicated. Okay, it isn’t a sentence, but it is the way I describe myself. Oh, and I have no filter. Okay, so, “I’m complicated and have no filter.” That is one sentence.

Do you believe in understanding?

If you don’t believe in understanding, doesn’t that make you confused?

How would you describe yourself in one sentence? Is it possible to accurately summarize one's identity in such a limited manner, given the complexity of human nature?

Complicated. Okay, it isn’t a sentence, but it is the way I describe myself. Oh, and I have no filter. Okay, so, “I’m complicated and have no filter.” That is one sentence. And, no, you can’t summarize one’s identity, accurately, or not, in such a limited manner, precisely because of the complexity of human nature.

Can a person have self-knowledge without being aware of others' knowledge?

Yes.

Who is searching for good men even if poor?

Having served my country for 23 years, I can state. without hesitation, that the military is always looking for good men to throw at the enemy. It is how we win the hill… and then give it back.

"Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives! You don't want the truth, because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like "honor", "code", "loyalty". We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline! I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then QUESTIONS the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you", and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a DAMN what you think you are entitled to!"

-- Col. Nathan R. Jessup, "A Few Good Men" 

Why can't people help other people that they are better than?

They can, and many do. It is more about being selfless, than being better.

Is the enemy of an enemy always a friend?

We would like to think so, but they aren’t, necessarily. An enemy of an enemy can be an ally, but not necessarily a friend.

Who is the greediest person of all time?

Adolf Hitler.

Does being disciplined go hand in hand with being ethical?

It doesn’t, necessarily. You can be a disciplined miscreant and have nothing to do with good ethics. However, if you choose to be a good, ethical, and disciplined person, they can go hand in hand.

Are autonomous people likely to earn more respect in society?

If they are making it on their own, probably.

Why does the modern "strong woman" whine incessantly like a weak coward?

I used to work around strong women, and I never heard them whine “incessantly,” nor did they strike me as being cowardly. They were supervisors and managers, and the people who worked under them toed the line and were also not whiners.

“I believe in strong women. I believe in the woman who is able to stand up for herself. I believe in the woman who doesn't need to hide behind her husband's back. I believe that if you have problems, as a woman you deal with them, you don't play victim, you don't make yourself look pitiful, you don't point fingers. You stand and you deal. You face the world with a head held high and you carry the universe in your heart.”

-- C. JoyBell C.

How should I deal with a situation when I rushed to take action or decision instead of waiting a little bit more?

Apologize for your “knee-jerk” reaction, and take more time to think your action through, the next time.

Why do most people pretend to be our friends when we have achieved something?

There is something about rubbing elbows with the great and the near great that people tend to cultivate. I’m not so sure they are pretending to be our friends as much as they are being seen in the same room as us.

Is there anyone here who can help?

There are plenty of people here who can probably help, but you have not put the question in context. Help with what?

Is it possible that a bad or bad character person changes into a good person? If so, what causes the change? If this happens, were they really bad people or just good people who messed up?

It is possible. I’ve seen love change a person. I’ve seen time change a person. I’ve even seen a person have an epiphany concerning God, and/or their future, to create a change for the better. And there is always the fact the good people just messed up, although I would file this under an epiphany.

What is it like to be mad if you are never smart at all?

It's anger you feel if you're smart, intelligent, or dumber than rocks. Anger is an emotion you feel regardless of IQ. How you deal with anger, however, sets individuals apart.

Who are the most influential authors?

H.G. Wells, Issac Asimov, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and the like. They warn us of future mistakes we might make. As we get closer to Artificial Intelligence, we might want to pay heed to what a few of them warn us about.

“If the human brain is like the world, then positive thinking must be the size of a mountain, and negative thinking must be the size of a mustard seed and not vice versa.”

-- Nikita Tak

They want me to follow them into the forest. What do I do?

This invites rape, murder, or both. If you don't want to, a polite “no” in your answer.

Reader comment: Thats true, Tony. I dont understand people. They never ever learn. Its happened before, whereby so called friends took a girl into the woods tortured her and murdered her.

Why are infinite people billionaires except me, who chooses to sleep on a park bench?

“Infinite” people aren’t billionaires. No one chooses to sleep on a park bench, which is why we work out asses off to be able to afford a house with a warm bed. There is more than a simple step from the park bench to the billionaire. It is quite a trip, for most of us. 

What is a medicine that can make you feel less arrogant... if such exists?

Bourbon does the trick for me. Arrogance takes a backseat to humor, grabbing ass, or going night-night.

Can ladies or gentlemen of [this site] rate me out of 10 and tell me why and how can I improve?

Without knowing anything about you, this would be difficult unto impossible to do. Rate yourself a “10” and let everyone know. When someone snickers, ask them why. Then you can start improving.

How can I always have the best comeback?

Become a professional comedian. Even they fail… occasionally.

How has artificial intelligence impacted our daily lives? How do experts predict it will continue to shape our world? What are the potential advantages and risks associated with this technology?

For most of us, AI has not impacted our lives to any effect we can point out, if at all. Having said this, technology without rules has always been a threat. We have lived under the threat and fear of nuclear annihilation since the creation of the atomic bomb. The same will be realized with the proliferation of AI when we consider the radical terrorist countries that will dabble in it to satiate their greed. 

“AI is a tool and, like any tool, it can be used for positive and negative ends. It depends on the motives of the operator(s). There are benefits; it could revolutionize crime detection if utilized correctly, speed up and focus investigations, and secure convictions. New technology will always be exploited before it is harnessed. That's human nature. With the internet as the perfect delivery mechanism, the effect of AI is multiplied infinitely. The danger is we may have invented our replacement that will one day outgrow us and evolve beyond us.”

-- Stewart Stafford

 

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