Questioning Mindsets, Dumb Staff, Justice, IQs, Guilt, and Leaders

“It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.”

-- George Eliot

Why does society have a narrow mindset?

Bad education.

How do you deal with someone who brought down morale and destroyed your self-worth?

I forgave her, and then I forgave myself. I spent the next five years rebuilding myself and becoming truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It has been 23 years since my divorce, and I’m still a happy camper.

Why do I have bad luck in love?

There is no such thing as “luck.” You need to try a different tact. Maybe, try being yourself.

Why do atheists think they know better than God? Is it secular arrogance?

Atheists don’t believe in God, so, of course, they know better. I would call it arrogance, but they don’t believe in God.

If you asked a person for their pronouns and they ignored you or told you they were not doing that, what would you think?

I’d think they’re too busy for my bullshit.

Why do most people like knowing personal questions?

I’m not so sure that most people do, but, the ones who do like knowing, are nosey. Personally, I don’t need to know if a guy sits down or stands up to pee. It’s too much information.

"Can I ask you a personal question?" Of all the rhetorical questions in the world, that is the one which irritates me most with its simultaneous gesture towards and denial of the trespass that is about to follow."

-- Kamila Shamsie

Why are [this site's] staff dumb?

They aren’t dumb, they just don’t pay enough attention to their job.

How do you make friends if you're an introvert?

That’s a tough nut to crack. You need to exercise the “introvert” inside of you. Go up to a stranger and simply say, “Hello! I’m an introvert trying to make friends.” That should get the conversation started.

Would you hang out with Travis if it meant having Taylor as an enemy?

I’d rather hang out with Taylor.

Why do I want to hurt happy people? Whenever I see people who is happy, I wish I could be in their place, but I can't. So instead I think about hurting them.

Jealousy is insideous. Instead of thinking of hurting them, how about joining them. People who are happy are usually the ones who have happy people around them. Introduce yourself and discuss why they are so happy.

Is it rude to gossip in Las Vegas?

No matter where you are, it is rude to gossip - period.

Do you think most people view you as you view yourself?

After 23 years in the Intelligence field, people view me as I wish to be viewed. Head games aside, I doubt many people view me as I view myself. If they had a chance to look at my library, I think they would be shocked at the reference volumes I have. Better they view me as they see me. People are my escape from reality. Not that reality is bad, I just need to escape it occasionally. Bourbon helps.

“What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.”

-- Anthony Robbins

Why is there little to no justice for the good people in this world?

When I watch the news, it seems like nobody gets the justice they deserve.

Are there any people on Quora with high IQs but are bad at chess, and I mean really bad?

A high IQ doesn’t mean they are good at everything. Chess might not be in their wheelhouse. I have known people with ridiculously high IQs who have absolutely no people skills. Brain surgery and rocket science are their forte, but people skills just escape them.

Something's wrong. I have a friend who is blind and in a wheelchair, yet I feel oddly jealous. I don't know why. What should I do?

Tape your eyes shut, sit in a wheelchair for a week, and be what they are. Jealousy will dissipate.

What are the psychological and social impacts of living in a world where artificial intelligence can mimic human emotions and personalities?

The inevitable onset of human slavery.

Do you believe that individuals have a moral obligation to give back to their communities?

I don’t consider it a “moral obligation,” per se. It is the right thing to do, so I do it. An “obligation” makes one think you owe them something. I owe no one. I do what it right, and that’s it. If it takes an “obligation” for you to do what is right, it isn’t a selfless act. It becomes selfish to get the obligation off your back.

Do you wish you could take someone else's place?

Why? I am truly happy with the issues I have, without taking on someone else’s issues. They would probably have an STD.

“What I really worry about, what I can't switch off at will is, oh, sex, or dying or losing my hair. Private things. We're private people, aren't we, our generation? We make a clear distinction between private and public life; and the important things, the things that make us happy or unhappy are private. Live is private. Property is private. Parts are private. That's why the young radicals call for fucking in the streets. It's not just a cheap shock tactic. It's a serious revolutionary proposition.”

-- David Lodge

Ok not looking for any deep explainable here. I was simply abused with it as a construct due to how many similar stupid questions I see on here. Only im not going to use some unrealistic number. Why are people so threatened by my 138 IQ?

So, you have 138 IQ and you choose not to follow grammar and punctuation rules. I’m not threatened, so far.

Can writing actually change reality?

If you think you can change reality, what does it become? “Reality” would be the best answer. So you write, and you change reality to… reality. Such a feat! You have proved that reality is what it is. 

How would you describe your generation based on your responses?

Educated. I went to school before most teachers forgot why they were there.

Are good people always rare to find? Why?

I’ve always surrounded myself with good people. If they were that hard to find, I wouldn’t be able to do so. I suppose it depends on the crowd you hang with. My crowd seems to be full of good people. Some crowds can be hit-and-miss. I think the older you get the more you find good people. Age has a bit to do with it.

How come some people only see what is and not what can be?

No creativity and a lack of perseverance.

I have an IQ score of 130 but I'm bored in school resulting in me failing. Is there a way for me to fix this problem?

I almost didn’t graduate from high school. I went to college, took the classes I wanted to take, didn’t crack a book, and made a 3.2 GPA. You are bored because you can’t take classes that interest you. I had to leave college because of Vietnam. I tested the top 10% of Air Force inductees and spent the next 23 years in the Intelligence Division.

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited.”

-- Plutarch

Why do certain family members resort to guilt-tripping tactics in an attempt to rationalize or justify my errors, missteps, or failures?

They are evidencing their lack of parental training. I feel sorry for their children, if they opt to have them. The rule of “crap in, crap out” is in play.

What is the connection between gratitude and patience?

If you know what to do with patience, you are grateful for it.

Why is the option of uncontrolled anger always the first option for some people rather than being calm and ready to resolve a situation?

Humans are an emotional bunch. Until we get a grip on our emotions, we start out pitching a fit. As we grow, a child with good parents is taught to “think” before they speak. Unfortunately, it takes longer for some to learn this lesson than others. Many of us opt for the “knee-jerk reaction” to most issues. It can be ugly.

What’s one thing you did to impress me in the beginning that you wouldn’t admit to now?

There is nothing I would do to impress you, even if you had great legs and perky tits. I am who I am, so like me or not. Your choice.

What choices have you regretted making?

Asking my ex-wife to marry me. A military wife needs a certain mindset. I dealt with her for 25 years, thinking I could change the animal, to no avail. All of her friends said she was nuts. I’ve been with my current girlfriend for about 20 years now, and we are fine.

Can you name a rep. that you respect?

I hope Kristi Lynn Noem runs for Congress or Senate. She is, now, the 33rd governor of South Dakota.

"Failure is not the end, but an opportunity to learn and come back stronger than before."

-- Kristi Noem

Should a leader's decision be questioned in a relationship?

Are they something special, that they shouldn’t be questioned? A “leader” doesn’t quite rise to the level of “no questions” in a relationship. I remember a cigar tube and a President, and a dress… 

How does one know the questions they are asking contain the understanding of what needs to be understood?

By adding the number of questions, to clarify the original question so the audience understands. 

When abusive parents say they got power and control over their children what does it mean when they say that they got power and control over you?

Non-abusive parents wouldn’t say such things. If they did, on my 18th birthday we’d see who has the power. They’d have to go to sleep sometime.

Have you ever felt like a fool for caring too much for a person?

Yes.

What is the proper way to deal with aggressive Chinese trolls who always deflect their own aggression with "whataboutism" relating to US history?

Ignore the questions and go find a non-troll. If more people did this the trolls would fade into history.

On average, are high-IQ people more creative than average-IQ people? I mean on average not individually. It is possible that some 100 IQ people can be more creative than 180 IQ people. What I mean is most 180 IQs are more creative than most 100 IQs.

The IQ measures what they understand, not how creative they are. Joe Bag O’Doughnuts has an equal chance of succeeding in business as the higher IQ does.

“Thankfully the future is practically guaranteed to be an Idiocracy.”

-- Aaron Clarey

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