Questioning Success, Fame, Chances, Love, Society, and Democrats

 

“A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.”

-- Gregory Benford

Is it true that to be successful, you have to be selfish?

No, success in life means being truly happy. Everything else is attaining goals. But, to attain your goals you must learn to persevere in the face of failure.

Is genuine intelligence required to discern the correct answer or the most fitting explanation, especially considering that certain individuals possess the skill to embellish a mediocre response, presenting it as the optimal choice?

Certain individuals hope people will believe they have the “optimal” choice. They may not. Genuine intelligence, however, may discern the correct answer without unrequired embellishment. True intelligence, and even smart people, will present an incontrovertible answer. 

Do you accept other old people’s inability to remember who you are?

I have to. I don’t remember who they are. My ability to remember names left me in High school.

I am poor and stupid. Does anyone like me?

You’re poor and stupid. This has nothing to do with friendship. It has much to do with your opinion of yourself, however, and that may have something to do with finding friends. Being poor and stupid might be who you are, but you need to either happily embrace it, or do better in life. It is a choice that people around you are waiting to see your answer to. Do you happily embrace your failures, or do you choose to do better? This, for most people, will define who you are.

How do you differentiate between victims and perpetrators?

Perpetrators cause victims. They have to “perpetrate” on someone, and that “someone” becomes their potential victim.

Do people with higher IQs live in the present more?

People with higher IQs constantly learn whether they want to or not. Because they do it constantly, learning requires they live in the present more, so they can constantly learn. Did I mention learning is a constant thing? 

“The more you ask questions, the bigger you grow your knowledge vault. Perhaps, also the wiser you become.”

-- Mitta Xinindlu

Which famous person in history who has a bad reputation, was actually a good person?

Donald Trump.

What determines your morals? How do you feel about those who don't share your morals, and how do you reconcile?

That which is morally right. Not sharing my moral ethics is their right. It does not affect my attitude toward them, as long as they don’t break societal rules. Most of the time, I have to bend the rules just to enjoy a bit of life.

Do people make jokes out of people's strengths?

Only if they’re jealous.

What is the actual percentage of people who have the desire to crave power?

Anybody with a brain puts a lot of distance between them and power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. I’d say the percentage of people who say they desire it is larger than the actual percentage of those who would accept it.

If I love him, how do I know he loves me back?

If you have to ask, there is a problem.

Do you think controlling emotions like a switch is possible?

Yes. In the Intelligence field, what we morally believe, and what we do, can be very divergent. We can switch off our emotions and follow orders. The problem with flipping the switch is that you see the image of the “light” when it’s off, for some time.

“Life is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel.”

-- Jean Racine

Would a guy who doesn't like you ask you to give him a chance?

If he took the time to know me, yes.

What can a man do if he has fallen out of love to minimize hurt and maintain respect for his wife?

Have an honest, heart-to-heart conversation, and then decide on an equitable divorce. If you’ve fallen out of true love, but still love her as a friend, this she should hear. For all you know, she may feel the same way. 

After my son passed away how can I say I'm grateful for another day or be grateful to be alive and breathing as most people say. Help me find a way to describe how I cannot say that I am grateful although I do have family and his brother to be grateful for and are my reason to keep going, but my question is how can I possibly be grateful without my child besides the usual things we are grateful for?

Our children can teach us as much as we teach them. What would your son tell you to do?

My mum says I'm a huge disappointment. I'm 51, single, and she doesn't like that I'm unmarried with no children. I have this argument with her every weekend. What should I do?

Are you living your life, or her’s? You’ve made some choices in life that she does not approve of. If you can’t wrap your mind around this, tell her you’re gay. It'll either shut her up or put her on a whole new tangent.

To be morally good, is a person’s character more important than their intentions?

Their character. Their intent can be pure bullshit, but their character, if honest, is who they are.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

-- John Wooden

What are the things that make men fall in love?

A great set of legs! Wait… that’s lust. Never mind.

How do I manage conflict in a team?

Remove it. There is no room for conflict in a team. Like it or not, everyone needs to be on the same page and working toward the same goal. Conflict and negativity need to be taken care of with discussion and good leadership.

What do I do with a liar?

Don’t believe them.

Do atheists ever get tired of having Satan’s schlong up their ass?

I don’t think they believe in Satan, any more than they believe in God. And, if you want to compare size, well, God created everything.

What could be a common reason for someone to lie about something that doesn't require lying?

Confusion, and no “good” ethical behavior.

What motivates people to lie instead of telling the truth? What are the potential benefits of lying?

Acceptance. There are no long-term benefits to lying. The truth will, sooner or later, come out and the liar will become ostracized and the “poopy head” of the group.

“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.”

-- Fyodor Dostoevsky

Whats wrong with society in your view?

A large percentage of them listen to mass media and make important decisions based on slanted information, instead of doing their own due diligence. This is how Joe Biden got elected and the United States turned to shit overnight. People are, generally, lazy.

Does God or Jesus have a phone number?

For what purpose? It takes longer to dial than for the omnipotent to snap their fingers. 

Christianity claims God is real. What's real about something you cannot prove?

Nothing. You take what you want to believe on faith, and "faith" is a belief in something for which there is little of no proof. Atheists and theists both have "faith" in what they believe, but niether side can produce any proof to back it up. The only proof any of us will have is when we die. We will all have nothing to look forward to, or the theists will might find that life after death is true.

Why do young men love coming to Thailand?

Young girls.

Can true love be broken by someone leaving for another person?

No, because true love was never the problem. True love was never in the equation. If it was true love, they would still be together, but their idea of true love was nothing more than a lie that one, or both, perpetrated.

What are the psychological implications of lying in relationships?

Try this:

“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Why do Democrats have such low self-esteem?                              

Joe Biden was all they had. Ever wonder why his dog was mean? He screwed everyone. 

What should I know before having gay sex?

Complications from AIDS and STDs would be a good start. Knowing whether your partner(s) have any, or not, would be nice information to know. You’re entering into a crap shoot.

Where are you asked some troll questions now?

What???

Is it better to have sex with me?

Why? Are you something special? A person can have sex with anyone, since love doesn’t enter the equation. Diseases do, unfortunately. It is much better to have sex with someone you know, and even that can be dangerous if you are unprotected.

Would you like to marry?

Been there. Done that. See no reason to repeat mistakes I might not have learned from.

How do I approach bi/gay people?

Like you approach everybody else. They aren’t special, though some would think so. Be aware of the “large chip” worn on the shoulder of some of them. They are charter members of the League of the Perpetually Offended and they are waiting for you to make a mistake. I don’t play this game. Treat them with the same respect you treat everyone else. If they have a problem with that, shake you head and just walk away, they aren’t worth the effort you put forth.

“What sexual preference do you hope she has?”

“Happiness. Isnt that cool?”

-- Francesca Lia Block

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