Questioning People, Love, Cheating, Wealth, Need, and Want

 

“I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them a great deal.”

-- Jane Austen

How do you understand why people do what they do?

They are “people” so I never underestimate them any more than I underestimate myself. People are, generally, capable of doing anything, and I “understand” this fact. Finding the trigger is the only mystery.

How is an IQ above average, but not at the level of a genius, typically perceived?

Almost, but… not quite.

How would the world be affected if we changed our behavior towards others?

Okay, so… I change from being "Mr. Nice” and another guy changes from being an asshole to being “Mr. Nice.” What have we accomplished? We have all switched roles, so we’re right back where we started. Or, would you like to "tweak" the question a bit?

Why do grumpy old men just grump?

Because they’re grumpy old men. Is this a trick question? 

When it comes to morality, can you really take Democrats seriously?

I don’t take Republicans seriously, and I’m one of them. Why in God’s name would I take a Democrat seriously? Be real…

Are we the way we are and act and can't change that?

You can change into whoever you’d like to be. It is a choice.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”

-- Leo Tolstoy

How far would you go for love?

To the ends of the earth. Life is not totally fulfilled without the true love of another person. I would hate to die not being loved, and I would really hate to die alone.

Is it inappropriate for a man to ask his mother to strip for him?

Unless the mom is into being “submissive” to her son, it is very inappropriate.

Do men genuinely want a nice girl in a relationship?

In a relationship, yes. For having, well… fun, not necessarily. “Nice” girls aren’t necessarily “kinky” girls. 

Is it normal to feel like nothing in your relationship, like you don't bring that person joy or happiness?

No, it isn’t. You should sit down with your significant other and ask what the issues are. If you both agree that the relationship is unfulfilled, maybe it is best that you separate and find something more fulfilling. 

Am I selfish for wanting to join the military?

How do you think volunteering to serve your country makes you selfish?

Why is it hard to be an adult?

Responsibilities. Being an adult means you accept responsibilities, usually for survival, but more often for the survival of others, a family.

“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.”

-- Sigmund Freud

Is love a psychological operation?

Ya think?

How can one determine when it is time to give up on a relationship with someone emotionally unavailable, withdrawn, and uncommunicative, despite claiming to love the person deeply?

For one thing, if they “love the person deeply” but are “emotionally unavailable, withdrawn, and uncommunicative,” I would expect them to commit suicide due to the loss of the one person they love deeply. It sounds to me like they need some “professional” help. If they truly “love the person deeply” they will sit down and have a conversation about their issues and how it is destroying what they have.

What will you do when you don't feel loved?

I will go find someone to love me. I’m a lovable guy. It really isn’t that hard.

Is it good to give a girlfriend money?

No. She isn’t your wife, she’s your girlfriend. If you give her money, she’s technically… well, what woman would be with you for money? If you give her money, you’re technically “paying” her.

What if we've tried everything and still can't save our relationship?

Time to call it quits and try to save the friendship.

Is it true that all atheists know each other personally?

I have a feeling this isn’t the question you meant to ask. There is no way in hell that every atheist knows all the other atheists personally. I mean, you can imagine how many atheists you’re talking about? There are probably millions of them.

“The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.”

-- Thomas Jefferson

What can I do to hurt my cheating husband?

Get a good lawyer and divorce him.

Can you define what it means to be truly happy as an individual? What are some behaviors that are commonly associated with being truly happy in life?

You have made the personal choice to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. You choose not to buy into other people’s drama. Your personal dramas become simple tasks you smile at and work to do away with. Basically, nothing can ruin your day.

How can success be defined in terms of happiness?

True happiness is the only success in life. Everything else is attaining a goal.

How do I become an eternally happy person?

You have to make the conscious choice for your life to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Because it is a choice it is sustainable until you make another choice to be miserable instead of happy. It makes no constructive sense to to that, though.

Is it possible for humans to be moral and happy without religion?

Yes. Atheists do it all the time.

What are the characteristics of God? Can a human born be a god?

God is omnipotent, having unlimited power and able to do anything. A human can only be a god in his head, and then, only if he is under the care of a certified psychologist.

"When his life was ruined, his family killed, his farm destroyed, Job knelt down on the ground and yelled up to the heavens, "Why god? Why me?" and the thundering voice of God answered, "There's just something about you that pisses me off."

-- Stephen King

Is there a righteous way to make wealth?

Righteously. 

Why do humans (as a unit species) fall apart whilst they could be walking a joyful life together?

Most humans are never raised to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of their circumstances. So, they grow up expecting to face trials instead of lessons. They are miserable at work, instead of working toward a goal. They marry as a “goal,” instead of investing themselves in a true friend. And, let’s not even get into the children. It's no wonder why humans tend to fall apart. 

What does it mean when a part of you wants to press your eyes until your eyeballs come out?

It would mean I’m a dumbass.

Is it considered wrong to leave a church immediately after being baptized?

Most people baptized are babies under the supervision of parents. Other than staying around to get kisses and presents, they soon leave the church to go home and rest. I mean, well, they can’t stay in the church forever.

Y'all still believe in Jesus?

No reason not to. He wasn’t fictional.

Is it appropriate to tell someone, "You are my life"?

Only if you are their best friend in the world, and you love them more than life itself. Appropriate or not, they may not want to hear it, but it is honest emotion from someone they should expect this from.

“I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you.”

-- Cassandra Clare

How do I define what I “need” and “want”?

“Need” has to do with your survival. “Want” has to do with desire. You need clothes. You want ice cream. You need food. You want the girl down the street.

What are some reasons why people may fear baby boomers?

There isn’t a reason I can think of, but then, I have guns… and know how to use them. 

Is no one more hated than the one who speaks the truth?

The truth is what it is, and you can’t escape the truth. Nor can you truly hate the person who speaks the truth. You may not appreciate what the truth is, but, that usually means you are in denial of the truth.

Can it be true that truth is often not very complicated, what gets complex is evading the truth?

Indeed.

Do you think an expert is a man who has made all the mistakes?

An “expert” learns from the mistakes he and others make. If you don’t take advantage to learn from mistakes, you will never be an expert at anything. Life is all about learning, and making mistakes is the best way we can learn.

Author's comment: Lovely insight, well said. Thank you. 

Why do humans have a desire for control even though we cannot control everything in life?

We may not be able to control everything, but we are certainly able to control what we can.

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.”

-- Steve Maraboli

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