Questioning Society, Stupidity, Life, Time, Money, and Arguments

 

“I am suspicious of all the things that the average person believes.”

― H.L. Mencken

Has society become more gullible over time, or has social media simply made it more apparent?

Society is more gullible, but social media has made it more apparent… like it has everything else. 

What are the signs that I'm being cyberbullied or being trolled? I know I don't need to ask, but sometimes I get it wrong and they’re just criticizing me.

The good thing about being online is that you can ignore assholes. I ignore them all the time, but mine are usually members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. If they are criticizing you, it is the same as bullying. Asking a question is no reason for someone to do a hatchet job on you, any more than answering one. My best advice is to press on and ignore idiots.

Who says "Treat Others The way you want to be treated", "Respect is earned, not given" and "Give respect to Get respect"? Those words don't exist to begin with. Why were those 3 phrases established in the First place even though it doesn't exist?

Words to live by, even if you haven’t heard them before. Those words were drilled into me by my father when I was a child, and I’m 70 years old now.

Why do people who walk away from arguments do it?

There is too much drama in an argument. If you have an opinion, that’s fine, but don’t turn your opinion into an argument, and don’t let anybody else do it for you. Arguments are meant for you to walk away from unless you want to be the jackass braying at the other jackass. This is all anyone will hear.

Are there any hidden aspects in our relationship that we may not be aware of?

Oh, hell yes.

What are some nice quotes to tell your boyfriend that you want sex?

Don’t “quote" what you want. Tell him what you want. Sometimes we make a game out of our necessity. If you want sex, tell him you want sex, and tell him to take you now. Don’t beat around the bush, that's for him to do.

Reader comment: Right. Because most likely, he won't understand and then she's going to get mad at him for not understanding and somehow it turns out to be his fault and it will cause a fight.

“The difference between sex and love is that sex relieves tension and love causes it.”

-- Woody Allen

Who is the stupid kid who created this site?

Who are the stupid kids that visit it? Welcome to the club.

Why do people only judge a person who has plenty of money? And not judge by his behavior and nature.

You judge all people because you think they all act alike. You’re putting all people in the same bucket. I don’t judge people by their money, I judge them by what their money turns them into - their “behavior and nature.” Sometimes they can be selfless and giving, sometimes they can be vanilla, and sometimes they can be assholes. “Plenty of money” has a varied effect on people.

What are the top hobbies that make you smarter?

Learning. Just saying.

What strategies can individuals employ to cultivate a stronger sense of morality and resist engaging in malicious behaviors, particularly in challenging circumstances?

The best strategy I can think of is to not get involved in it. This isn’t rocket science any more than good morality is.

Is there any AI that thinks like humans?

Not yet, but give it time. This should scare the crap out of everybody.

How do cultural expectations and norms around success and achievement impact our pursuit of personal growth?

It depends on the person and how they are brought up. I have no filter, and I don’t think I ever did. My mother always said my mouth would be my greatest enemy, and she was right. The military taught me to watch what I say, and in the Intelligence field, I had a bit of leeway. My corporate boss wanted a person to tell him “like it is” and I told him that would be no problem. I held that job for 17 years.

"The non-sensitive persons showed the usual difficulty, but the highly sensitive subjects’ brains apparently did not have this difficulty, regardless of their culture. It was as if they found it natural to look beyond their cultural expectations to how things “really are.”

-- Dr. Elaine Aron

What is the meaning of life in 5 words?

We are here to learn.

Why does everyone in the universe laugh at me?

Well, the three questions you’ve just written might give you a clue as to why everybody in the world laughs at you. I give all questions an equal chance, but it’s like you beg to be ridiculed.

Why is the most evil book in existence called good?

“Mein Kampf” by Adolf Hitler hasn’t, to my knowledge, been called good by any sane person.

Why do people call you an idiot? Are you not aware of something? What is it?

The only people who call me an idiot are members of the League of the Perpetually Offended. I ignore them… since I have no filter. You’ll know if you get involved with them because they go immediately to cussing you out in any return message to you. You will find you have better things to do with your time than pay attention to them.

What would you say are the benefits of self-hatred?

If you’re not trying to better yourself, then no. Self-hatred usually leads to suicide, which denies the world of another potentially beautiful life.

What's the best life quote you have ever come across?

Try this:

“Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice for your life.”

— F.A. Villari

Why am I greater than most people at wasting time?

You’ve found a way to make a career of wasting your life.

Why is being intelligent no longer safe in this world?

Being intelligent was never any safer than being an idiot, though an idiot probably wouldn’t skydive, wear a wingsuit, or go free-climbing.

What is the psychology of people who talk bad about other people non-stop?

Jealousy.

How do I release my desire for revenge in my self-improvement journey?

Revenge benefits no one, and it will certainly not benefit your “self-improvement journey.” Better that you leave “revenge” in the hands of karma.

What do you call someone who doesn't like anyone or anything, including themselves, in the multiverse?

Miserable. 

How do you lead with humility?

A good leader of people doesn’t lead with anger. You lead with good, concise, and complete communication. You ask questions to ensure understanding and to ensure everyone is on the same track. Everyone knows they can come to you with problems that need solving. Everyone needs to know the what, where, when, who, and how of the projects. Most importantly, if the group feels you are not leading properly, you can step down as leader. If the group feels they aren’t being led proficiently, then what’s the point? Another leader needs to step in and take the reins of command. 

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

-- Rick Warren

What is the meaning behind "You can be young without money but you can’t be old without it"?

There are plenty of old homeless people who have little or no money.

The bullies are gods and the demonized are damned. Why is human social mechanics so malignantly cancerous?

Bullies are idiots, and the damned let themselves be demonized. People need to throw their fear in the wind and stand up for themselves. If you fight back, he may recover and beat the crap out of you. Life is funny that way, but he has to go to sleep. Chances are, though, he will leave you alone. Bullies are also cowards.

Who is the idiot of the week?

The same idiot last week, and the week before that, since he was elected - Joe Biden.

What old sayings bug you for their misinformation, misquoting, etc.?

“We’re burning daylight.” This saying negates whether a project needs to be completed, daylight or not. Someone said this to me in the military, so I went into the office and returned with flashlights. We worked through the night.

There’s something I wanted to buy but I was exactly 1$ off. I know this is a stupid question but I’m genuinely curious (outside of a job that I have)?

And? Your question is what?

Do you think pessimism is justified on the broad spectrum?

The “spectrum” has no bearing on this. Pessimism is a waste of precious time. If you have a better mousetrap, then voice it. If you don’t, then keep your mouth shut so time isn’t wasted and any constructive action can begin. Pessimism is the enemy of constructive thinking.

“Pessimists are usually right and optimists are usually wrong but all the great changes have been accomplished by optimists.”

-- Thomas Friedman

What happens when you tell an argumentative person that they are correct?

They will argue with you about it.

How much of what people judge you by was just stuff you were making up?

I’ve learned not to give a shit when people judge me. Besides, their judgment says more about them than it says about me.

What’s your favorite question?

“Why?” The wrong answer is, “Because.”

If you can't think of a comeback, does that mean your opponent is smarter or right?

It can mean that I don’t have a comeback, even though he’s an idiot and what he said made no sense.

In your subjective opinion, does good humor usually require a victim?

Not necessarily.

What is the philosophical answer to, “Why do humans harm the harmless”?

Not all humans harm the harmless. And not all of the “harmless” are harmless, either. The “philosophical answer” is to watch your back. 

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”

-- Albert Einstein

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