Questioning Morality, Love, Happiness, Ignorance, Luck, and Pause

 

“Immorality is the word we use to describe people that are not sinning the same way we are.”

-- Shannon L. Alder

Do you think it's immoral to only access the internet/electronic communication for one hour each day?

Why would you think morality has anything to do with time online? If we’re going down this rabbit hole, I get on at 3:00 a.m. and end my session at about 9:00. This would make me a god in the morality circle if morality had anything to do with time, which it doesn’t.

Do you think your brain is wasting away because of AI?

Nope. I don’t trust AI, and I really don’t trust the people creating it. They, for the most part, don’t have a clue of how dangerous AI is.

Does love waste time?

Yeah, but most of us love to waste it, especially with someone we love.

As long as it does not prevent success, why are most successful people happy to be vile and vindictive towards others who are not as successful?

Jealousy. Most of the people they are vile and vindictive to, are very successful in life. That can piss people off that are only successful financially. They need to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of their circumstances.

You saw your shy, quiet brother observing the popular football quarterback talking to a group of people while he was writing notes. He told you that he is practicing his social skills and trying to become more charismatic. Would you assist him?

It sounds like he has it well in hand. Sticking my nose in would just muddy the water. 

Should I never look down on anybody because of their present condition?

After 23 years in the military, you learn to try to give a hand up to those who suffer from their “present condition.” I only failed once, but, truth be known, he really didn’t want to attain a higher level. You never look down on anyone, because even the “butter bar” can come back as your commander.

“Leaders should never look down on the people who put them into power because every leadership requires followers.”

-- Gift Gugu Mona

What does it mean when a man says he loves his wife but is not in love with her? What actions should she take?

File for a divorce and find a real man.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist today?

I am always an optimist. I was optimistic that the League of the Perpetually Offended would attack me today. They did, and I was tickled to be right.

Why do people judge entire age groups as all bad, because of the bad some do to them by a particular age group?

Ignorance.

Why do people dislike people who tell the truth?

I have no filter, so whatever I think, I say. People have a hard time accepting the truth. I can be brutally honest, so it’s a good thing that people know me. The one thing I don’t agree with is shaming. No one deserves to be shamed more than the need to be helped. And, sometimes, they simply can’t help who they are. I hold myself up as an example of this.

What is the meaning behind someone telling you to "stop being nice"?

At first blush, I say they aren’t, at any time. There is nothing wrong with being nice all the time. It pisses off your enemies if nothing else.

How do you find out if someone is single or not?

Ask them. At least they’ll have a clue that you might be interested.

“It may sound paradoxical, but strength comes from vulnerability. You have to ask the question to get the answer, even though asking the question means you didn't know.”

-- Majid Kazmi

Does it also piss you off when someone says, “Be happy,” when shit is going on in your life?

I let the “shit” roll off my back. Life is too short to have shit going on. I divorced her.

When is the best time to talk about sex?

There’s a bad time? Damn… I had no idea. 

When all men seem to suck, what advice can you give a single woman?

I’d don't think I suck. My girlfriend hasn’t complained. Hang around a better class of men.

Why do a considerable number of humans consider everything as a personal clash? Is this human trend triggered from the human ignorance due to human shortsight not distinguishing the general principles, or is it expression of human aggressivity?

Do you know how to use short words? The syllables are killing me.

Author's comment: Dear Tony, thank you for the grammatical remark, that I appreciate with gratittude, but my time is curtailed due to being very busy, and I write straight from my knowledge of many fields of the applicative and social sciences. Wish you a Happy and Long life my educated human fellow.

My reply:  Lol… Not a problem. (I'm not bringing up the third "t" in "gratitude.")

Why and why would people give up?

What and what? 

What is the case for the "not giving a f*ck" mindset?

You’re working your ass off on a military operation. Nothing else is that important.

“The life-changing magic of not giving a f*ck is all about prioritizing. Joy over annoy.”

-- Sarah Knight

What is that thing in the world that we do not know?

“Why?” And, “because” is not the answer.

Is it true or just an excuse when someone says they don't love you?

My ex-wife was pretty serious when she threw that at me after 25 years of marriage. I divorced her and have been ecstatically happy ever since.

When do I say “I love you”?

When you fall “head over heels” in love with someone special to you.

What motivets you the most?

A great ass and beautiful legs can “motivate” me. Breasts? Dad always said, that more than a mouthful was a waste.

What are things we are expected to understand as humans?

How to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of our circumstances.

What are the benefits of finding our own happiness instead of relying on others for it?

Self-sufficiency. Any time you want to be happy you don’t have to rely on someone else. I know, it’s kind of a concept. If you master it, however, you can always be happy, even when you’re alone.

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.”

-- Michel de Montaigne

What is the source of good luck?

The source is you. When the bomb squad runs past you, try to keep up.

Do spiritual people generally consider themselves to be happy in life?

I’m very spiritual, and I’m very happy in life. But, it has nothing to do with being spiritual. I strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice I made for my life.

When last did you have it all?

I filed for divorce in 2000. I lost a wife, but I gained true happiness. I’ve had it all since. 

How can you make a perfect life?

Again, you must strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice.

Why should I enjoy my life?

It’s better than not enjoying your life.

Is it selfish to put your happiness in front of everyone else's just because they always put theirs first? Why or why not?

“Put your oxygen mask on first before helping the passenger next to you.” Why? So the airlines don’t end up with two more dead passengers, You always need to take care of yourself first, before helping other people. You are the “priority one” passenger on planet Earth.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

How do I become aware to know when to pause and ponder?

When you have the wisdom to shut your pie hole and try thinking. It isn’t difficult, just stop talking and engage your mind.

I'm constantly surrounded by idiots. When I see a person come out with a good idea or a good thought process, it shocks me. Why?

Because… you’re constantly surrounded by idiots. 

Why do people end up giving up?

They never learned to be perseverant in the face of failure. The military teaches this to those who will listen. Perseverance will work out most of the time. When it fails, you find another way, and another, and another. Sooner or later, guess what? You will persevere! It’s another concept. 

What is the significance of a guy saying you're the girl he's been looking for?

He’s blind. I’m a guy of 70. My voice should have told him that much, or… he might be gay... and into older men.

What could be the significance of a guy saying "I love you" after only two dates?

Again, he’s blind and, of course... I might be 70, but I’m one hell of a date.

What is the significance of a woman giving you her phone number instead of taking yours?

Not to beat this to death, but, if the guys like me, the woman makes it clear that she wants to get in my pants the fastest way possible… her phone number. Or, she can “take me” while we’re in the restaurant, either/or.

“On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest), how high are the chances of me getting your phone number?”

-- Futty-fuze

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