Questioning Life, Heaven, Genius, Aging, Sleep, and Answers

"God, she was gorgeous. Pure and cleanly beautiful. From the rounded crests of her cheeks to the delicate sweep of her jaw, she had the kind of face sculptors memorialized in marble and the rest of us gazed upon for centuries to come."

-- Kristen Callihan

What are some great opportunities in life? 

Her name is on the tip of my tongue.

What do people argue about the most with other people?

Politics.

Is becoming smart easy?

It is easier than becoming intelligent. If you can become smart and intelligent, you are an anomaly. Not everyone intelligent is smart. If you want to be smart, keep your ears open, ask questions, read, read, and read. Did I mention reading? I wasn’t the most intelligent student in high school, but I excelled in college and entered the Air Force in the field of Intelligence, of all things. I served in Intelligence for 23 years.

How hot is a 70-year-old’s woohoo?

Is she having a hot flash?

Is belief almost as powerful as the truth?

Belief is more powerful than truth. If you believe something strongly, the truth will not move you. The only way the truth has any chance is if a person has an open mind.

Can young people teach older people?

It happens all the time. Technology is the bane of the aged.

"You are never too young to teach and you are never too old to learn."

-- Les Brown

Where is the better place that God sends us if we are blessed? To see friends, relatives, pets, and all the people we have ever interacted with in all our lives. Is reincarnation a true natural state? Will we experience life forever?

I think it is okay to say “God” here. There have been many “suppositions” concerning the afterlife, but they are only suppositions. The only way we will truly know is when we arrive. Until then, it remains the “next great adventure” for those who believe in it. If you don’t, there will be nothing, as you expected. There may be nothing for the believers… as well, but we choose to pad our bets. Kind of smart, when you think about eternity.

What do you think of the lack of discernment in people?

For the majority of people, I don’t think the majority even know what the term means. However. they are only human. How much “discernment” do you expect from them?

How, do I return to fix a failure in life. I tried to break 5 minutes in the mile two years ago and failed, I haven’t run in two years but I lift weights, how can I break 5 minutes in the mile in about a year?

You failed, so you lift weights now. It isn’t that you failed. it is what you did when you failed. You moved on. If you fail, it is a lesson that you need to try harder. If you don’t, you have certainly given up on the challenge.

At which age did you start to really think in childhood?

I just turned three. It is my oldest memory.

Why is it wrong to laugh at people or look down on them when you think you are better than them?

You think, but you don’t know. And, if you don’t know, how does that make you any better than they are? I had a doctor who wanted to talk to me before he decided to take me as a patient. He finally decided to take me on. I told him to take a breath. I wasn’t sure I wanted him as my doctor. He looked at me crosseyed, and then he laughed. He saw my point. No one is better than you, and you are no better than anyone else. We all have our responsibilities.

What's your favorite quote about relationships?

Try this:

“It is what it is until it isn’t, and then it is what it is.”

-- F.A. Villari

According to the published articles, and the most scientific theories of genius, can we consider this genius formula to be scientifically right: Genius = IQ +AQ (Adversity Quotient) + Creativity + Grit?

No. Some people have good memories. Their “creativity is questionable, as is their “grit.” Now, if you were to look at “smart” people who are geniuses, you would probably find your formula is, for the most part, correct. Smart people are creative, and they have true grit.

Who had the best morals in the world?

The Dalai Lama.

How do I stop lying? It's not easy. We all know that now. Tell something. Does my god like lies? Why do I have to lie? Is it good?

It is a test of your will. As such, it is not supposed to be easy. This test was put in front of you. How you complete the test shows who you are. If you don’t lie, you don’t have to remember anything. The truth is always good, and it is always the better path.

Is it music that makes an evil laugh be perceived as evil, but isn't evil at all?

What?

Who has more friends, a bad person or a nice person?

It doesn’t matter. The nice person has nice friends, and the bad person has bad friends. If you only have one friend, and they are nice, you are wealthy. If you have more friends, and they are all bad, you have a growing problem.

In your professional opinion, what are the primary underlying causes or triggers of procrastination that individuals commonly face?

Lack of desire in the face of responsibility.

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

Are you sometimes shocked by how aging is affecting you?

No. I live life like it will never end. I am truly happy always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice I have made.

Do you just enjoy your day the best you can?

I have only failed once, and she is no longer with me. 

Is your age not how you think of yourself?

Youth is in your heart. If you are 80, always think of yourself as 30. In this way, you will be ready for the next great adventure.

Is it a sign of intelligence if you're unbothered by people’s gossip and opinions of you?

The gossip and opinions say more about them. I just don’t give a fig.

Why do different people have different talents?

If everyone had the same talent, no one would get hired and nothing would ever get accomplished… except that one talent. Not everyone wants to do the same thing. I mean, if we were all meter checkers, how many times would you want your meter checked? And, you could check it yourself, since you’re just another meter checker. Just saying.

Growing up, my parents compared me to others, leaving me feeling isolated and dealing with childhood trauma. I have shyness and lack motivation, and it feels like everyone is better than me. I have low self-esteem, and overthinking has led to lost opportunities?

This is a statement, not a question. Do you have a question to ask us? Other than a lack of quality parenting, you could be a regular person.

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.”

-- Anne Frank

Why are some people afraid to sleep?

They live in New York City or Chicago?

What is the importance of learning from personal experiences rather than relying on the experiences of others or book knowledge? How does this contribute to our overall growth and development as individuals?

Indeed. When you experience learning, for yourself, it tends to mean more, personally for your growth and development.

When the time is right, will you change?

That depends. Change into what?

Does your life become less important the older you get?

Nope. It gets more important because you have less time to squeeze everything in. Some things on the “bucket list” are going to have to wait... until the next life.

How do I stop a girl from being naughty?

Stop paying her?

Why does my mum refuse to get a DNA test so I can find out who my real dad is? Does she not know & is guilty

Her getting the DNA test won’t tell you who your dad is. You have to get one, or, better yet, just ask your mom. She couldn’t have been with that many men.

“There are things in our blood that are just naturally passed down to us, whether we want to recognize them or not.”

-- Raquel Cepeda

What can be a unique way of answering, "How are you"?

“In lust, but... what are you doing tonight?” “Peachy.” “Who’s asking?” “Hard.”

How often do you wish you made another choice?

When the relationship goes sour. I only made one mistake in 70 years, of life, and I divorced it. You need to know when to take the trash out and go fishing.

Hitler was a genius, do you know that?

Hitler was a megalomaniac. He was obsessed with his own power. A real “ultramaroon.”

Will good atheists go to heaven?

Nope. That ship sailed. They believe in nothing, they go to nothing. Pretty simple. Theists may find out there is nothing, as well. Theists like to pad their bets. But, death is the only way to find out who is right.

Why does my boyfriend answer with "f#@k you"?

He only knows two small words?

What do atheists think about death?

The one good thing about being a theist, we think of death as a doorway to our next life, the next great adventure. Theists like to pad their bets with faith in God. We may be wrong, but… what if we’re right?

“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

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