Questioning Arguing, Lying, Tests, Behavior, Judging, and Get, or Have

“If you don't want to be in an argument with someone, it is probably best to try to solve the problem, rather than lying around hoping the other person will do it for you.”

-- E. Lockhart

Why do people love to argue? It's incredibly stupid!

It is incredibly stupid… unless, you are trapped with 10 people, and a bomb is going to explode, and the cop is going to defuse it by cutting the wrong wire. I’m sorry, but an argument is going to follow. And it will be for 10 of the right reasons.

Do stupid people think they are smart?

If “stupid” people are not talking about people talking about them, yes.

How many people do you think you know or have known? To count as "known" you must have, at least, exchanged hello/how are you with them.

By your definition, and retired military, having a second career, and being 70 years of age, I expect several thousand, if not more.

Why does everyone in the world need to be threatened?

A “dangerous reality” can focus the soul. It sharpens the attention.

Why did we realize that we have thoughts and knowledge?

We always were aware that we thought and had knowledge. What we needed to do was give names to them. We were aware of everything we did, but we couldn’t easily discuss them until we gave names to them.

What did you do to have a good life after retirement?

I succeeded in trying to be truly happy, always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. 

"The happiest people don’t have the best of everything – they just make the best of everything."

-- Unknown 

Have you ever caught yourself lying?

Giving voice to a lie is not in my wheelhouse. I have done it as a joke, at times, but everyone knows it isn’t true. Lies can get people killed.

What are some ways to handle an arrogant and mean atheist?

Ignore them. I ignore them every day on this site.

What are the reasons for someone to close their mind and choose ignorance over knowledge?

I did this for 20 years of my 25-year marriage. I was an idiot. It was so much easier to choose ignorance, over the knowledge that she was sleeping around. 25 years after we were married, I filed for a divorce. The knowlege that she wasn’t going to stop, finally hit home.

What is the best you could do with 100 dollars?

Buy supplies for our local “soup kitchen” in town. I do this often.

How much older would you like, and how old are you?

I am 70 years old. Having been in the military for 23 years, I feel like I’m 50. I’d like to beat my dad who passed at 89. I’m shooting for 100.

How would society change if everyone suddenly lost the ability to lie?

People would have to grow thick skins. Fat would be said as fat, not chubby, or plus-size. Ugly would be ugly, not “bless his little heart.” There would be fights and suicides, and more wallflowers than you can count. Lies keep the majority safe.

“There are three types of lies -- lies, damn lies, and statistics.”

-- Benjamin Disraeli

 

What did you dislike the most about taking tests in school?

I was a “hyper” kid and found it hard to focus on studying. It wasn’t that I was stupid. I was a very bright child. But, having said that, I almost didn’t graduate from high school.

Do stupid people exist, or are they just boring and ugly?

They are usually more entertaining than the ones who call them stupid, boring, and ugly.

If a doormat starts hanging around an assertive person, for a while, can that cause them to become assertive, as well?

The environment you are in can mold your character. Hanging around an assertive person will, in all probability, make the “doormat” more assertive but, probably, not what we would call normal.

What are some horrifying examples of corporate evil/greed?

COVID-19.

Reader comment: So true, great answer!

Why does strategy need review, evaluation, and control?

To try to make the strategy succeed. You need to review, evaluate, and control during the planning process, the operation, the after-action procedures, and reports. The fact that you have “positive control” throughout the entire process is crucial to any operation.

Is consuming time for a physics problem to think about it deeply beneficial?

If you “deeply” want to get the answer correct, then I would say… yes, consume the time.

 

"I think every individual has his or her own power, and it's a matter of working, taking time and defining what that power is."

-- Jill Scott

 

To truly understand other people’s behavior, is having the broadest social science knowledge needed, or do you need to know what a person's thinking method is?

I would review their thinking methods. Everything is worthless until you know how they think.

Is being scared and offended the same thing?

No, it's not. If I’m offended, I get right up in the offender’s grill and ask him what he’s thinking. Scared is when he pulls out a gun and I’m unarmed.

Why can't I cry anymore, even when I'm sad?

Maybe you have matured. What does crying do that being sad does not? I didn’t cry when my father or mother died. I was very sad. But, I knew that they were out of pain, released from confusion, and freed from the body they were captive in. In the reality we live, crying does nothing but show everyone you are human. Well, you are human whether they agree or not. I wouldn’t worry about this.

How would a smart person deal with being stupid?

Uh… if they are smart, they aren’t being stupid. But, okay, let’s say they do something “stupid.” They would, in all probability, laugh it off and promise themselves to do it again.

Is it possible for people who use manipulation to change?

If people have never used manipulation before and use it now, they have changed.

Why are both of my children really stupid?

Who was teaching them from birth? They could have a shaky foundation upon which to build smarts.

“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people, who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it.”

-- Laurence J. Peter

What causes someone to constantly judge others? How can we address this behavior and encourage them to stop?

If they stop, they believe everyone around them will have the ability to judge them out loud. You could call it their “defense mechanism.” Judging others is putting yourself above the fray, even though you know you are just as guilty.

How can I get 2500$, ASAP?

Are you a good-looking woman?

What are the reasons behind people blaming others for their own mistakes? Is this behavior linked to low self-esteem or other factors?

They don’t want everybody to think they are idiots. The problem with this tactic is that most people, involved, know who is the guilty party. They end up looking like idiots, twice over. The better tactic is to realize a mistake is a learning process. You learn and you correct the mistake.

If someone answers who I am, will I accept it?

That is totally up to you. 

Why do Americans keep posting questions on this site when the response to almost all of them results in the rest of the world taking the piss out of their stupidity?

Because most Americans have no problem asking for help. I find it humorous, that most of the world comes to us when they have a need. We are usually there for them. Maybe, you should cut us a bit of slack.

Reader response: I dedicated some time perusing your responses and I must say, I'm thoroughly captivated by your distinctive viewpoint and problem-solving approach. Your answers consistently exhibit thorough consideration, are richly informative, and quite engaging! Just wanted to drop by and express my admiration, as I'm a staunch admirer of your contributions on{this site].

My reply: I appreciate your following.  Thank you!  

  Do women get visibly less attractive the more intellectual they get?

Not that I’ve seen, and I’ve been on this planet for 70 years.

“She is not truly beautiful but something about her draws the eye.”

-- George R.R. Martin

Why have so many people started saying, "Can I get" instead of "Can I have"?

Usually, you need to know that you can “get” before thinking you can “have.”

Exactly what do women want men to do for them sexually?

Multiple orgasms, one right after the other. They want to lose count and, for some, it doesn’t have to be a man.

Can I have sex for money?

It depends on who you ask. Do not ask a cop.

When does life open up for you?

Life "opens up" when I strive for true happiness, always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice I made, years ago, to be truly happy.

Is it normal to not enjoy a book considered "good" by many people?

It all depends on what you like to read. Many people consider “crap” as good.

Is it common for people to criticize someone making progress in their life? Why does this happen?

Not that I’ve heard. Although, “jealousy” would be a sound reason. No one likes to know that someone is making progress when they are slacking at doing better for themselves.

 

“If we had no faults we should not take so much pleasure in noting those of others.”

-- François de La Rochefoucauld

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