Questioning Understanding, Habits, Atheists, Typing, and Masturbation

 

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

-- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Is it true that "you must understand how other people see you"?

You can either understand or don’t give a shit. I don’t give a shit. I’m good, always.

My friend told me, "Who would have guessed that high amounts of wealth and success would lead you to be the most arrogant and entitled person ever." Can too much success make arrogance? And what are the ways to find healthy humility?

The “Tao Te Ching” and other Buddhist philosophy. If you aren’t strong of will, arrogance will find a way.

Are there any examples of societies that failed because they did not reclaim their past?

The Roman Empire.

I feel guilty for taking time for myself. Is that normal?

All the time you have is yours. How you spend it is also yours. Your life, regardless of other opinions, is yours to do with as you please.

If you had 3 wishes but whatever you wish for everyone gets it like you wish for a billion dollars everyone gets it or a iPhone and everyone gets it what would you do?

Peace, happiness, and financial comfort.

I have a grandfather that hugs me a lot and touches me, but I feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to tell him anything because it could hurt his feelings. What should I do?

Tell him you are too old to be “fondled” by old men. Oh, wait… tell him you have matured and that being close is something in the past. You have grown up, and respect is what you need to be tutored in. "Hurting his feelings" went over my head. Sorry.

"It is always in season for old men to learn."

-- Aeschylus

What small daily habits have improved your overall wellness the most?

I walk a mile every morning.

Is it true that truth is not always factual and facts are not always truth?

The truth is what it is. Facts, on the other hand, can be toyed with until they don’t reflect the facts. The Democrat party does this all the time, and people keep voting for them. We will be socialist or communist by 2033. God save the United State

Why do you think I gave everyone a break for questions?

I’m still answering questions, so your “break” hasn’t taken hold.

Is everybody stupid in this whole world?

If they were, we’d still be back in the Stone Age. Lucky for us, your question doesn’t hold water. There are quite a few smart and intelligent people in this world to keep it moving forward. You might want to get on board.

If every person in the world was honest for one day, what do you think we’d learn about society?

There are a lot of dishonest people out there.

Why did so many Americans stop attending churches?

The “Bible” is one factor. The other is the fact that most people can worship in their own way. Simon Peter started this “church” thing, and it has been rife with issues ever since. If I need a consultation with my God, I go to the beach and have a silent conversation. If it were out loud, I be put in a looney bin.

“If churches saw their mission in the same way, there is no telling what might happen. What if people were invited to come tell what they already know of God instead of to learn what they are supposed to believe? What if they were blessed for what they are doing in the world instead of chastened for not doing more at church? What if church felt more like a way station than a destination? What if the church’s job were to move people out the door instead of trying to keep them in, by convincing them that God needed them more in the world than in the church?”

-- Barbara Brown Taylor

Atheists, you go outside one day, and suddenly you see all the people around you roll, jump, and sing: "Hey atheist, abandon atheism, it's very bad for you, you should believe, oh yes, you really should believe!". What would you do?

I’m not an atheist, but I would be concerned that the theists are more concerned with giving atheists a hard time, more than praising the lord. Leave atheists to their beliefs. Theists need to pay more attention to theirs.

I’ve been bullied all my life for being a quiet attractive guy. How do I stop this?

Stop hanging around the bullies. Try hanging around the ladies. Be where the bullies aren’t.

What are the most interesting facts about human behavior?

People will behave in a manner that will garner them the most friends. People like to be liked. Personally, I don’t give a shit. I behave in a manner that is selfless and giving. If people have an issue with that, move on down the road. There is nothing here for you.

Can you provide some examples of things that are true but not certain?

If they aren’t certain, then they aren’t true. They could be true, but they aren’t certain.

Is atheism what happens when the stupid believe they can think?

No. Atheism happens when people don’t believe in a “God” figure. In reality, neither side, atheist or theist, can prove their argument, until they die. Well, that isn’t really correct. If the atheist dies, that’s it. They are dead. For the theist, on the other hand, there might be a life after this. Theists like to pad their bet. They do this just in case there is a “God” they need to deal with. The problem is, theists and atheists have to die to find out. And then, we can’t tell anybody.

What should I do if I feel depressed because life slaps me around every now and then?

Life slaps most of us around. What you should do is get over it. It is what it is.

“Here's what life is—here's what life boils down to, Joe. Life boils down to brutality. It's f@#%ed. Life is brutal and f@#%ed up. You may not see it now, but I'm older than you and I can tell you.”

-- Noah Van Sciver

How is it, that I can chat with people in person without any problems for hours, but when it's online like WhatsApp, I can't keep a conversation for more than 3 minutes?

You have a problem with typing.

If you had no skills and no talents and the only thing you could do is remember people's birthdays, what would you do at that point, if you can't learn any new skills or talents?

If you are a woman, remembering birthdays is a plus. Most men could care less. They rely on the woman to keep them in check. It sounds a bit chauvinistic, but it is what it is. To each their strength.

What’s the best advice for getting into life coaching?

Get into a “Life Coaching” class and graduate... with honors.

How can I help spread acceptance of pedophiles?

You can’t. Pedophiles are already plying their trade. They really don’t need to be pointed out. Their "life expectancy" will be cut short.

How do you know that you are a toxic person yourself?

Have you read my answers?

I am 37 years old. I have no children and have never been married. What is the point of being here?

To learn. Have you been learning? Some people get into a box and can’t get out. That is fine. Learn while you’re here, and living in the next life will be so much better. Everyone wants the “golden ring” immediately, but it isn’t so easy. The point of your existence is to learn. So, do that.

“Are you unmarried? Do not bewail yourself, as if your life must be incomplete. Yours is not a higher state, as celibacy has falsely taught, but it is neither a failure nor a shame. Cease to measure yourself by human standards. Find rest in being just what your heavenly Father wills you to be. It may be that you have been kept free from the limited circle of a home, in order to pour your love on those who have no one else to love them.”

-- F.B. Meyer

Do you believe everybody is born an atheist?

Does anybody remember their birth? If you don’t, how can you know what an atheist is? Be real.

My boyfriend is 16 and I’m 14. We haven’t had our first kiss, but I think he wants to have sex. He keeps putting his hands on my inner thighs and always on my butt. Is this bad?

Yes, and sex at your age is not a good idea.

Has suffering allowed you to experience joy, in a different way? If so, can you describe this different joy you've experienced?

Suffering has shown me, that it is what it is. Suffering is all around us, and if you think you are immune, think again. You can experience suffering and be crippled by it, or you can shake your head and accept it for what it is: A moment in time. When my Mom passed, I took a moment, shed a tear, and moved on. Suffering was not going to bring her back.

What is the best thing about life for you?

Uh… living.

If the world ends, will we still aspire? Or will society collapse?

If the world ends, we will all be dead, How can we “aspire” when we’re dead? Oh, and society will end. I mean, we’re all dead. Right?

How should a person handle being ghosted by their partner?

Move on.

“Worse is loving someone who disappears and never knowing if they’ll come back. Because how do you move on if you’re not even sure they’re gone? The answer is—you don’t. When you spend most of your life chasing ghosts, eventually, you become one.”

-- J.M. Darhower

I’m a 16-year-old girl and I masturbated using a makeup brush. I feel really guilty and it’s like I’ve lost my purity now. Should I feel bad about it? I feel like I should have waited to have sex instead of doing what I did.

Masturbate away! It is the best thing next to sex… if a guy has his brains intact.

She wants to be friends with benefits but I love her…what must I do?

Give her the benefits, and love her while you’re with her. She may come around to your thinking, or she may not. But, in the meantime, you are tapping a great piece that wants you.

If you knew you were going to die, what would you do?

Die. The options are minimal. Better to get on with the next life.

What does a guy mean when he tells his girlfriend "I'll do anything for your happiness"?

He needs to go to the question that says. “As a woman, how can you tell your boyfriend you need money?” This guy is all over that.

How do those who don't have any friends spend their lives?

Alone.

Can a person who feels no guilt after doing something wrong still be considered a good person?

Only to themselves. If you do something wrong and do not make the effort to make it right, you are a bad person. The guilt you’re standing on will be evidence of that.

“He understood how the world worked—bad things happened to good people, bad people died happy in their beds. It happened every day. So why bother being good? The word itself was attached to a series of behaviors that was, at best, an abstraction..A person profited nothing from being good.”

-- Nick Cutter

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

Solitude, Introspection, Issues, Lessons, Truth, Acceptance, and Forever

“Let me tell you this: if you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.”

-- Jodi Picoult

 

What is the value of solitude and introspection in a society that values busyness and constant social interaction?

Priceless.

Should we blame ourselves only for the mistakes of life? Or, should we blame nature?

Why would you blame nature, for the mistakes of people? If you build a house and nature takes it in a flood, why did you build a house in a flood zone? It isn’t nature that made you build it. 

Why was I born as myself?

Uh… you will always be born as yourself. 

Why do people care about what others think or say about them?

You are who you are, not what people think you should be. What do you care about what others think of you if you are doing right, good, and selflessly helping others? Why would you care if you weren’t? People don’t need to hear the history of your life to start rumors against you, any more than they need to hear praises of you from others, to raise you up. You are what you are, and it is up to you to change, if you think it is necessary.

What day is [this site] going to get away from the stupid questions?

When people stop asking what you think are “stupid” questions.

Why do I feel a sense of "calm" and "joy" when I realize I’m gonna die at some point in my life?

Death comes to all of us in time. To fear it makes no sense, especially if you believe in a life after. To feel a sense of calm and joy would make much sense if you believe in what will come. Those who don’t have these beliefs are the ones who should be afraid. For them, dead is dead.

"When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."

-- Tecumseh 

If you could instantly solve one global issue, what would it be and why?

Hunger. Adults can handle it, but the children... not so much. 

Why is your identity so important for you?

It is who I am. My identity is not my name, it is more than that. It is my code of conduct, my code of ethics. It is so much more than an I.D. card. Everyone needs to own their “identity” in life.

If you could name 3 positive benefits humans gave to nature, what would they be?

Reforesting, game limits, and putting the wolves back into Yellowstone.

Should you accept your lot in life and give up?

No. You should make your life and never give up. Life is all about learning, and giving up is not conducive to learning. Fight for the life you want, and never give up. Even if you only get a smidgen of the life you fight for, you are that much closer than you were.

Should I stop living to avoid God?

You asked the question. Only you have the answer.

What are some lessons that you wish you learned earlier?

I wish I had been indoctrinated into the paranormal at a younger age. I recognized my abilities around 13 years of age. I have been an avid paranormal investigator ever since. I have five large gun cases full of investigative equipment. I use them when needed.

“Life is all about finding yourself through experiences, and about learning more and more about who you are and what you’re capable of. If you’re getting older and not succeeding in anything or doing anything to make a positive impact on people, then you’re not living. You’re just waiting for death. Get out there and make an impact on people, whether it’s by helping them directly, or by doing research to make their lives better, or just by inspiring them. Do something good to be remembered for. This is more important than money.”

-- Zak Bagans 

Who can teach me the top lesson of my life?

You can be taught the top lesson of someone else’s life, but you will find your own “top lesson” as you move forward. And, it will change over time. What you think is the “top lesson” will be upended by the next “top lesson,” and so on.

What does it mean when your boyfriend says 'don't make him your world"?

He plans to leave, probably abruptly. 

Do you feel prepared for life, on your journey?

Absolutely. I strive for true happiness always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice I have made, some time back.

How do you apply lessons learned in life?

I apply all my lessons, I have learned, and I’m still learning at 70 years of age. You never stop learning. I mean, you can never stop learning. It is why we are here - to learn. I will be learning on my deathbed, about death and the transition to the other side. Mom and Dad had no clue, but they transitioned. I will transition with my mind ready for what is to come - the next great adventure.

What is the simple most important task in life?

Learning… always.

When we die, where will we go?

That will depend on your beliefs. But, atheists and theists have no clue… yet. There is no proof for them to grasp, only faith in their beliefs. When they die, they will find the truth.

"Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside while still alive"

-- SRTK Law

What is truth, and is it true for everyone?

The "truth" is what it is - the truth. People will deny the truth, but… the truth is the truth, and there is NO denying it. The truth is the same for everyone because… it is the truth. To deny the truth is to show your ass, and no one wants to see that, maybe.

What are some things hitting you in your life?

It used to be my wife. I divorced her.

What can I do to be okay in life?

Strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice you have to make.

How long is a eternity?

Make it equal to infinity. A really long time, that never ends.

How do you ground and effectively execute the decisions you make in life?

I think the decision through, to the end. The “decision” changes, several times, before it goes into action. If someone tells you they need an answer now, you don’t need whatever it is. Walk away. The deal will be back on the chopping block soon enough. Car salespeople have this habit.

Have you ever had a time in your life felt like a fuck up?

Yeah. Air Force Basic Training, in 1973. I got over it.

Reader comment: How did you get over it?

My reply: I muscled through it. It occurred to me it was just a game to get you to quit. I had it out with the Training Instructors over “tags” they found in clothes we had several people check. It was bullshit. I told them so. I got assigned to the supply closet. A cush job. 

“The more f#@ked up you are, the more I like you. As long as you've managed to hold onto your identity through all the shit, then it won't matter how twisted you are. I will love you more for it.”

-- Ashly Lorenzana

How can one learn to accept things that have already happened?

How can one learn to accept what has already happened? It happened. Accept it. A house burns down, do you have to walk through the ashes to prove what your eyes are seeing?

What, would you say, is truth?

I am truly happy.

What have you finally understood after a very long time?

True happiness. It took me 52 years to learn what was right in front of me all the time. I stopped beating my head against the wall and became truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It was a simple choice.

Is philosophy the ultimate paradox of existence?

Not really. If anything, philosophy tries to explain the existence you live.

How do you get a boyfriend or tell someone you like them?

This is tough. Go up to them and say, “I like you.” And, don’t forget to smile. Ta-da! (I hate tough questions.)

What are the good things that can happen in life?

Oral sex always topped my list.

“Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is.”

-- Barbara Bush

How long does forever last?

For infinity.

Is it rare to have a crush on everyone?

Hell no. In high school, I had a crush on every girl I met. Even the homely ones. Then I managed to get laid. Oh-my-God! I started having crushes on girls who didn’t go to my high school. I was a hound dog.

What final words should I have before not existing anymore?

From a guy who contemplated this: “I’m an idiot” comes to mind.

Why are there so many young men who are stupid?

They aren’t stupid, they are ignorant. Why are there so many young men who are ignorant? Bad parenting comes to mind.

How do you want me to offer myself?

If you’re a woman, naked. If you’re a guy, ask a woman.

My whole life I’ve been called stupid by everyone around me. How do I fix this?

You have been called "stupid" by people without a clue. You aren’t stupid. You might be ignorant, or they might just pick on you for no good reason. If you are ignorant, you need to read… everything. If you think you aren’t ignorant, find another group to hang around with. Their ignorance is rubbing off on you. 

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”

-- Mark Twain

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

Questioning Stupid, Learning, Math Club, Involvement, Sarcasm, and Neighbors

 

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

-- Albert Einstein

How do I make stupid people become smart?

You can’t… unless they want you to. But, the majority of people are ignorant, not stupid. Stupid is an “ignorant” name to call someone. It is usually used by those people who are, well… never mind.

Why do I like to be in zero romantic relationships all my life?

You are sexually active with many, you are not interested at this time, or you are a hermit.

Is [this site] being ruined by trolls?

If it is, it doesn’t say much about Quora. Trolls will always be with us, trying to ruin a good time. They are the slime we try not to touch. They are the shit on the bottom of your shoe. The best we can do is scrape them off, stay far away, and/or ignore them.

Is the lack of control over our lives a valid excuse for bad behavior and why should individuals still take responsibility for their actions?

The lack of control is a choice you have made, to live in a society.

What is the meaning behind the statement, "You're wrong because you're stupid"?

It is being used by a person who is “ignorant” about people. They are as “ignorant” as the person they are calling stupid. Nobody is stupid. Most people called stupid are, actually, ignorant. Change the terminology, and you show people a great education.

What went wrong when humans were designed?

God.

“God created every man to be free. The ability to choose whether to live free or enslaved, right or wrong, happy or in fear is something called free will. Every man was born with free will. Some people use it, and some people use any excuse not to. Nobody can turn you into a slave unless you allow them. Nobody can make you afraid of anything unless you allow them. Nobody can tell you to do something wrong, unless you allow them. God never created you to be a slave, man did. God never created division or set up any borders between brothers, man did. God never told you to hurt or kill another, man did. And in the end, when God asks you: "Who told you to kill one of my children?"

And you tell him, "My leader."

He will then ask you, "And are THEY your GOD?”

-- Suzy Kassem

What is the meaning behind someone saying their purpose in life is to learn?

They are showing that they are educated. Our purpose here in this life is to learn. Everything we do, or have done to us, is life causing us to see a lesson. If it is a lesson, we need to learn from it. Think about your life, and see how many times a day you are forced to learn.

When does learning a lesson fail?

When you give up.

Is it bad that I gave up on life?

If you gave up on life, does that mean that you’re dead? But, you are on this site, so you can’t be dead. You must be alive, which means… you haven’t given up on life. Not yet, anyway. You probably still have hope, hidden in the crevasse of faith. Never give up on your faith that life might get better. I will give you a clue… It is a choice, that only you have to make.

How do I achieve extreme success in life?

Are you truly happy? If you are, you’ve achieved extreme success. Everything else is attaining a goal.

How did you find strength in your darkest times?

You mean… when I put the gun to my head? A voice in my head asked what it would accomplish. I threw the gun across the room. Suicide would make my ex-wife happy as a lark. It would also scar my children. Then, there is always the fact that I’m better than that. I reclaimed the strength that my ex-wife tried to take from me. The strength I almost misplaced. I climbed out of my “pit of despair” and remembered who I was. That was 23 years ago, and I’ve been truly happy ever since. Suicide cures nothing, but ending valuable life. We are so much better than that.

Why don’t the vast majority of humans have any sense of justice and don't usually care, at all, about anything other than their personal interest and the people who are close to them at the most?

Have you been following politics, lately? I weep for my country. Is that caring enough?  

“Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”

-- Mark Twain

What activities are done in a math club?

Math activities. Is this another trick question?

Is there a positive and negative characteristic association with effeminacy?

The positive characteristic is the person deciding what he feels he should have been. The negative characteristic is that most of society will ignore him. It is painful for many.

What scientist have you learned the most from?

Albert Einstein.

Are humans evil?

You are hanging around the wrong humans if you think this. Most of the people I hang around are good, selfless, people. The last thing on their mind is being evil.

Is it boring when you know everything? Will this ever be the case for a human or humans?

We will never know everything. We are here to learn, and the information is infinite.

Why does humanity do nothing for me?

Most of humanity does nothing for me, either. But, there is a segment of humanity who are truly caring, and selfless, in their actions. They give me hope for mankind.

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi 

How does the level of community involvement impact the success of shared goals in a neighborhood or suburb?

If there is no “community involvement” there are no shared goals in the neighborhood or suburb. People need to be involved to get anything done. If they don’t get anything done, there is no success. It is what it is… until you change it.

Why were people from the 80s, lazy and chaotic?

Bad parenting. They are still, for the most part, lazy and chaotic. Who voted in Biden?

Why do you personally think it is that regardless of how complex all things can be understood except for the things that we have no way of understanding no matter how advanced we may become, is this evidence we aren’t supposed to know?

We probably haven’t got to that point in our knowlege. It is what it is, and we will know what we don’t know in the future. It isn’t that we are not supposed to know. It’s that we aren’t ready to know. When we are ready, we will know. It is what it is, and there is a time for everything. It simply isn’t time.

What are you doing about that problem you have?

I divorced her.

How does anyone contribute to your space? What are the rules? I am stupid, where do I find my link?

You aren’t stupid. You are ignorant. Telling you won’t make you smarter. You have to learn. Welcome to Earth.

Author comment: I was looking for help and found a new asshole. I love criticism, it makes me stronger, and as much criticism I receive, I should look like RFK Jr.’s body, but I look like you, you Pie hole.

My reply: I was not meaning to be a smartass. So, learning is not your strong suit? Now I'm being a smartass. 

Would it be better if all of our desires and wants were commercialized?

Pay for sex? Not on a bet.

“And if all womankind banded together, and took the male path, the world would turn into one huge brothel.”

-- M. Ageyev

Sarcastic people, what brings out your sarcastic side the most?

People who talk like they think they’re smart. I can’t help myself. I become sarcastic.

What are the most significant ethical considerations you face in your work, and how do you address them?

Work ethic. People think they can slide by doing nothing. In the Intelligence field, doing nothing can get people killed. More than once I had people in my office for an ass chewing. Do the work or cross-train into food service. Let them throw you out. Intelligence would not even consider giving someone a pass. Do the job or get the hell out.

As a follower, what best helps determine the strength of connection you have to the leader that you’re working with?

Communication.

Why does my wife love me, but I don't love her?

Well, the first thought that comes to mind is, why did you marry her? People make this mistake all the time. You are supposed to love each other more than anybody else. That is a marriage made in heaven. What you seem to have is a marriage made in purgatory. She loves you, but you are wondering why you are there. The best thing you can do, for both of you, is get a divorce so she can find a man who really loves her. God, please, don’t have children in a loveless marriage.

My wife has a new assertiveness. How must I handle it?

Become submissive.

Could you lie to obscure the truth?

If you are obscuring the truth, it really isn’t the truth. So you have lied. It is either the truth or it isn’t. My favorite saying is, "It is what it is until it isn’t." This is a hard nut to crack. If you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings… you obscure the truth. You lie. The problem "lies" when they find out you lied to them.

“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

What problems do you have with your neighbors?

He has no social skills. Nuff said.

What are some ways to shift your mindset from seeing yourself as unlucky to recognizing your own strengths and resilience?

Make better choices and decisions. Being unlucky is your fault. If you make better choices and decisions it will help you to see your strengths and resilience.

What are some reasons why wives may feel unloved by their husbands?

He’s having an affair.

Is it right to talk to someone who has a partner?

As long as you don’t make a pass at them, it should be okay. Talking to people is a normal part of socializing. Some rules need to be followed, but socializing is the norm in today’s society.

Why don't you opt out of this world?

I've not learned enough. When I get old, my body will fail and I will die, to be reborn.

What factors contribute to a person's intelligence and potential? Can a person be intelligent but lack potential?

Desire and ability. They need desire and the ability to have the potential to succeed in life. Without “desire and ability” potential dies a painful death, whether you are “intelligent” or not.

“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

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

Questioning Religion, Failure, Karma, Science, Feelings, and Sayings

 

“For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can't readily accept the God formula, the big answers don't remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command nor faith a dictum. I am my own god. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us.”

-- Charles Bukowski

Why can't science become a religion?

It is, for a segment of atheists.

How can one determine if their soul belongs to God?

There is no determining. All souls belong to “God,” so He can do what is needed during life, and after death. 

What are some emotional needs that wives may have from their husbands?

Understanding.

The doctrine of Hell scares me so much and depresses me so many times that instead of drawing me nearer to God, it's driving me away. Why?

Good question. The one entity that can help you, you run away from. Makes no sense. It isn’t hard to be on the side of righteousness. Just be good. No one commands you to go to church. Believe in your own way. The only rule - is that you have to be good and selfless. It isn’t that hard, and it wasn’t supposed to be.

How do we extend human life?

Daily diet and exercise, and be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.

What does a machine need to feel like a human?

A brain.

“Humans were still not only the cheapest robots around, but also, for many tasks, the only robots that could do the job. They were self-reproducing robots too. They showed up and worked generation after generation; give them 3000 calories a day, and a few amenities, a little time off, and a strong jolt of fear, and you could work them at almost anything. Give them some ameliorative drugs and you had a working class, reified and coglike.”

-- Kim Stanley Robinson

Do you know most people fail not because of a lack of ability or intelligence but because of a lack of direction, dedication, and discipline? Astrology helps you to create an action plan.

Most people fail because life is a learning experience, If you don’t learn you need to work harder, just like in school. You really need to have direction, dedication, discipline, and the desire to succeed. It is life, and you are supposed to live it.

Is everyone saving nature?

Oh, hell no.

Why does nature add pleasure to procreation?

Because you are supposed to like to procreate. Really like it. Procreation is what keeps us going. Pleasure is our reward for getting down and “doing the nasty.” God bless nature!  

Why do some people choose to be failures in life?

They don’t understand why they are here. It would be better if everyone understood that they are here to learn as much as they can. You die and download everything you have learned. Then, you are reborn to do it all over again. In every rebirth, you come closer to nirvana, You will stop being reborn and live forever. Your “hard drive” is retired.

How can the soul of a person who does not believe in God or has never had a spiritual experience be described?

An atheist.

Why is my attitude in life always boring because I did everything?

For one thing, you haven’t done everything. So, your boredom is self-created. You need to get off your ass and find out what you haven’t done, which is a lot. You really aren’t all that.

“The certainty of life is beautiful, but the uncertainty of life is exciting and amazing. It is more exciting to live an uncertain life than it is to live a boring certain life.”

-- Debasish Mridha

Do you believe in karma?

Absolutely. But, don’t look for it to impact an asshole immediately. Karma works at its own pace.

What strategies can you implement to develop emotional awareness, to become a more resilient leader? 

You need to know the job better than everybody else. You need to be aware of problems before they occur and take the steps to head problems off before they become unmanageable problems. These are the traits that “upper management” is looking for in leadership. And, if you’re in politics, “upper management” are the people who vote you in. Politicians tend to forget this.

Would Plato put modern philosophers in a Boston crab and make them cry out for mommy, while Diogenes made fun of the clothes they wear? They don’t seem particularly creative or philosophical whatsoever. Are they stuck in the cave of their delusions?

Maybe... 2500 years ago. Remember, we have learned so much since that time, including their philosophy.

What is the definition of an argument? What are the different types of arguments? What makes an argument sound convincing?

The definition has to do with divergent opinions. An argument is an argument. Some are disagreements and others are heated. What makes the argument sound convincing is when one side voices the facts. An argument is only as good as the facts presented. Most arguments don’t rely on facts, more than stupidity. It is a “human” thing. 

Describe the importance of ethics in organizations. What are the central ideas to focus on?

You can answer the importance and the central idea of good “ethics” in one word: Honesty.

What skill did you learn from a teacher that positively impacted your life?

Understanding. You can go off the deep end or try to be understanding. One teacher in high school taught me the importance of being understanding. I took that “understanding” with me to the Air Force. It was credited with me being a good trainer, supervisor, and manager.

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

-- Marie Curie

Is science based on belief or evidence?

Science is based on evidence. But, the evidence is proved by dissecting beliefs.

What is the highest level of kindness you have ever seen in your life?

During the disaster of 9/11. Strangers comforting total strangers, and both were crying. The kindness during the NY disaster, between total strangers, was unbelievable. We should show that kind of caring always.

What's a recipe for food with children's teeth as the main ingredient?

That is sick.

What is the relationship between science and religion? Why do some scientists believe in God while others do not?

Science constantly proves the omnipotence of God. Atheists, however, see the facts in another way. 

Do you feel bad for being suck at math?

No. I excelled at so many other things. I served 23 years in the Air Force, and another 17 years as a corporate liaison and a manager for a multimillion-dollar corporation. My skills in higher math did not hold me back.

Is it possible to find happiness without religion, god, spirituality, etc.?

Of course. It is a choice.

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

Why do I get guilty feelings that I am feeling so great after distancing myself from my brothers and especially my father, despite the fact they are being disrespectful towards me?

Family is a difficult group to handle. They might mature, or they might not. Your guilt is probably the love you suppress.

When was the last time you beat your wife?

Contrary to what my ex-wife would say, the only time I hit her was when she hit me first. It was back in the 90s, I think. She would hit me and I would slap her. It wasn’t my finest moment, and I regretted it immediately after. It was a reflex response I have managed to control since. I almost crippled my hands by hitting cinderblock walls to prevent slapping her ever again.

I have been a longtime member of Quora, and have asked many intelligent and thoughtful questions, but no one has answered any of them yet. How can I get answers to them more easily?

Ask me a typical question you have asked.

How can you determine if someone is afraid of you? What could be the reason for their fear?

If someone is afraid of me, they are ignorant of my abilities. I am a lover, not a fighter. Your persona can put people off. If you sound angry or look angry, it can make people afraid to approach you. If you are always the “happy camper”, why would someone be afraid of you? I have been trained to kill, but most of my friends think I’m incapable of violence. I’m not incapable, I choose not to exercise my abilities. It is a choice, in a civilized society.

How do you respond to questions that were not directed towards you?

I don’t, at least not out loud. I keep my response to myself. 

Will good or evil win out in the end?

There must be balance in the universe, or there will be no winner. If evil wins, human life will cease to exist. If good wins, evil will continue to exist. There is no winner.

“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?”

-- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

There is this stupid, and I'm so angry a way I can't remember who wrote it, but if a woman wants to commit suicide she will aim at her heart, and if a man wants to he will aim at his head. Who is the idiot that said this?

Probably not an idiot. Most likely a mystery writer.

Is having a good vocabulary more important than being smart?

If you don’t have to communicate with other people what would be the point of not hiring the smart person? Being “smart” is why you were hired, not for your communication skills.

How would the world be different if everyone had a good vocabulary?

No, but the entire world would be speaking properly. A good thing that could from it.

What is the difference between the words "stupid" and "idiotic" and why do some people use one over the other?

Not much that I can tell. Both words are overused in society. The better address for them would be “ignorant.” Since the “stupid and the idiotic” can be trained to not be, they are “ignorant” of what they could know.

What is a suitable name for someone who lacks intelligence?

Ignorant.

In what ways can pleasure be a reason for living?

Pleasure is a choice, therefore, unless you choose to be a miserable person, pleasure is a great reason, and choice, for living life to its fullest.

"Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another."

-- Madonna Ciccone

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

Questioning Life, Morality, Learning, Conflict, Evil, and Purpose

 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

-- Dr. Seuss

What is the purpose of life according to God? Why do some people not follow or search for it?

The ultimate purpose of life is to learn. If people are searching for it, or not following it, then they have no clue. We are here to learn, period.

How much faith is too much faith?

You cannot have too much faith.

How do you handle doubt and uncertainty in your faith journey?

I have no doubt, and my “faith” journey is exactly that, based on my faith. My God is defined by me, not a church, or a priest. My God is who I defined God to be. God is the omnipotent energy that created this universe. I’m not sure who they chose to play God in Genesis, but that “God” made a lot of mistakes. My God is the perfect energy to create.

What influences your belief in God more, science or faith?

Both. My faith is supported by science. 

Why do some people lose hope and faith so easily?

They want instant assistance, Unfortunately, hope and faith are not instantaneous. They take time and hope, and a little faith, from the people who want it.

What happens when you decide to believe in yourself?

You have attained the next level of awareness.

“Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do. Don't let the limitations of others limit your vision. If you can remove your self-doubt and believe in yourself, you can achieve what you never thought possible.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Is it impossible for us humans to be moral without religion?

It is very possible to be moral without religion.

Do you believe taking on challenges is a universally satisfying experience for most people? Why or why not?

Yes, because we are here to learn. Challenges give us that impetus to do what we are here for.

What is the basis of morality, religion, or human nature?

Survival.

From a Christian viewpoint, why does evil exist?

There must be balance in the universe. If there is cold, there must be hot. If there is man, there must be woman. If there is dark, there must be light. If there is plenty, there is nil. If there is air, there is a vacuum. If there is good, there must be evil. Balance is needed so we can know what is the opposite.

Is the devil really good and God evil?

No.

What are some reasons why husbands should be more understanding than wives?

I can’t think of one reason. Women raise children, and that, in itself, explains why women are more understanding than men.

“Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.”

-- Aristotle

Life is boring. Can you prove me wrong? Just about everything I can do feels like I have already done it all, and everything bores me beyond belief because everything I have to do does not make sense, and makes me feel stupid to be apart of it.

Everything in my life has been for a reason. Every reason was a lesson. And, every lesson was an opportunity to learn. I have spent my life learning. As I approach the end of life, I can say it has been well spent. I have learned much, and still have much to learn. I have failed and I have succeeded. I have loved and divorced. Life is never boring for the person who chooses to walk the path. Life is as exciting as you choose it to be. Choose wisely, or be bored.

Does anything “make sense” to you, or is life senseless?

Many things make sense to me, including my divorce.

What is the process of proving that something does not belong to you when someone claims it does?

If it doesn’t belong to you, the impetus is on the accuser to prove their hypothesis. Personally, I would walk away from the drama someone wants to create. But, that’s just me.

What is the life expectancy of an 85-year-old male?

I’m spitballing, but I’d say… more than 85 years.

If a [user of this site] begins his, or her, answer to a question with the words, "there is no such thing as," could it mean the author of the question has a lack of knowledge, or is the author using terms incorrectly?

It could be. It could also mean the answer is going to be bullshit. Not everybody is knowledgeable of everything, and most people are ignorant. It is a fact of life that most people know very little other than what they need to know.

Would you rather have boredom or drama? Why?

Boredom. I am so sick of other people's drama. They need to get a job, a life, a new spouse, yadda, yadda, yadda…

"A TRUE FRIEND is someone who never gets tired of listening to your pointless dramas over and over again."

-- Lauren Conrad

 (Oh, hell no!)

How can you effectively resolve the conflict of ambition with contentment?

For one thing, my ambition, such as it was, was never in conflict with anything but me. I learned early on that I was my worst enemy. I learned to study, pay attention to the job, and be content. The only “peanut in the engine” was my wife, and I finally divorced her. Now, 23 years later, I continue to strive for true happiness, always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is my choice. I am a truly happy camper!

What is it from the past that remains as fresh as yesterday's memory?

My ex-wife.  All 25 years of her.

How can I stop being afraid of uncertainty? It's almost as if I would rather something bad happen than worrying about something bad happening.

Everybody is afraid of uncertainty. For 23 years, in Air Force Intelligence, I was scared shitless of our uncertainty. The only thing to do was plan the best you could and hope it was good enough. For 23 years we never had an issue.

What does it mean for God to be eternal, and how does this affect your view of time and existence?

God being eternal has nothing to do with time and existence. When we disappear, the world will carry on.

What does it mean to live a life that is pleasing to God?

Live a life that is good, selfless, and meaningful. My God will be pleased.

How does your understanding of God shape your view of purpose and meaning in life?

My “understanding” is my definition of the omnipotent creator of all things. I try to be good in all things and be selfless in my giving. My “understanding” of God has helped bring me closer to the power.

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

How do you define real spiritual evil with rejection of the concept of love?

I haven’t run into “real spiritual evil” yet. I’ve chased down shadow people, taken photos of spirits, and sent a young ghost on her way. But, I have not encountered real spiritual evil yet.

What is a time when you did something without thinking it through?

My marriage. 25 years of hell.

Do you care that people talk rude about you, when you live in a small town and is freeballing all the time? Are you tough enough to not care, and even have an answer ready if someone say you are vulgar?

I’m in a small town, but I’m not freeballing… ever. I’m tough enough to not care what people think of me, and if they say I’m vulgar, they really don’t know me. I don’t have a ready answer for them. Ignorance is their issue, not mine. I prefer to be truly happy always. 

How would you describe your spouse in one word?

Slut. She is my “ex” spouse. 

I am getting close to calling it “quits” with this life. What should I do?

Calling it quits with this life will negate you getting another chance. If your life is crap, you need to learn from it to make it better. Life is all about learning, and you must have missed that little fact.

What is the poison of happiness in this world?

Stress.

“You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.”

-- Steve Maraboli 

What is the purpose of life? Is there a specific purpose that we may not be aware of?

The purpose of life is to learn. People miss this little fact. Life is all about learning.

How do you explain that opinions and beliefs, color our message or response?

Not exercising an open mind is one mistake that will color the message or response. I try to keep an open mind, even when I have an opinion or belief. Having an open mind can help you change for the better.

How would I know if my wife has a spouse?

Uh… isn’t she married to you? Just asking.

What would happen to humans if artificial Intelligence (AI) takes over everything? Would they have a purpose or meaning in life after that point in time?

Would they have a life? Would AI make people slaves to the new regime? The “Terminator” movie comes to mind. Would people be superfluous?

Is studying necessary even if someone is naturally intelligent?

They still need to study, even if they’re naturally intelligent.

Let’s say your soul lives on after you die, the question is, would your soul have existed before you existed?

Probably. But it requires us to know if you are a new entity. You could be new and were just put into the mix. The chances are that you have no history. You never existed, until now.

“The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.”

-- Daniel Defoe

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