Questioning Truth, Poor, Happiness, Spanking, Hate, and Humility

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

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

What if you could only speak the truth for the rest of your life? How would your relationships change?

At the age of 70, I see no reason to lie. It is what it is.

What are some reasons people fail to achieve their goals, despite putting in effort? How can one prevent this from happening?

They aren’t educated, enough, to achieve their goals, regardless of their effort. To prevent this from happening, get educated about the goals you’d like to attain.

What if every human was born with one inherent skill or talent? What should it be?

Communication.

Are you afraid to get older? How does that fear impact the decisions that you make?

No. At 70 years of age, death does not scare me. I would prefer not to go. but it is the cycle of life. It only impacts the decisions for my kids and what happens when I pass, that’s it. There is no fear in it. Dad passed with his 4th stroke. Mom passed with a fraction of her mind intact. I will pass, God willing, fast and painlessly. But, it is what it is.

Why do people who have everything in life want more?

Greed.

Which is better, a truth that hurts or a lie?

The truth that hurts, is better than a lie. At least I know the truth.

“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”

-- Mark Twain

Am I evil if I think the poor should be sterilized?

It is kind of “Nazi” of you.

Why do I feel so stupid the second I get something wrong?

You aren’t stupid, you are ignorant. Learn what you got wrong and you won’t be so ignorant. It is a choice.

How can I tell my customers, "Thank you for your interest." Or, should I say, "Thank you for being interested."?

Do it with a smile, and either one works. You are being cordial by saying either one. 

What is a communication habit you’ve found most effective in resolving conflicts?

Ask all parties to explain their choice, and why it is right. Then, do what you think is right, which may not be any of the choices. It will end the conflict, though, and that would be the entire point of resolving.

Is it possible for God to have any regrets as a parent?

Too late. He already has regrets. Read “Genesis.”

I always expect too much from people in general. How do you only work on your goals and stay unaffected?

For one thing, “expecting” anything from someone else is asking for failure. The only person you can rely on is you. And even that can be dicey.

“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus."

-- Stephen W. Hawking

How do I fill my life with happiness?

Strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. If you do this simple thing, your life will change dramatically. It is a good choice you will make for your life and the lives around you.

Atheists, why are you so dumb?

Theists, why are you so dumb? Name-calling gives no one credit, especially name-callers.

The atheist in my class got a 14/88 on a math test. Why are atheists so dumb?

You will find that people, in general, are pretty ignorant. Neither atheists nor theists can prove their belief, so how intelligent is that?

Can worrying about other people's lives be a sign of low self-esteem?

No, it is a sign of selfless caring, not necessarily a sign of low self-esteem.

How can I set realistic fitness goals?

If you haven’t put your health in jeopardy, you have “realistic” fitness goals. However, “realistic” may not keep you fit. You should have goals that sinc to your age and abilities. A fitness trainer, or a book that addresses your age and fitness, is a good idea.

What's the purpose of feeling proud?

To boost the ego. However, according to the Bible, “pride” is looked down upon.

“All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.”

-- Sophocles

Do religious people spank their children?

Spare the rod, you spoil the child. Just saying.

How hard is it for you to keep yourself happy?

It's not that hard. The only time I had problems was when I was married. Before that, and since then, I have been a happy camper. I may get aggravated at drivers not paying attention, but, other than that…

What can you say about myself today?

You think that everybody knows you.

Do you think it's stupid to act stupid for the purpose of seeing someone's behavior towards you?

It’s pretty ignorant to act “stupid” just to see how someone treats you. If I showed you kindness and found out you were gaming me, I’d be pissed. Doing this "behavior" is a way to get no one to trust you.

How do you know when you’ve found ‘the right one’?

The “right one” what? You haven’t given us any context to “the right one.”

What percentage does the church you belong to compare to your "personal" relationship with God? Which one is greater and why?

I gave up “church” many years ago. I have adopted my definition of spirituality to take its place. God and I have a stronger relationship than we had before. Some say God gave up on man, and let man set his course. If this is true, I haven’t given up on God… not by a long shot.

“Spiritual pain is when you can’t stand another moment not knowing the real truth, and when you finally do know you can’t let go.”

-- Shannon I. Alder

What type of hate do you tolerate in your life?

I do not tolerate hate, not in my life or anybody else’s. Hate is contrary to understanding.

What opinion did you think was good and then changed over the days?

When I first joined the Air Force, I thought a new supervisor made much sense. Over time, however, my opinion changed. He didn’t know his nose from his asshole, and the rest of us could. The Intelligence commander replaced him… before we hurt him.

In general, do you agree with college professors whose cheating & plagiarism policies state that the 1st offense is an automatic "0" for the entire course?

Yes. Cheating and plagiarism should not be tolerated. I’d throw them out of the college.

How important is privacy for the creation of good ideas that help everyone, and don't involve self-mutilation?

“Good ideas” and “self-mutilation” are at opposite ends of the spectrum. "Privacy" might give you good ideas, but having a “team effort” can also help.

Why are people still following religions?

It is easier than striking out on your own.

Why did I exist in this world?

If you exist to your potential, you might be able to help us out. If not, I’m not sure why you’re here.

“Do not let the memories of your past, limit the potential of your future. There are no limits to what you can achieve on your journey through life, except in your mind.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

What's a way to say "I'm humble" without saying "I’m humble"?

Keep your head bowed, smile, and say nothing. Being humble is not something you need to explain.

Do you always make all your choices wisely, Sir?

At the ripe old age of 71, I hope I do. 

What is the purpose of having problems in our lives? Is it possible to live without them?

One needs to understand why we are here. We are here to learn. Our lives present problems that we need to solve. In solving problems, we learn, which is the basic reason for our existence. You can exist without problems, but you will not learn as much as your potential will allow.

What is something you can't replace, no matter what?

People. You can get another one, but it won’t be the same one you lost, no matter what.

Should you be construed as "old" at the age of 64?

Yeah, but not as old as 71. Age creeps up on you. At 71, I take a long walk at 3:00 in the morning. It keeps me limber and, hopefully, healthy. I expect to live into my 90s. 

What are the consequences for individuals who wish to be forgotten?

If they become hermits, they will be forgotten, as best we can.

“I've never stopped; I simply forgot that I love you. However, every time I look at you I'm reminded of how I can never stop loving you.”

-- Hafsa Shah

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