Questioning Realizations, Interviews, Philosophers, Wisdom, and Spiritual

“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.”

-- Marcus Aurelius

What are some of the most profound realizations you've had about yourself, during moments of solitude?

I’m fine. Taking everything that has happened to me in life, I’m fine. I smile at the realization. I have good friends, smoke excellent cigars, and drink the best bourbon. I’m not married, anymore, and I’m financially well off. I smile at that, also. But, the most important factor in my life… is that I’m fine. I’m still smiling.

Can souls exist without ever being in a human form?

According to religion, yes.

Why is it so hard to meet someone nice?

Maybe, you’re trying too hard to meet someone handsome and nice? How about meeting someone with a work ethic? Maybe, not so good-looking. Maybe, someone who is always nice, not just to impress. I’m not the best-looking guy, but I have dated my share of good-looking women, looking for the perfect man. My problem was that most of them were shallow. So, I started looking for a good friend, instead. We’re not married, but we’ve been “best friends” for over 20 years. Sometimes our “priorities” get the best of us.  

Reader comment: People are so foolish to think there is anyone “perfect “, it’s just ridiculous to me.

Another reader comment: Ok, I know your thoughts. 

What makes some wise and intelligent people avoid leadership positions?

Because wise and smart people avoid leadership positions. The intelligent grab the reins.

Which would you prefer: being a good leader without any friends or being a bad leader with many friends?

If I were a good leader, I would have many good friends. A bad leader would have bad friends. 

Why do good people choose bad leaders?

Ignorance. They don’t do their homework. They believe the press, which is dicey, at best.

“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”

-- Isaac Asimov

What was the shortest interview you’ve had that led to a job offer?

Corporate Liaison, when I retired from the Air Force. The VP looked at my resume and, then, he asked me if I would always agree with him. I told him that if we were in public, I would hold my tongue until we were in private. Then, I would chew his ass. He raised an eyebrow and hired me. He didn’t like ass-kissing people he couldn’t get honesty from. 

Why do people communicate?

To exchange information. 

How is being born with a lot of wisdom defined?

One in a million. “Born with wisdom” is nearly impossible, since wisdom is a learned trait. The only way I could see an infant would have wisdom is if they remembered the wisdom from their past life. One in a million.

 In a gay wedding, who walks down the aisle?

The bride. 

How is life different after you go golden at work?

Stress. Now you have to stay “golden” or suffer the consequences. It was a “label” I didn’t pay much attention to. In this way, if I lost the label, I wasn’t devastated. I simply worked on. As it worked out, I never lost the label… not that I cared.

How does a wise man become a leader?

Because his “wisdom” appeals to the people he represents. Gandhi is a perfect example.

“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

Who are some meaningless philosophers today?

I have to laugh! That would be me.

Why do less ambitious and educated people tend to find easier jobs and even keep it, but I, as well educated and ambitious, struggle?

You are applying for the wrong rung on the ladder. If the less ambitious and less educated are finding these jobs, why are you still applying for jobs at that level? They are looking for idiots they don’t have to pay a lot of money to have. Go up a couple of levels, and tell the people why you are there.

What do you think of the name Shiloh Levi Enos?

If the child is Jewish, it makes much sense.

My vision is to support humanity. We should, also, set their goals so that, because of hunger, they can be mischievous or have a bad personality. What is your view?

There will be mischievous people and people with bad personalities, regardless of your vision, plans, goals, or their hunger. It is an unplanned "balance" that the universe demands. It has little to do with you.

What does the understanding of something, give us?

Knowledge. We are here to learn.

What is the hardest truth about fitness?

It requires perseverance and hard work… if you plan to get anything out of it. If you do it occasionally, it will do nothing for you, except, maybe, give you a heart attack.

“Most people fail, not because of lack of desire, but, because of lack of commitment.”

-- Vince Lombardi

Does the wise man question everything?

Because they are wise, and wisdom questions what it doesn’t know. This is how one becomes wise.

What is madness?

A state of being mentally ill.

Is there a way to determine mankind's purpose in life, if there is one?

Learning. There is only one. Everything we are trained to do is learn and then to act. From the first steps we take we are learning the basics of life. We continue to learn until we die. Why? Because we are reborn and then continue our learning process.

Isn't it obvious that professional psychologists are trained pathological liars, and, that actually, it's their job to lie, all the time, about everything? Isn't "redirection" just lying and manipulation to control people, really?

You are seeing the wrong “professional” psychologists.

Is it true that good people work for evil?

 

If they do, they are ignorant to the evil, or they just don’t care, or they are forced. If it were me, I’d quit, even unto to death, before I did anything evil. It is a free choice. 

How do philosophers define the concept of freedom?

Try this:

"...the true definition of personal freedom is the liberty to devote oneself to what matters most."

-- Lars Svendsen

How do I become a perfect spiritual person?

Don’t strive for perfection. Nobody can attain that. Strive for excellence. This is a goal that many of us can attain. Be an “excellent” spiritual person.

What word or phrase do you repeat more than 3 times per day?

“Thank you!”

Doesn't reject the truth have some consequences that trigger the process of forgetting the truth in our minds and damage mental stability?

Rejecting the truth, like Kamala Harris, can damage mental stability. In time, you forget what the truth is. You tend to live a fairy book life, like Hillary Clinton, forgetting everything important to the people you want to lead.

Be honest! Do you love nature? A. Yes, B. No.

A. (I'm not sure why I couldn't just say "yes," to the question.)

What would you do if I guaranteed you that you will get what you desire if you face your biggest fear?

I’m 71 years old. My biggest fear is death, and I am forced to face it every day. What I desire you can’t deliver. Life and death are in the hands of the omniscient creator of all that is.

Is it just me, or is the internet becoming more and more toxic?

It’s not you.

"15 years ago, the internet was an escape from the real world. Now, the real world is an escape from the internet."

-- Noah Smith

What does a wise man do if nobody believes in him?

He smiles. It really doesn’t matter what others believe. The truth will eventually come out and the wise person will be vindicated. The wise person knows this.

What kind of woman is worthy enough to be the wise man's wife?

A wise woman.

How does a wise man prove himself to the world?

He doesn’t. A wise man is too wise to prove himself to anybody, especially the world. Wisdom is something one may teach. But, a wise person is humbled by so many things. Being wise is the epitome of humility. A wise person may smile, a knowing smile, just to let you know... they are aware.

Is it wise to call the wise man stupid?

Only if you’re an ignorant ass.

How does a wise man become a fool?

Too much of a good thing. For me, it would be bourbon. Truth be known, the wise are always under scrutiny by someone. This is why the wise person only cares what they know, not what others think of them.

Will God judge us based on our knowledge or the knowledge of the Bible?

God will judge us on how good we have been.

“The heart of the gospel is that Christ has come to save us from the judgment of God.”

-- Colin S. Smith

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