Questioning Choices, Understanding, Self-Control, Civilization, Death, and Unusual

 

“Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.”

-- Ralph Ellison

Do you think the things that happen in your life are within your control and influenced by your choices? See answer.

Things that happen in my life, are influenced by my choices, but they may not be within my control. 

Is happiness an end in itself or just a side effect of other actions?

It depends on if you have defined “happiness” as a basis for your life. I always strive to be truly happy, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice I have made for my life.

Do you believe success is more about luck or hard work? Why do you think so?

“Luck” hits and misses in life. Hard work, on the other hand, can guarantee success. It is a choice.

Why do we remember some seemingly insignificant events, but forget important moments?

Who do you mean, “WE”? Many of us don’t forget much. I remember a trip to grandma’s at 3 years of age. My memory is fairly complete… unless I drink too much bourbon. I rarely forget important moments in my life.

How do you consider creativity?

Creativity has brought us to this point in history. Everything we do has roots in creativity. The fact that you want us to “consider,” is a fashion of creativity.

A friend called me a "runner through water." He said this when he was referring to me trying to make my teacher fall in love with me and trying to reach my goal of being a doctor. What did he mean?

He doesn’t understand your goals. Continue to reach for the golden ring.

“Be grateful for what you already have while you pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with more.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

How do you open people’s eyes that capitalists that have no regard to morals, ethics, social order, human qualities or environment are willing to sacrifice all this for generating profit?

You have a very narrow understanding of most capitalists, especially regarding sacrifice.

Why should you not celebrate witnessing karma? Schadenfreude?

You should leave problems in life in the hands of karma. You don’t need to dirty your hands with retribution. Celebrating “karma” would be celebrating the retribution. Let karma do its work, and feel sorry for the target. They don’t have a clue.

What would you do differently if you were sure that your current life influences your next existence?

Be very good in life. Be selfless in all I do, especially when it comes to helping others.

Do you live your life based on the rules you've been taught or is there some other form of guidance you use to provide direction and purpose for yourself? In either case, what is a short history of how you found the guidance you have?

My mother was a good teacher. What I didn’t learn from her, I learned from the Air Force and my personal life. The common trait in all of this is learning. I saw, I questioned, and I learned. If I failed, I tried again and again, until I succeeded or understood that it wasn’t to be. “Understanding” was also a lesson in learning.

Do you see that nothing is changing unless something motivates it to change?

Change is always “motivated” by something. 

How do you balance pursuing your passions with the responsibilities of everyday life?

You don’t. Responsibilities come first, like education. Then you can work on your passions. Responsibilities are the foundation for everything that comes after. If you don’t deal with your responsibilities, you won’t be able to focus on your passions. 

"Education is the foundation upon which we build our future."

-- Christine Gregoire

Is self-control a sign of being wise and frugal?

It is a big sign, but, now you need to work on being wise and frugal.

Is the saying, "If you stop chasing after anything, then everything will be yours," true? Why or why not?

Only if you’re a follower of philosophy. If you stop chasing anything you can focus on being truly happy. Strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. It is a choice.

Do you prefer to be rich or poor?

I prefer to be like I am. Not rich, nor poor, but truly happy in my circumstances.

How do you know if you are really being fully honest with yourself about your current lifestyle?

My “lifestyle” is my life. I don’t have a style, I just live. If people want to call it my “style” it is up to them. As for being “fully honest” with myself, I don’t have a style. I have to laugh at this. It would take so much of my time to make me fit into a style, I just prefer to be me.

Is the truth better than lies?

The truth can hurt, but it is still better than lies.

How do you recognize that your journey is unique to you?

I’m the only one on it. If another person were going through the same stuff, it would be their journey, not mine. The way we process the information is unique to each person. One could fail while the other could succeed. Our journey is ours to own.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.”

-- Heraclitus

Is civilization an accidental byproduct of the human struggle for survival?

No. People live by laws that help them to survive. It can still be a struggle, but it’s not accidental.

What is some advice for someone who believes in other lives and feels unable to continue this one due to a lack of joy and purpose?

"Joy and purpose" are your responsibility. If you have none, joy and purpose, you aren’t doing your job. You need to change your journey. Find your joy, and then find your purpose. I strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is my choice. It is not a hard road to travel.

Is it true that time is a thief?

Yes, and we help the thief to steal from us. If we plan our day, the thief won’t be able to make a living.

How do I stop lying so much? I automatically lie in situations to stop others from worrying about me and people, but I feel guilty afterward.

So stop lying. Life is a bitch, and people need to recognize this so they can plan better. Let people worry so they can learn to fend for themselves. You can’t be the grownup all the time for all the people. Let them learn to swim in the ocean of life.

I want to die 3 times. How many times do you want to die?

I’m certain I will die more times than that. We will live many lives, and learn many things before we can rest.

What is your own philosophical idea?

Live to learn.

“Study hard, what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent, and original manner possible.”

-- Richard Feynmann

What could you do if there is no death?

Live forever. There is little wiggle room for anything else. Make the best of it.

What are some characteristics of an old soul? How can one differentiate between having an old soul and simply being wise beyond their years?

If you have been reborn, you might have brought what you learned to the new life. If so, you could be a child with an old soul. Because of the chance of being reborn, it can be difficult to differentiate between an “old soul” and being “wise beyond years.”

You find yourself in a dream. What do you do?

Survive.

How did you know if your existence is worthwhile?

If you have been selflessly helping others to succeed then, your life has been worthwhile. If you have been selfish in your life, it hasn’t been. Be truly happy in your life, selflessly helping others, and your existence will have been worthwhile.

If humans evolved, why do we have souls?

Everything living has a soul. Our souls have evolved with us.

Why is there existence and not non-existence?

There is both, existence and non-existence. If you live, you physically exist. If you die, you don’t. This a pretty simple concept. It is, or it isn’t.

“If you can see something, and it is wrong, you can fight it with a reasonable chance of success. Fighting the nonexistent is worse than pointless: Don Quixote tilted at windmills, but at least windmills are real.”

-- Mike Klepper

Is it better to be unusual or normal and ordinary?

It is better to be unusual and normal. Being just unusual can get you locked up.

Why should anyone care about an atheist's belief in the existence of a god?

They shouldn’t, any more than anyone should care about a theist belief. Have your beliefs, and keep them to yourself. This argument about the existence of God is pointless. Neither side has any proof to bolster their argument. Without proof, both sides should be quiet lest they sound stupid. Oh, I’m sorry. Both sides have already sounded stupid… and continue to be so.

Why doesn't life constantly improve with the invention of new technologies?

It does… if the new technology improves life.

How do atheists define the concept of a god? Is it important for someone to believe in something that may not exist but brings them comfort and hope?

Neither side has any proof for their argument. Until they have some incontrovertible proof, both sides should shut up about it, instead of sounding like idiots to everyone else.

How can someone effectively get rid of someone who is constantly bothering them but is not considered a stalker?

File a “no-contact order” with the court.

What steps can we take to create a peaceful life for ourselves? What are the essential elements of a peaceful and happy life?

It is a choice you need to make. Remove all “drama” from your life. Strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. If people bring you drama, tell them to take it somewhere else.

“Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain.”

-- Thomas Hardy

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