Questioning Conscious, Better, Toxic, Discipline, Reasons, and Buddha

 

"The power of conscious thought – the ability to rationalize – misleads us into thinking we are primary logical entities, when we live most of our lives by unconsciously scanning external stimuli and reacting to events in real-time without conscious reflection."

-- Kilroy J. Oldster

What is the importance of being "conscious" while working, thinking, or learning?

This is a bit silly, but… If you are unconscious you will have no idea of what you are supposed to be doing. I mean, you are unconscious. Out… like a light, in the dark. Or, am I not understanding the question?

How do I respect silence?

Don’t make a sound.

How important is failure in the process of achieving success? Why?

Failure tells you how you went wrong. Try again, and again, and again, until you succeed. This is how failure is the process of achieving success. If you quit, you will known by it.

Can you sell your soul to stop or put an end to AI? If so, how?

No. AI is a lesson we need to learn. God help us…

What are your thoughts on the “Romanticize Your Life” movement?

Being 71 years old, I live. Living is the best we can do at this point in our lives. Being part of a “movement” is a waste of what time I have left. I strive to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances.

How can someone effectively communicate their future plans if they are unsure of what they want to do?

Of course. They are plans. Plans can change.

“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”

-- Dwight D. Eisenhower

What is the meaning of the phrase "moving on up"?

Doing better.

Is it possible to use the phrase, "I think," excessively?

Yes. Sooner or later you have to know… something. You can think yourself to death.

What does an 80-year-old look like?

I’ll tell you in 9 more years.

Are all Americans human?

Yes, unless you’re not.

Which is right, live for me or live for others?

It depends on whether you are selfish.

Does everyone here get stupid questions, or is it just me?

They aren’t stupid. They are probably ignorant. 

“If you ask a stupid question, you may feel stupid; if you don't ask a stupid question, you remain stupid.”

-- Tony Rothman

 What makes a workplace toxic versus merely unpleasant?

Co-workers constantly farting is unpleasant. The supervisor constantly grabbing your ass, when no one is looking, is toxic. If she’s pretty, though, I wouldn’t mind so much.

Why do we all think it is going to be a good year without planning for it?

Define “all” in your question. For me, every day is a mystery. I can make the best plans and wait to see if someone craps on it, which doesn’t happen that often. I am a realist, and in reality, the best plans can go south pretty quickly. You can laugh and move on down the road. Or, you can cry about it. I smile, shake my head, and try to salvage what I can. I try to start over. It doesn’t make life difficult, it is what it is.

Why is time you are most important access?

If I understand your question, early in the morning.

What is true happiness all about?

I have strived to be truly happy always, and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. I have maintained this attitude for about twenty years. I have found it is so easy to put all the "drama" behind you. Just don't buy into it.

Why is it so easy for some people to judge and always assume your intentions?

Because they think they can, but they are usually wrong. 

Is your contempt for, or questioning the need for money, the result of wanting things for nothing on your part?

At 71 years of age, I need nothing but the necessities of life. I bought drinks at the bar last night. This is how I enjoy my time. This is an ignorant question.

“If you don't know what you want, you'll never find it. If you don't know what you deserve, you'll always settle for less. You will wander aimlessly, uncomfortably numb in your comfort zone, wondering how life has ended up here. Life starts now, live, love, laugh, and let your light shine!”

-- Rob Liano

Do you believe in the importance of discipline?

Discipline prevents us from doing stupid things in life.

What life will make you happy?

I am happy with what I have done in life. If I find I have missed something, there is the next life.

Why do I get zero reactions or concerns from people, but they expect me to always be concerned for them and to react to them?

Ignore them. They are selfish.

What makes anyone claim that you'd have to be prey to say that life doesn't have to be a competition?

Life isn’t a competition. You live life and do your best. If people want to compete with you, that is their game. I have done my best and ignored people who want to compete with me. I have failed and I have succeeded. It was all about how hard I tried and what I knew. I helped others along the way, and they did better than I did. It is what it is.

How do I answer this question, "Describe an unusual talent/skill you have."?

Do you have an unusual talent or skill? If you do, then list it.

How do I make sure a hyperfixation doesn’t become an obsession?

Too late. Now you have to make the hyperfixation go away. Once you have it under control, it won't be an obsession. The problem is you are hooked.  The solution is not to be hooked. Good luck. I would be looking for a psychologist who can help you.

“We are what we pay attention to, and almost nothing influences our productivity and creativity as much as the information we’ve consumed in the past.”

-- Chris Bailey

When you are going through a difficult period and someone says to you, "There is a reason for everything." How does that make you feel?

Bullshit. There is a reason for everything… if you agree to it. Most reasons are bullshit. If someone tells you there is a reason, they should be able to explain to you how this reason works. If the reason makes no sense, then you have reason to fight their “bullshit” reason. Most “reasons” need to be picked apart.

If a robot was asked about its life path, what would its response be?

"It is what it is.”

I have asked a question about overcoming adversity. Would you like to answer it?

Adversity is life teaching you lessons. When you overcome, you have learned the lesson. Life is a classroom. If you don’t understand this, then you will probably fail.

What is my daily routine in about 300 words?

What would I know of your daily routine?

Can obsession with making everything perfect lead to dissatisfaction with the way things are?

It is what it is. Obsession makes everything… well, like drama. It is what it is… unless you can make it change. If you can’t, then… it is what it is. Instead of obsessing about things that can’t be, maybe you should find a way to work the problem so the people involved can live with your solution. 

How do you know you are right?

I try. But, in reality, it is a crapshoot. Life likes to teach us lessons.

“The more a person needs to be right, the less certain he is.”

-- Meir Ezra

Is Buddha a UFO alien from Pluto? Why do people follow UFO Buddha?

People are ignorant.

Will I be alive when I wake up tomorrow?

Focus on waking up tomorrow. You have answered your question.

 Are there infinitely bigger levels than those burning for eternity?

Yes. But, we are not ready to tackle those “bigger levels” yet, much yet the levels burning for eternity.

Why do people pray if they believe in God and heaven?

They are ecstatically happy.

Is happiness or fame more important? Why? Does it depend on the circumstances?

“Circumstances” are only for those who have not lived a full life… or for those who have learned better. Happiness, speaking as a 71-year-old, is far more important than fame.

How come we know the past? Why do we not know the future?

The past is written. The future is what we make it.

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”

-- Albert Einstein

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