The meaning of life, for an Atheist July 30, 2007
Posted by Al in : personal , trackbackHere’s an article that embodies part of my view on my place in the universe, why I’m here and how I should live my life. I don’t live my life to please a god I cannot see, or experience in any other way; I don’t live my life according to some arbitrary rules laid down centuries ago by someone who didn’t have the breadth of knowledge, or education, available to the developed world; I don’t live my life to please members of the clergy, or other members of my belief.
Instead, I live my life in a way that allows me to feel happy; I live my life with consideration to others not because I may be punished by god, but because I respect other people and want them to have as happy a life as possible; I try to avoid hurting others in my life, but I don’t follow any commandments; I live my life without hate for others who don’t believe what I believe, and (hopefully) without condescension to those with beliefs I disagree with. I’d like to qualify that last statement, as I have knocked people with other beliefs before now, but I only knock those who are extreme in their beliefs and attempt to force their point of view on everybody – I have a lot of time for moderate Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Hare Krishna’s, etc., and if more people in this world were moderate in their views, and tolerant of other views, then there would be a lot less violence and antagonism in this world.
I don’t need a god to tell me what is right or wrong, and nor should anyone else. If you spend a little time thinking about your actions, and how they affect others, then what is right should become obvious. When I do something wrong, I feel guilt or shame, but only because I have let myself down, and maybe hurt or disappointed another – not because I am being judged by god. Conversely, when I do something to make someone else happy, or just manage to have another great day, then I feel happy and content.
We have very little time on this Earth, so why not try to enjoy your life as much as possible, and at the same time try to help others to enjoy their life as well. I’m certain this would lead to a much happier world than spending your life worrying about being judged, trying to follow abstract rules that may not bear any kind of relevance to today’s world, and hating those who believe otherwise. Try smiling as often as possible for an entire day, and see if you can make as many people as possible happy during that day, you’ll probably feel a lot better afterwards.
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