Atheists and Agnostics: What gives your life meaning?

[BilliardsBall]

True. Given enough time all things will be lost and forgotten, but that's the way of life. We exist on the foundations our ancestors lay down for us, and their actions set us up for a brighter or darker future. Our actions have consequences here and now, and that is ultimately what matters to me. The fact that I will be forgotten some day doesn't really bother me. Nothing truly lasts, and that's ok. I exist now.

Love is eternal, souls are eternal.

 

[BilliardsBall]

Well, it is just possible that you will have a similar experience after death - at least that's what I expect.

If only we knew someone who died and rose, who could tell us!

 

[Altfish]

If only we knew someone who died and rose, who could tell us!

But we don't, so we are left with ambiguous scriptures that the clergy interpret to suit the current requirement.

 

[Notanumber]

I can think of one person from history that I would like to see rise again just long enough to tell all his followers to stop following his teachings.

If he did, the world would be a much better place for everyone.

Naming no names.

 

[viole]

Love is eternal, souls are eternal.

The only thing that appears eternal here is hope.

Ciao

- viole

 

[ChristineM]

Love is eternal, souls are eternal.

Love is of the mind, the mind ceases on death

What is a soul? What is eternal?

 

[joe1776]

Sorry, I just can't agree. Life is not just humans, and for me to ascribe a purpose of "moral improvement" to ferns and turtles just isn't working. This is the problem with thinking that humans are somehow "outside of nature," when, in my opinion, we are nothing of the kind. And we will, as all other life, continue to evolve -- in whatever direction -- until such time as there will be no more creatures that we today would recognize as "human" if we met one from the distant future.

I don't understand how you jumped to the conclusion that those of us who think of the human species of animal as different from ferns and turtles, are denying that we are a natural species. "Outside of nature" as you put it. Will you elaborate on that thought, please?

 

[SigurdReginson]

Love is eternal, souls are eternal.

That's a nice thought. I can't take nice thoughts at face value, though. My beliefs require real world evidence.

To me, love is a very temporary thing that goes away when I die, since everything about my life is temporary. That makes my life and what I do with it much more urgent and meaningful to me right now. Not only that, but I feel a much deeper connection to the world and all the wonderful things it has to offer. When tragedies happen, they feel more impactful. There are people I know who have died that are gone forever. Their memory lives through me, though, and I see the effects that their presence ripple through the world even today. To me, that's a truly bitter sweet, but beautiful thing; deffinitely in tune with the theme of life as a whole.

I can't speak for you or your beliefs, but when I did believe in an afterlife, I didn't put as much value on my life or the world for sure. I just thought I'd be happier after I died, and that this life was just a test. I just trusted that things would be alright some day, and didn't think any more deeply than that. It was a very unhealthy way for me to be, and I'm glad I left that way of thinking behind me. It hindered me and my growth as an individual for sure.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

I don't understand how you jumped to the conclusion that those of us who think of the human species of animal as different from ferns and turtles, are denying that we are a natural species. "Outside of nature" as you put it. Will you elaborate on that thought, please?

It's hard to know what you think, when you wrote "the purpose of life is moral progress." I don't hold ferns and turtles (both forms of life) to be on the "moral progress" path. It is that that I was responding to.

 

[joe1776]

It's hard to know what you think, when you wrote "the purpose of life is moral progress." I don't hold ferns and turtles (both forms of life) to be on the "moral progress" path. It is that that I was responding to.

I was responding to the OP which asked about the purpose of human life (not all forms of life). I replied that IMO the purpose of human life is moral progress.

However, atheists who sometimes object to using the word purpose could just as easily state that evolution has given our species a moral direction since moral progress seems to be aligned with survival.

 

[BilliardsBall]

That's a nice thought. I can't take nice thoughts at face value, though. My beliefs require real world evidence.

To me, love is a very temporary thing that goes away when I die, since everything about my life is temporary. That makes my life and what I do with it much more urgent and meaningful to me right now. Not only that, but I feel a much deeper connection to the world and all the wonderful things it has to offer. When tragedies happen, they feel more impactful. There are people I know who have died that are gone forever. Their memory lives through me, though, and I see the effects that their presence ripple through the world even today. To me, that's a truly bitter sweet, but beautiful thing; deffinitely in tune with the theme of life as a whole.

I can't speak for you or your beliefs, but when I did believe in an afterlife, I didn't put as much value on my life or the world for sure. I just thought I'd be happier after I died, and that this life was just a test. I just trusted that things would be alright some day, and didn't think any more deeply than that. It was a very unhealthy way for me to be, and I'm glad I left that way of thinking behind me. It hindered me and my growth as an individual for sure.

My beliefs likewise require real-world evidence. I have excellent reasons to trust Jesus for salvation.

 

[Mock Turtle]

There are some memorable atheists here –

The 50 Most Brilliant Atheists of All Time – Brainz

I think including Mick Jagger has lowered the tone a bit. Glad to have most of the others for company though.

 

[Kfox]

One thing I hear from some folks who are religious is that life without a god or spirituality has no meaning. Since leaving my faith, I've found this idea to ring very hollow. If anything, it's given me more appreciation and thirst for life. I realize not all atheists and agnostics feel this way. Some feel life is meaningless when met with the idea that in the end the universe may face a heat death anyway, despite our efforts. Still, we choose to plug along in life.

What gives your life meaning, enjoyment, or depth? Is it simple, complex, or just personal?

For me, I have many things I enjoy doing, but when all the fluff is scraped away, what's left is an insatiable curiosity for everything that exists in the world. I love learning, I love testing what I learn, and I love walking into new situations just to see what comes of it. I also love being a positive influence on the world. I value seeing a job well done, I value the wellbeing of people around me, and I want to see the world change in a positive way. Lastly, I just enjoy experiencing life; a simple walk in the woods does wonders for my psyche.

What about you folks?

The idea that this life is all there is, that there is no eternal life, gives me the focus, the desire, and the urgency to accomplish now before it’s too late; because if there is always a tomorrow, nothing will ever get done.

 

[Scoop]

Honestly, the things that give me meaning in life are almost creepily similar to yours, with an added love of epistemology.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

One thing I hear from some folks who are religious is that life without a god or spirituality has no meaning. Since leaving my faith, I've found this idea to ring very hollow. If anything, it's given me more appreciation and thirst for life. I realize not all atheists and agnostics feel this way. Some feel life is meaningless when met with the idea that in the end the universe may face a heat death anyway, despite our efforts. Still, we choose to plug along in life.

What gives your life meaning, enjoyment, or depth? Is it simple, complex, or just personal?

For me, I have many things I enjoy doing, but when all the fluff is scraped away, what's left is an insatiable curiosity for everything that exists in the world. I love learning, I love testing what I learn, and I love walking into new situations just to see what comes of it. I also love being a positive influence on the world. I value seeing a job well done, I value the wellbeing of people around me, and I want to see the world change in a positive way. Lastly, I just enjoy experiencing life; a simple walk in the woods does wonders for my psyche.

What about you folks?

Overall that I everyday have to cope with that a part of my brain is crazy. That is a problem and then add that I live in a culture where rationality is in effect worshiped as a kind of in effect deity.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I don't hold ferns and turtles (both forms of life) to be on the "moral progress" path.

Morals are created and changed by societies. At one time burning the witches, stoning an adulterer, or being an LGBTQ was Moral.

I have excellent reasons to trust Jesus for salvation.

Trust or belief are completely personal. I do not even trust Jesus to be a 100% historical personage. He was Paul's creation.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Morals are created and changed by societies. At one time burning the witches, stoning an adulterer, or being an LGBTQ was Moral.

That applies to all world views including yours and mine too. So religion is neither objectively right or wrong. The same with science or philosophy. All assessment for what matter are in effect tied to what is good and bad.

 

[Aupmanyav]

So religion is neither objectively right or wrong. The same with science or philosophy.

Religion, philosophy or science have nothing to do with morals. That is totally in the sphere of society. Religions are plagiarists w.r.t. morals and ethics.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Religion, philosophy or science have nothing to do with morals. That is totally in the sphere of society. Religions are plagiarists w.r.t. morals and ethics.

That is philosophy.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Well, however you take it. My religion says "Follow your dharma". But 'dharma' is decided by one's society. My 'dharma' may be different from that of people from other regions of India. I am a Kashmiri brahmin. We have no problem with non-veg. We offer meat to Shiva and Mother Goddess (Jwala) in our rituals. Many brahmins from other regions may be vegetarians. Our 'dharmas', parampara (tradition) are different.