Atheists: What is the most important thing you have learned in life?

Question

...and what has it led you to do to benefit your fellow creatures? Has it strengthened your loving kindness?

I direct this towards you as a type of poll.

Answer 1

That dogmatic certainty can be dangerous.

Even if it can be seriously comforting to think you are absolutely in the right.
(I've been there).

My message to me:
Listen to other people: they might just have a glimmer of something you've overlooked or have never come across.
Many of them will be mistaken, or worse, but no one's ever said you're occupying the pinnacle of wisdom.

Answer 2

It has shown me that life is short and fleeting and I shouldnt waste my time worshiping some delusion. I would rather see life as the precious and rare thing as it is and be grateful that I get to experience it. It sure has strengthened my kindness because I know that life is hard so if I can improve the world with critical thinking and logic, then we can look towards a fruitful future

Answer 3

Empathy. It's lead me to stop traffic for a family of ducks, help a blind man across a busy street, cook some good meals for the homeless folks living in my apartment stairwell, give a few bucks to the legless vet who panhandles on the corner, rescue a Western Grebe and a handful of seagulls from a sure death, and to do my best to be an all around decent guy.

It makes life a more pleasant endeavor and I have it all without fear of hellfire.

Answer 4

I have learned that benefitting fellow creatures, and displaying loving kindness is completely arbitrary. There is no actual reason to default to benevolence. It is only personal preference. So, all you creatures are lucky I'm in a good mood, and I care if you have a thorn in your paw because of my inborn empathy.

Answer 5

There are some times in life when you have no one to depend on but yourself. Everyone you know (including your imaginary friend Jesus) will eventually let you down. It is important to have a good relationship with yourself and learn how to trust yourself and your own judgment. Otherwise, you may find yourself in desperation wondering why you're stuck in a situation with no outside help.

Answer 6

Treat others as you would like to be treated, be honest, kind, compassionate, funny, playful, and if it doesn't hurt you or anyone else, it oughtn't be prohibited.

I take care of my son, I donate clothes to the needy, I visit my mother when she loses a friend, and yes, I think it has strengthened my loving kindness.

Answer 7

Enjoy each day to its fullest; tell your loved ones you love them everyday; never go to bed angry; if someone only brings drama to your life, consider improving your life by removing them from it (I have had to do that a time or two); pets are great for drying tears and calming you down; no matter how bad today seems, there is a better day coming.

Answer 8

Can I answer this as an agnostic? The most important thing I have learned in life is to have compassion and empathy and to be kind and thoughtful.

Answer 9

3/29/2006 8:59:00 PM
Jewish adviser becomes Bush chief of staff
by Matthew E. Berger
JTA News and Features


".. Josh Bolten became a member of President George W. Bush's Cabinet in the summer of 2003, he was asked to lead the president and the Cabinet in prayer while the Christians clean the toilets. He chose to pray in Hebrew, a sign of his strong Jewish identity.

Bolton the Jew succeeds Andrew Card. The move comes amid Fox News calling Bush an Idiot.

Before this, he served as director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, advising Bush that loan to Israel should be Chrismas gift..."

www.washingtonjewishweek.com

White/black Christians that support Bush jumping off bridges in disgraced!!! = No more Christians waving bible with Bush

HAHAHA!! guest I am laughing while you clean the toilet with a US flag/ Bible in the White House

Answer 10

How to drive after a few drinks. It has most definitely benefited my fellow man.