Fellow atheists, what morals/ethics etc do you live by?

Question

Too many people in this forum seem to think atheist have no basic morals (or whatever you want to call it). I have certain rules I abide by and they are very important to me.

Answer 1

My morals and ethics are governed by these phrases which may or may not have been religiously motivated, but are good ways to be whether you have beliefs or not.

1.To each his or her own

2.Live and let live

3.Treat others as you want to be treated

4.As much as you don't want people to do you ill is as much as you should avoid doing ill to others

5.Think before you speak

6.Sex is for pleasure.Love is for life.But loving sex can be pleasurable for life.

7.Children are our future.So be afraid.

8.The truth shall set you free.Until then, get back into my torture chamber.

9.Family values should mean that you value your own family and stay out of mine

10.Be charitable.Because one day you might need charity.

11.The Earth is your playground but you should still pick up your toys when you're done playing.

12.Work hard.Play hard.

13.Freedom is earned.So make sure to collect what you worked for.

Answer 2

Every usual moral but the fake one theists have: Getting brownie points for the "deed of the day" so as to get into Heaven. That's FAKE altruism. It's being good for the sake of being rewarded and not punished by an all-knowing God. Pathetic.

Answer 3

If you asked me why I don't believe that Lennie was the god-given savior of all mice and men, I might be inclined to tell you that the book was fiction. Now, when people ask me a question such as "What was the name of the guy the Romans made help Jesus carry his cross?", I would happily say "Oh that was Simon" and give the appropriate sources. On the contrary, if you told me I would burn for not believing that The Bible is the word of your god, I might say "Yeah, I rather think The Bible is fiction but thanks, k? Or if you said that the creation story was literal...I would look at you the same way as if you asked me what Jay Gatsby's mailing address is.

Answer 4

The Golden Rule.

It was "discovered" in almost every civilization in history. It doesn't require a devine inspiration. It is just good, solid, common sense that any sane human being is capable of.

Answer 5

I try to treat people they way they wish to be treated. The Golden Rule is a good jumping-off place, but I think it is necessary to empathize further and realize that treating others they way *we* want to be treated may be shortsighted. If you learn more about them, you can be more sure that you are making them happy by putting yourself aside and giving them what *they* need. My morals place myself last.

.

Answer 6

Well that's a bit "comfortable." What are your rules? Is it the Golden Rule " treat others as you would like to be treated " or something else? One has to look at ones motivations. Your perceptions are coloured by your preconceptions. Fake altruism like a religiopath isn't going to cut it here. This is the real world where there is no room for the pathetic apathy of allowing someone else decide what you can and can't do. Oh! Where did you come from? When did you start getting moral? Was it when you were suckling on your mother’s breast? Uh oh there's another breast beside this one that might taste better. Look! All the people are watching. Are you performing for them or for yourself? At least, according to some theists, you are unable to be a hypocrite. Trying is lying I have been told. Maybe the "Golden Rule" would be better stated as "others will treat you as you treat them." It may be some time before this occurs however are the alternatives beneficial or destructive? Being a sociopath and moulding yourself in the will of others is a sure way to come undone. You will be of no use to anyone if you are worn out by the whim of your fellow inhabitants. To "put oneself into another's shoes" is acceptable, for this simply requires a kindness of heart. Avarice, a deadly crime according to the triple impersonator, the bull, again should be for the well being of the most important one - you - you, yourself, for without you, there can be no sustenance of the down trodden and the weak. How can you suckle your young and indoctrinate them in your noble path without a place of rest, solitude, solace and peace. Okay, not quite avarice but without the irresponsibility of relying on others. There is no excuse for poorly managing what you, and you alone, albeit in co-operation with those around you, should be taking care of. Doing things for others to gain something tangible or otherwise for your self, is not a valuable deed for your well being. Whilst we may allow others to feel they are the winner in our interactions with them ultimately this surrendering to others is for ourselves. Allowing others to appease what they feel is their right will give us the respect we bestow upon them. All sing together now, as they did in 1967... Thank you Aretha. There can be no kind killing in Utopia. Be polite. It won't kill you. And forthrightness is not a crime however it is essential when confronting your self, and the only time you may tell the truth unless you are a drunk or a child. Now let's all sing together again as they did the year after the second great conflict... Thank you Bobby. Now merit, class or occupation what do they have to do with this discussion? Nothing, I may venture. Do we care for others before we care for them or vice versa - they care for us before we care for them? Uh oh I saw the curve of your form before you had an opportunity to know of my existence. Are there degrees of goodness for the "Golden Rule" or does lore allow interpretation... to suit your situation? You know. You know what I mean. Slow with the tongue and fast with the feet or can we be quick with our minds and strong with our step? Unrestrained abandon. A rush to our brain releasing us from our tethering or should it be denied us? Would we suppress it, to let it pass when we are disconnected from our exhilaration? A friend allows us to live - so love. Be careful how you use your gifts. They should not be squandered and toyed with; otherwise you will become the play thing rather than the player. The little ones require your every moment. Guide them and protect them for they will treat others the way you treat them. The truth they speak brings fear to the strongest of hearts. Castles and dynasties are made to be invaded and destroyed. Extend your generosity to those waiting for the scraps from your table. Love is a friend. It has no price. Keep order. Arrange your life and yours alone. Others can be left to attend to their own lives or request help. You may indicate the path you take. If they wish to take advantage of the opportunity afforded them, you may accept them and so be of assistance to them. There are many duties in life. First and foremost you owe a duty to look after your self. Give presents and nice things to yourself. Take a break or simply have time to your self to do what you need to do. Go on. You deserve it. Money may give more choices but peace is within so use money to achieve this goal not to define your position. There is always a choice. Exercise your choice... for you, your self.
Be spontaneous. Enjoy each moment. Avoid labels and pigeon holes for others and yourself. Take others behaviour at face value. Seek harmony. Be carefree when you can. Show gratitude. Be content. Be connected to others and the natural world. Smile when you can. Let things happen. Allow love to be extended to you and extend love to others.

Be.

Answer 7

The Golden rule here too. Also what's known as selfish altruism, in that I feel good when I can help make someone else feel good.

Answer 8

I reject Greed. That pretty much covers everything.

It does bother me that I live in a society that runs on greed...but what are ya going to do? These Christians are all ME ME ME ME all the time.

Answer 9

DO NOTHING TOO HURT OR HARM OTHER,S UNLESS YOU HAVE NO CHOICE \\ THE RULE OF 3 SERVE,S AS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THIS \\DO NOT TAKE WHAT IS NOT YOUR,S \\ HELP ALL YOU CAN TOO BECOME MORE THEN THEY ARE\AND TOO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION I AM NOT A ATHEISTS I AM WICCA

Answer 10

Treat people with respect and kindness. Do no harm. Break no laws. Be honest.

atheist