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jamesqThe first thing to know is that I don't believe in any sort of higher power, nor do I believe in anything supernatural. Things are not pre-ordained and we don't have gods/spirits/fate looking out for us.
I don't say this to be contrary or difficult. I say it because I am simply not wired to believe in things without evidence. I recognize that makes me different from the vast majority of people, including people I know personally. When I hear people make baseless assertions, I'm likely to ask "why" at best or say "no" at worst (or "hell no").
I get shit for this - I've gotten shit for this recently - but it's not likely to change.
Believe me, I'd like nothing better then to sincerely believe that the invisible sky wizard is looking out for me, or that misery in this life will be rewarded with an eternal paradise in the next life. But I can't believe that. I can't believe it because there is no evidence for it. It's not something I can simply switch on or off. It's like being gay and being told to just be straight. You might be able to fake it (and make yourself more miserable as a result), but you'll never really truly believe it.
So what are my beliefs? I guess you could say I'm a pessimistic Secular Humanist. I believe that they only thing that is going to make life better for people in the here-and-now is to actually do things to actively improve the here-and-now. Wishing doesn't do it. Praying doesn't do it. Only actual concrete action has ever improved things, and it's the only thing that ever will.
In short, the only meaning in life is what we impose on it. It's the duty of humanity to beat some sense into the world - to make the randomness worth something by imposing order and improving things for everyone.
I'm pessimistic about it because I think people are, by-and-large, greedy, tribal-oriented, short-sighted chimpanzees. That we've accomplished anything at all is a testament to human achievement in the face of our own instincts. I'm glad we've accomplished what we have but I also recognize that the heights we've reached mean we risk a great great fall. Humanity will always have to work, and work hard, to retain what we've achieved. And there are a lot of shit-flinging baboons out there who want to tear it all down.
On a personal level, I try to make things better for the people around me in small ways. I'll surprise people with gifts, or do favors. I try to do these things in ways that don't make them feel obligated to pay me back (anonymity can be fun). It makes me feel good to do these things, plus it makes the world a marginally better place. It might not be in the same league as volunteering at a homeless shelter, but at least it's something.
I might not have a starring role in the great movie of life, but I can at least pull off a decent and memorable supporting role.
I don't say this to be contrary or difficult. I say it because I am simply not wired to believe in things without evidence. I recognize that makes me different from the vast majority of people, including people I know personally. When I hear people make baseless assertions, I'm likely to ask "why" at best or say "no" at worst (or "hell no").
I get shit for this - I've gotten shit for this recently - but it's not likely to change.
Believe me, I'd like nothing better then to sincerely believe that the invisible sky wizard is looking out for me, or that misery in this life will be rewarded with an eternal paradise in the next life. But I can't believe that. I can't believe it because there is no evidence for it. It's not something I can simply switch on or off. It's like being gay and being told to just be straight. You might be able to fake it (and make yourself more miserable as a result), but you'll never really truly believe it.
So what are my beliefs? I guess you could say I'm a pessimistic Secular Humanist. I believe that they only thing that is going to make life better for people in the here-and-now is to actually do things to actively improve the here-and-now. Wishing doesn't do it. Praying doesn't do it. Only actual concrete action has ever improved things, and it's the only thing that ever will.
In short, the only meaning in life is what we impose on it. It's the duty of humanity to beat some sense into the world - to make the randomness worth something by imposing order and improving things for everyone.
I'm pessimistic about it because I think people are, by-and-large, greedy, tribal-oriented, short-sighted chimpanzees. That we've accomplished anything at all is a testament to human achievement in the face of our own instincts. I'm glad we've accomplished what we have but I also recognize that the heights we've reached mean we risk a great great fall. Humanity will always have to work, and work hard, to retain what we've achieved. And there are a lot of shit-flinging baboons out there who want to tear it all down.
On a personal level, I try to make things better for the people around me in small ways. I'll surprise people with gifts, or do favors. I try to do these things in ways that don't make them feel obligated to pay me back (anonymity can be fun). It makes me feel good to do these things, plus it makes the world a marginally better place. It might not be in the same league as volunteering at a homeless shelter, but at least it's something.
I might not have a starring role in the great movie of life, but I can at least pull off a decent and memorable supporting role.
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Date: 2010-09-09 10:42 pm (UTC)Nope. I'm real happy with the realisation that this is all random chance and essentially meaningless. It ain't personal.