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Question 48

Atheists lack belief in the supernatural, but what are the ideals :of your atheist life? What is the meaning of existence to you?

• I don't follow any rigidly defined set of ideals such as Communism or Objectivism, I just go with what seems right to me, making it up as I go along. I suppose Secular Humanism is a reasonably close match for my views.

  >What is the meaning of existence to you?

  Existence doesn't have or need a meaning. (Niall McAuley #36)

• The "meaning" I have decided upon is to have a life that is pleasant and happy for me without causing undue pain to others. Relax, have fun, enjoy love and learning -- that kind of stuff. (Mindflayer #696)

• To live as long as possible, to take pleasure in life, to enjoy the company of my fellow travelers, to learn as much as possible, to create, to help out others when possible, to treat other humans as I would wish to be treated, to live and let live. (Randy #)

• Ideals? There are none. The purpose of life is to live it. Nothing else. ( Blackguard #869)

• I'm curious, Mickey: who asked this question? Was it a theist or an atheist?

  >Atheist<

  The reason I'm asking is because, to me, it sounds like such a theist- like question. I mean, why the fuck does existence have to have any meaning attached to it? Why can't things simply exist because the alternative, to not exist, is meaningLESS.

  In other words, the 'meaning' of existence is simply 'to exist'.

  For me, simply existing, being alive and self-aware, is meaningful enough in and of itself. There's no special meaning to existence IMO.

  And I don't know about anyone else, but since I obviously *do* exist, I'm going to enjoy my existence the best I can while I have it! :) ("Fish" -David B. Trout- #623)

• I would agree with the majority of posters to this thread. I don't feel that life has a meaning. I think that a specific person's exixtence is just a random chance. Where were you before you were born? I think you probably end up in the same (non)place after you die. It can be scary to contemplate at times, but I've come to accept it as the only thing that fits available evidence. In fact, in a strange sort of way, it is an almost comforting thought. I find the traditional depiction of Xtian heaven to be repugnant. Why would I want to spend eternity stroking the ego of Gawd? (Alan A. Hobson #1608)

• Excellent question. The ideals of my life are to live and see others live as well and as happy as they can. I feel it is important for all of us to work together to make society a worthwhile place, and to make life as wonderful as it can be. It is to help others and to be helped by others. To be there for you brother, sister, friend, neighbor in times of trouble as well as happiness, and to make this life the best that it can be. Basically the ideal I seek in life is to find harmony and peace. (Chani #1118)

• My ideals? To love and provide for my family. To help the children to grow up to be productive members of society. To treat others as they indicate they want to be treated.(if someone acts like an idiot, who am I to change them?). To do my job to the best of my ability. To be honest in my dealings with all.

  Do I live up to my ideals? No. But I try.

  The meaning of existance? To let my genes propagate? To help others when I can. I find that gives me great pleasure and meaning. (Dick Craven #1349)

• Well, I'm not sure what you mean by an atheistic life. However, I see life and existence being completely meaningless. As a sentient being, I most therefore impose my will upon existence and forge it into something useful. I do this by seeking challenge, by pushing myself past my own limits, and hopefully by making existence more bearable for myself and for my fellow humans. (Todd Adamson #1114)

• I would describe myself as a secular humanist. I don't think "existence" has any meaning. I find meaning in my own life in lots of ways. I find it in relationships with family and friends and in (many of) the interactions I have with society as a whole. I find it in the joys of creativity, the satisfactions of productive work, the pleasures of sensual gratification, and the challenges of intellectual pursuits of all kinds. I find it in the appreciation of the world around me and of the beauty created by other human beings. I find it in all sorts of ways that are made no less valid or less rewarding by the absence of a belief in a deity. All of these things make my life meaningful. (George Ricker #146)