Atheism teaches man to endeavor constantly to better his own condition and that of all of his fellowmen, to make his children wiser and happier; it supplies the powerful urge to add something new to the knowledge of mankind. And all this, not in the vain hope of being rewarded in another world, but from a pure sense of duty as a citizen of nature, as a patriot of the planet on which he dwells. This is no cold and cheerless philosophy; it is an elevating and ennobling ideal which may console him in his afflictions and teach him how to live and how to die. It is a self-reliant philosophy that makes a man intellectually free, and this mental emancipation allows him to face the world without fear of ghosts and gods. It relates solely to facts, while theism resorts to opinions that are grounded only upon emotionalism. Joseph Lewis has well noted that, "Atheism does not believe that man's mission on earth is to love and glorify God, but it does believe in living this life so that when you pass on, the world will be better for your having lived - Dr. D.M. Brooks
RE:Atheism
by Seshadri on Sep 20, 2007 04:29 PM Permalink
So in effect, it is also a belief...
They path is to be chosen by the individual depending on his bent of mind...
Deriving from Lord Krishna's message - a true atheist has a detached mind, as he works on pure logic. So, the atheist too, albeit a different way, try to progress to be one with the "Para Brahmam"
RE:Atheism
by JGN on Sep 20, 2007 04:56 PM Permalink
Dear Seshadri,
It is not progressing with "Para Brahmam" but quest for knowledge based on science and technology.
Btw, pl tell me whether you can actually believe that some body sitting some where is controlling your thoughts and actions? I had travelled many times by Air and it is really a hopeless situation if something happens mid-air but never thought that an unknown power is protecting. I had always believed in the air-worthiness of the aircraft and skill of the pilot.
