How do you answer...?

[_C r y s t a l_RB]

Levis Pennae

The reason I'm nice is because I believe the only thing that goes on is what you did while you were alive, and I'd rather not be remembered for being a p***k.

Pricks do make it into the history books though. I guess if you're trying to make sure people remember you when you're gone, not saying you are or anything, then it sure would be easier to be an a*****e like Hitler or Osama. To do good and be remembered, you have to do a great deal of good. Normies like us don't impact the world very often. Sad.  

[Levis Pennae]

I don't want to be remembered by everyone.  

[_C r y s t a l_RB]

Levis Pennae

I don't want to be remembered by everyone.

I figured. Which was also why I put the following bolded part in there.

"I guess if you're trying to make sure people remember you when you're gone, not saying you are or anything, then it sure would be easier to be an a*****e like Hitler or Osama."

Silly goose. whee  

[Levis Pennae]

O, sorry sweatdrop  

[Levis Pennae]

O, sorry sweatdrop  

[sora987]

Why be nice to others? For me it's more of a survival thing. If something terrible were to happen to you, like having your home and belongings destroyed by a tornadoe, it would make things a little easier if you had friends who know you as a nice person and are willing to help you get back on your feet. If your a total jerk, you may end up pretty much on your own. Also, a person you may be nice to may end up being someone who can help you reach your goals, like vouching for you to get the job you want. This won't won't happen if your an a*****e.  

[CaprinaePsi]

That's a good question. Why should I bother being nice? Especially if I won't be punished for it in a afterlife? Because people do have emotions and are able to feel pain. I'm not a nihilist, I believe most of the things my senses tell me to be real. I know I'm not the only conscious being. I know what it feels like to be hurt, to feel pain, to be happy, etc.

In short, I'm not an unempathetic (I don't think that's an actual word, but I can't find a word to use) S.O.B.

Plus, if something bad happens to me, I'd rather that the people around me care (but that's just a bonus).  

[JadeDragonSoul]

There is a great section in The God Delusion on the topic of atheists and morality. (I really need to start taking notes on this book) If I didn't have to go to bed and wake up in six hours I'd whip out the passages for you!  

[_C r y s t a l_RB]

JadeDragonSoul

There is a great section in The God Delusion on the topic of atheists and morality. (I really need to start taking notes on this book) If I didn't have to go to bed and wake up in six hours I'd whip out the passages for you!

I'm sure I can find them. I'm saving the rest of the book for reading while on my 10 hour plane flight to Hawaii in a couple weeks.

P.S. Awesome ******** avi!  

[Dark Pieman]

If someone does everything for their own personal gain, then they will lie, cheat and steal.

Religion was instated originally to keep people under control, just as a mother might tell her children to behave or Santa wouldn't bring them any presents at Christmas.

However, if someone has morals, and respects and values the wellbeing of others, then they don't need to fear punishment to be a good person.

I think it's a chilling thought that some people only act like nice people because they're scared of going to Hell.


Be excellent to each other and party on, dudes!  

[Crooked_Lamb]

Ok i know it's your belifs, but being atheist doesn't mean you don't believe in an afterlife. My friend (Who I talk about alot concering this stuff) who'd explained the atheist belifs to me descibed it in laymens terms as the "religion" or lack there of, that caters to your needs without restriction, except, that you do not believe in a higher force. (A.k.a God) Which would under normal circumstance remove the afterlife from the picture, correct? Unless said person wishes to believe in an afterlife ruled by no one, or seen to their ideals. So it varies from Atheist to Atheist i assume.

Sorry it's a common misconception i see, my need to debunk couldn't hold.  

[Koravin]

Well, morals exist outside of religion, you don't need one to have the other. I'm a utilitarian, I see happiness as an intrinsic good, so I work for it. Just because I believe in no gods doesn't mean that I enjoy watching people suffer. I think it's quite the contrary. Since there is no god, we have the responsibility to make the world a better place. I view life to be precious, I don't need a god to tell me that.  

[Lunar Falcon]

I say because doing otherwise just doesn't make sense. If I went around doing horrible things I'd be wronging others and making life itself less enjoyable. Why spend life in jail? If you go around killing lots of people they'll want to kill you and the same goes for other actions. In the long run it doesn't benefit anyone and just messes everything up.  

[Meirelle]

sora987

Why be nice to others? For me it's more of a survival thing. If something terrible were to happen to you, like having your home and belongings destroyed by a tornadoe, it would make things a little easier if you had friends who know you as a nice person and are willing to help you get back on your feet. If your a total jerk, you may end up pretty much on your own. Also, a person you may be nice to may end up being someone who can help you reach your goals, like vouching for you to get the job you want. This won't won't happen if your an a*****e.

Wow. That's kind of... bastardly. confused  

[ElenaMason]

Just to throw in my 2 cents, I know most of what you are and how you act is usually based upon how you were raised. Also, my father always taught me kindness and truth, which is based on a verse strictly from the bible.

But despite my religion and despite my upbringing, seeing myself for who I am, I just can't bring myself to be harmful to others (unless of course you piss me off enough.) But in general day to day living, regardless of what I'm told or taught, the thought of hurting someone mentally or physically brings me emotional pain because I just can't fathom doing it. It just....bothers me...like nails on a chalkboard. I think its mainly due to my personality.

But from a christian point of view, God created me the way he wanted. So I guess I could say in christian terms, I'm this way because he created me this way. Which makes sense, like when we make a computer, it is the way it is because thats how its built.