The Meaning Of Life

One of the major misconceptions about atheists is that we have little or no respect for life - human or otherwise. Because we think that all life is some accidental freak of nature there is no meaning or purpose to it all, and it is all pretty worthless. We cannot possibly gain the same enjoyment and fulfillment from living that believers do. We care nothing for the suffering of others, as they're all just wormfood in the end.
What fresh lunacy is this? (to quote Harry Hill.)

Yes, life on this planet is a lucky accident, probably similar to countless other emergences of life on other planets. No, there is no particular purpose or meaning behind it all - why should there be? What right do we have to consider ourselves special?

However, as an atheist, I consider all (well, most) life to be sacred (if I can use such a word). Atheists know that we only get one chance at life. This is it. This is all you get. No reincarnation, no heaven or hell, no second chances. You only get one go, and to mess it up or waste it is the most terrible thing.

Make the most of your brief span of awareness. Educate yourself so that you can see the wonders of the universe for what they are, without the fog of religious belief. Swim in the Indian Ocean. Watch the sunset at Uluru (Ayer's Rock). Tickle a baby. Climb a tree. Learn to unicyle. Massage your partner. Take up pottery.

Gain pleasure from making other peoples' lives better. Some people live in appalling conditions, earning in a week what you might earn in one hour (if that). Support an orphanage.

Some theists seem to have this bizarre notion that atheists are sad, dreary, selfish people who only ever consider themselves, have no concern for anyone else and mope around all day wondering how they can get to Heaven without having to believe in Jesus and be nice to people. (Funny just how wrong some people can be, isn't it?)

I am often asked "Why bother? If life is a meaningless accident, with no ultimate goal or purpose, why not just kill yourself now? Why not even go on a killing spree and end the worthless lives of everybody else? What stops you ending it all?" To which I would reply - "Have you ever built a snowman?" After all, snowmen are ephemeral objects, soon to be melted in the sun. A snowman has no ultimate purpose or goal, and in a few weeks there will be no trace of it's ever existing. We build snowmen because all of us, theists and atheists, live here and now. In the context of our own brief mortal lives, we are able to enjoy this life and gain pleasure from ultimately pointless acts. It is fun to build a snowman, or climb a mountain, or watch the sunset, or go for a long cycle ride in the countryside. The purpose of these things is not "out there" somewhere, waiting to be achieved - the meaning is in what it means to ourselves. I am not overly concerned about some future fifty billion years from now, but I am concerned about the future of humanity here, now and for the generations that follow. That is the context of a mortal life, and that is why I "bother" to live and damn well have fun while I'm doing it.

There is no meaning to life itself. There is no purpose to the universe. You can, however, give life meaning through your actions. Make the world a better place for yourself, your contemporaries and your descendents.

Atheists can, and often do, lead a full and enjoyable life. We know that this is all we get, and all that everybody else gets, so we do the best that we can for ourselves and others. It's no good praying for people dying in a third-world country - there's no God to help them, only people. If people don't do it, nobody else will. I am sickened whenever there is a major disaster in the world, and some politician or church leader says that the victims desperately need our prayers. No they don't. They need someone to go and dig them out of the rubble, comfort the bereaved, find out why the plane crashed, bring them food and medicine. Prayer is not going to do that - people are. There is an orphanage in Kenya, called the Diani Childrens Village. The kids there have no family at all, and live in, well... a hovel. Do they need prayers and Bibles, or do they need love, money, food, clothes and education?

As an atheist, I consider all life to be sacred. A life and a mind are terrible things to waste. Make the most of them while you can, and help others do the same.

Is that such a Bad Thing?

you are correct that when people need help we as people need to step in but in addition to the physical help prayer offers spiritual help....i know this will start a major debate but all i am going to say is that i have seen prayer work in my life...through prayer, the hand of God moved and caused somt things to happen that would not have happened otherwise...i too did not start life as a believer and i tried to disprove God and the Bible...i found out that i was in error...i am not trying to give you a hard time...you follow what you want and i will also...we both can help the less fortunate also...

randomhit10

Prayer has worked in my life many times also. Ever since God broke what addictions I had in 2003 ive done every possible thing I could to follow Him with everything I had, but the great thing is is that it wasnt me holding on to Him but Him that was holding on to me. The joy that came with that deliverance forever changed my perspective and Life. I had the greatest peace that I had ever felt, a peace that I, to this day, cannot grasp. There are many times that I would go through tough trials in life but there has never been a time, since then, that there hasnt been an assurance beyond understanding to hit me right in the midst of my situation. This just didnt exist before I knew Him. I dont know about some of the christians but I love athiests as much as I love christians and my family, there is no difference, we are all the same and came from the same. God doesnt have any LESS love for an athiest than He does a christian but so many act and feel as though He does. Hes not a respector of persons. I feel that alot of people of other faith or beliefs or non beliefs have a very fulfilling and meaningful life and be very very happy (ive seen it) as I have also. But ive never had joy and peace and a love for others as I do now. Its almost as If you can feel and share the pain of others when they are hurt, even when they dont show it. Its something beyond tangible, it is beyond comprehension but it is evident in your daily walk that something, not of this world, is operating in your life. I feel the greatest proof of Gods existance to ANYONE would be the transforming of your character and the overflowing peace and love that is experienced when you take just ONE small step and believe that God CAN do what He says he can do.

~hairston

........................Also, religion exists in one's mind co-existing with other supernatural dimensions that really share their place in this universe. Hell, Christ is known to be worshipped as a "holy ghost". There's alot of unexplained "forces" people have identified as existing yet deny their beliefs of fear of getting labled like the rest of the "flake-os".

Being labeled a "flake-o" doesnt bother me one bit. This is does not effect the change inside of me. You can call it what you want but it wouldnt convince me otherwise. "Also, religion exists in one's mind co-existing with other supernatural dimensions that really share their place in this universe."....and this is also your belief and opinion in how things work and I respect that

excellent testamony...

randomhit10

I disagree with the OP. There is no "Atheist Meaning of Life." Most atheists I know would never presume to speak on behalf of ALL atheists or to present an "Atheist Meaning of Life"

The writer should speak for himself because otherwise he is merely fueling the fire of those who want to present Atheism as a religion.

On top of this many of the things he states come across as "Spiritual" or "Figured it Out" which is just another presumptuous way of trying to "cope" with the Universe.

This statement for example:



That's not an "atheist" view. That's HIS view which is not necessarily an "atheist" view.

Some of these views seem to border on Pagan or Buddhist views as well.

There also seems to be a Pollyanna type attitude in that "experiencing life" seems to include tickling babies and swimming in the Indian Ocean.

Wow why not just write up "Chicken Soup for the Atheist Lack of Soul"

Life includes the good with the bad. Its not all puppies and sunsets when you are at your moral peak. Some of the best morality has shown its face during horrible moments and its called reality. All of it is my own to experience and all of it good or bad to me is part of the experience of life.


Sorry. What a patronizing attempt at showing theists how Atheists "really think"


I am an atheist and my view is that there is no God. There is no need to find a Meaning to life but that doesn't mean that there isn't one. Just that we don't know what it is. One of the main reasons I reject Theist views is that I loathe the arrogance that suggests we have "figured it out." When I see Atheists suggesting the same thing I understand why Theists have come to see it as a religion.

This topic reminds of a song: 'Thoughts Of A Dying Atheist.'
Imagine an atheist who is dying, knowing that they could 'drop' any day. What could you imagine it feels like knwoing that this is the very end and there's no seeing your loved ones again? 'Falling asleep but not ever waking back up.'
Basically, ceasing to exist in the eyes of an atheist. (Apologies if I caused any offence. I really didn't mean to if I did).

I think I see what both of you ladies are saying... and you said nearly the same thing, but used different words and styles.

GW was using colorful words to illustrate that Athiests aren't a-moral, something I agree with.

TH also used rather plain words to say that sometimes life is good, sometimes it's bad, and you take it all as an experience. I don't disagree with that either.

Personally, I used my faith to help guide me to achieve both life goals, I know that doesn't bother TrueHat, but for some odd reason, it does bother other athiests (and oddly it bothers people of faith as well), and I'm not quite certain why. It's a mystery for sure.

No offense taken by this Atheist.

I think that song says a lot for living this life as if it's all you've got. Because if god did create you to live here, you should then make every day a testament to the privilege of being. When this particular Atheist closes her eyes for the final time, she'll know she did the best she could in the time she had to work with. I'll remember my family with fondness, having loved them and been loved, all my days. I'll smile, as sweet memories of dear friends, leave me in my goodbyes. And we'll all be happy for having known each other, for a time. And that shall maybe make their tears dry faster and not taste of grief at all. And in sharing my life with them and they with me, is what shall gift us the remembrances that shall carry me on as they live their life and take those remembrances with them. I'd like to breathe my last, knowing the world I left behind was made into a different place, because I loved being here and I wanted that small space I occupied to remember me as one that gave back, tread gently and was honored to take every step in my life.

And I would wish the same sense of peace and contentment, for everyone. For having lived and given of all the good that they are, so that their living legacy is an after life, at the very least, in the memories that survive to live on, in the hearts of those that love them even beyond the goodbyes.

Miss its true that! LOL!

But hat works too!


If an atheist has a problem with how you find your way through life, its a sign of their own insecurity and defensiveness and has nothing to do with you.

I say all of it is a coping mechanism of the frailty or weakness in man confronted with his own mortality. The futility of life can be daunting.

I think its very amusing how hell bent some atheists on here seem to be on "Selling" atheism as a "better" choice.

My way is live and let live. I think its a mystery that people can't do this.

Beautiful. Very nice way to put it.

Aw crud sorry TrueThat, I'm a dork this morning and haven't finished my required 10oz of coffee yet... I'm still dangerous until that process is complete.

Selling athieism does no one any good, just as selling God to those who don't want it does no good. Of course, I'm a little out in left field, and I think everyone has the "Spirit" in them but doesn't actively choose to hear it. That's totally peachy keen with me. And if you're an Athiest, that shouldn't bother you at ALL that I think that way. It's hardly an insult to you.

In my mind I can deal with the reality. The reality is I don't know what is going to happen when I die. I know that its not going to be a biblical heaven. And so I feel sorry for all those people facing a rude awakening that its not going to happen. But I don't know what is going to happen. Maybe I will be food for worms and maybe something else.

I don't need to have a glurge* moment and would probably want to throw up at the idea of ending my days with thoughts of whimsy and rose petals. That's a delusion no different than God in my book. Life ROCKS all of it does. Its been a gift to be alive and get to be part of it all, not just the sentimental mush.

My way of Life is that its worth fighting for, that I love every bit of it even if it drives me crazy. Having a child can help you understand this. I sometimes think that when you have a child you are opened up to the mysteries of life in a sense, that when you are young or people who don't have kids, miss out on. The same way kids drive you crazy and cost a fortune etc but you wouldn't trade in any of it. It doesn't have to be all sweet and nice. Its amazing in its sincerity. People who need things to be "nice" all the time, with sweet promises are missing out on half the deal.

I also think of Dylan Thomas

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.



* TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM SNOPES.COM DEFINITION OF GLURGE:
"What is glurge? Think of it as chicken soup with several cups of sugar mixed in: It's supposed to be a method of delivering a remedy for what ails you by adding sweetening to make the cure more appealing, but the result is more often a sickly-sweet concoction that induces hyperglycemic fits.

As m'boy toy says (who is an athiest) "I'll be to busy being dead to care."

Boy toy!

boy toy.. husbandy type... boyfriend, SO.. eh.. all the same for the guy I'm with. *snerks*

I think "Boy Toy" it's cute. I can just see him now: "Yes Big Kitty. Anything you want Ms.PurrPurr. Anything at all."

Sadly, he dun do that. I call him boy toy and he just shakes his head. *snerks*

i think what we have is fearing what one doesn't know, its auto pilot for so many to fear the unknown.....basically we have folks who lack the courage to challenge the unknown...my gosh the idea of no diety has to be the scariest notion for a thiest, if not perilous...iMO....I think they are projecting that fear....fear as in that which isn't so....

As a Christian, I actually feel exactly the same way. I'm not entirely sure I know what a "Biblical Heaven" is. It almost comes under that favorite old saying "Be careful what you ask for you just might get it" If it means the growth of our soul stops or exists in a perfect state of peace with nothing to learn or think about... I'm not sure I like that concept, might as well be worm food, it's the same thing.

I can see where Buddhists and Hindus get their idea of reincarnation, coming back over and over until you get it right coming closer and closer to seeing what "Heaven" or "Enlightenment" is. My 80+/- years on this earth isn't enough time to figure that out. Not that I subscribe to their belief, I don't really. But I can see how they arrived at it.

I guess I prefer to think it's so ethereal that I can't and won't grasp the concept while I live, but at the same time, I'll trust it's something that works. I gots no other choice really and I don't really think it's something to worry about.

miss wells i love the buddhist philosophy but i don't buy into the reincarnation thing other than as a gentler way voicing compassion, practicing emphathy to oneself for the first time in a relgion, christianity at the time was harsh and cruel and hopeless for its followers and this idea that you have other chances to get it seriously jeopordized the churches idea of sina nd eternal suffering , in came the idea of purgatory a catholics version to reincarnation.....spirit prison for mormons..etc....

I keep wanting to say something I don't want to say.... grrrr.

I want to say that most Christians are creating an institution that is exactly like what Christ preached against... tithes, icons, intolerance, misplaced righteousness, vanity, excess, obedience to someting other than God, etc... it was because of the existance of these kinds of religious and political institutions that Christ was crucified in the first place.

It's something I have to think long and hard about...

i agree, some how its gone terribly wrong, you know buddhism this never happened , i guess some call it a relgion but you take from it what you want apply it and if it works great if not you quietly move on.....I think the jesus myth is really the same as the buddhists or Ghandis or any other master who wouldn't be preaching, or claimng he was the way he'd be empowering others to flower to their full potential.... this is the trouble I have with it, i think IMO again the powers that be took the idea from the eastern philosophys and twisted them recast it as jesus to keep the relgion going, to serve the church.....i commend you for saying this its very honest.... If indeed there was this man i doubt this was his highest vision....Indeed if one calls themsleves christain I would see no harm in his message as the guiding light , taking out a few things..... I can't say all christians don't but many are pushing the bible . some are not....

A s a spiritual person, remember this for the rest of your life:
I'll be the one waving to you wearing a blue hat when I visit you after death.

And some of us there will be looking right back at you, as we say all together.

"Neener neener neener! We got to bring our clothes to wear, along with the blue hat!"

Nice tan!

Why not waste them? They are a means to what end? If there is nothing after this world then what does it really matter whether we do make good use of our life and mind?

I think, in this life, that's for every single one to answer, personally.

For me it's a simple answer. Because I'm worth it, because I know I live here.



Strive for an after life paradise, Or live what I can make good, now. Yes, I think that's what matters. This life I know I have time for. And I think if one believes in a higher power that made their living possible, they are here to show what it means to them, to have this chance. If god created everything that exists, people don't need to remind the soul where it came from.

That is all good and well. But the fact is that when we identify with the "I" here and now in this life, the "I" that gets sick, old, dies and experiences suffering or poverty is the cause of our misery. And reminding oneself where the soul came from gives strength to many many people to "make good" now. Otherwise I could take up a very atheist survival of the fittest position and say screw the world I am all out there for myself. No not all athiests agree with this but when that "higher power" is forgotten then for many one's purpose is forgotten and ethics is thrown out the window. Just my opinion.