Happy Atheist Forum

General => Philosophy => Topic started by: Curt on July 10, 2017, 03:13:29 AM

Title: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Curt on July 10, 2017, 03:13:29 AM
Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?  Of course not commanded by a God!  I'm just basically looking for some guidelines on living a good life as an atheist.  Anyone got any good suggestions or ideas?  Thanks everyone
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Sandra Craft on July 10, 2017, 03:18:33 AM
Interesting that you ask:

The Atheists' New Ten Commandments

These are the ten winning beliefs of the Rethink Prize, a crowdsourcing competition to rethink the Ten Commandments. The contest drew more than 2,800 submissions from 18 countries and 27 U.S. states. Winners were selected by a panel of judges.

1. Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence.
2. Strive to understand what is most likely to be true, not to believe what you wish to be true.
3. The scientific method is the most reliable way of understanding the natural world.
4. Every person has the right to control of their body.
5. God is not necessary to be a good person or to live a full and meaningful life.
6. Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them.
7. Treat others as you would want them to treat you, and can reasonably expect them to want to be treated. Think about their perspective.
8. We have the responsibility to consider others, including future generations.
9. There is no one right way to live.
10. Leave the world a better place than you found it.

There are probably others.
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Dave on July 10, 2017, 08:11:42 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on July 10, 2017, 03:18:33 AM
Interesting that you ask:

The Atheists' New Ten Commandments

These are the ten winning beliefs of the Rethink Prize, a crowdsourcing competition to rethink the Ten Commandments. The contest drew more than 2,800 submissions from 18 countries and 27 U.S. states. Winners were selected by a panel of judges.

1. Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence.
2. Strive to understand what is most likely to be true, not to believe what you wish to be true.
3. The scientific method is the most reliable way of understanding the natural world.
4. Every person has the right to control of their body.
5. God is not necessary to be a good person or to live a full and meaningful life.
6. Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them.
7. Treat others as you would want them to treat you, and can reasonably expect them to want to be treated. Think about their perspective.
8. We have the responsibility to consider others, including future generations.
9. There is no one right way to live.
10. Leave the world a better place than you found it.

There are probably others.

That's a pretty hood selection, I notice the "Golden Rule" is present at number 7.

The only modification I might make is to number 10:
"You have only one life, use it wisely to leave a better world when it is over."
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Davin on July 10, 2017, 05:07:21 PM
There is nothing like that at all with atheists, but I think you'll find that most people will agree with one boiled down philosophy: try not to be a dick.
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: solidsquid on July 10, 2017, 10:58:22 PM
I've found that most things can be handled by two major rules:

1) Don't be an asshole
2) Don't be stupid

Those seem to work pretty well for me.
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Arturo on July 10, 2017, 11:15:26 PM
"DO SOMETHING CRAZY"
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Curt on July 11, 2017, 02:10:52 AM
Quote from: solidsquid on July 10, 2017, 10:58:22 PM
I've found that most things can be handled by two major rules:

1) Don't be an asshole
2) Don't be stupid

Those seem to work pretty well for me.

Good rules to live by and there is only 2 of them!
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Pasta Chick on July 11, 2017, 03:07:45 AM
Commandments are pretty solid in nature, which I feel contradicts the nature of atheism. Free thinking and study are in flux, or should be if done correctly.

I don't feel there can be set moral law, when so much of life is shades of gray.

The closest I can come would be things like staying conscious of confirmation bias, and trying to minimize harm.
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Biggus Dickus on July 11, 2017, 02:09:27 PM
As an atheist I don't follow commandments because they are orders, and rational, reasonable, empathetic beings do not require them, we simply need to act in accordance to the rule of don't fuck with other people, or their shit...but I think Old Abe said it best:


(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FDQ8V0Gr.jpg&hash=8c074dc1ea0ba7adbf21a0b36643072d8d969aff)
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Davin on July 11, 2017, 03:26:28 PM
That quote was filmed.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fl0vFO0e.gif&hash=ebb594689bd4b8852d74e3342f918d5d2bbf5930)
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Magdalena on July 15, 2017, 07:29:22 PM
"Similar to the 10 commandments?"  :chin:
According to George Carlin --if you think about it--there's really only two, not ten...and one of those two is "negotiable." :-\

Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Sandra Craft on July 15, 2017, 10:35:59 PM
Also generally good is this 10 commandments for expats:

1. Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou hast them at home for, verily, thou hadst left home to explore different things.

2. Thou shalt not take anything too seriously, for a carefree mind is essential for a healthy body.

3. Thou shalt not let other expats get upon thy nerves, for one or both of you art likely to be transferred soon anyway.

4. Thou shalt refrain from acting exceedingly high and mighty, for thou art the same person thou wast before thou had a cleaning lady.

5. Thou shalt not buy everything thou sees; thou already hast a houseful of things stored in thy home country.

6.Thou shalt not sit and mope and feel unwanted or unskilled; there art many people who would be grateful for the donation of time and energy.

7. Thou shalt not worry, for he who worrieth hath no pleasure – and few things are ever fatal.

8. When in Rome, thou shalt be prepared to do somewhat as the Romans do.

9. Thou shalt not judge the people of the country by the one person who hast given thee the most trouble.

10. Remember that thou art a guest in a foreign land, and he who treateth his host with respect shall be honoured and might even receiveth an invitation to visit again.

Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Magdalena on July 16, 2017, 07:11:38 AM
^^^
I like it.
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Biggus Dickus on July 18, 2017, 03:27:30 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 16, 2017, 07:11:38 AM
^^^
I like it.

I can't believe it, butt I'm actually in agreement with Magdalena on this one, that was good Books!
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: hermes2015 on July 18, 2017, 04:36:14 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on July 18, 2017, 03:27:30 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 16, 2017, 07:11:38 AM
^^^
I like it.

I can't believe it, butt I'm actually in agreement with Magdalena on this one, that was good Books!

That butt was a Freudian slip.
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Arturo on July 18, 2017, 11:09:28 PM
Quote from: hermes2015 on July 18, 2017, 04:36:14 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on July 18, 2017, 03:27:30 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 16, 2017, 07:11:38 AM
^^^
I like it.

I can't believe it, butt I'm actually in agreement with Magdalena on this one, that was good Books!

That butt was a Freudian slip.

I know, I can't believe it's not butter too!
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 19, 2017, 01:01:54 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on July 18, 2017, 04:36:14 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on July 18, 2017, 03:27:30 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 16, 2017, 07:11:38 AM
^^^
I like it.

I can't believe it, butt I'm actually in agreement with Magdalena on this one, that was good Books!

That butt was a Freudian slip.

If it is, it's a recurrent one. :lol:
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Magdalena on July 19, 2017, 04:56:12 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 19, 2017, 01:01:54 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on July 18, 2017, 04:36:14 PM
Quote from: Father Bruno on July 18, 2017, 03:27:30 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on July 16, 2017, 07:11:38 AM
^^^
I like it.

I can't believe it, butt I'm actually in agreement with Magdalena on this one, that was good Books!

That butt was a Freudian slip.

If it is, it's a recurrent one. :lol:

True.  :lol:
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Asmodean on July 19, 2017, 09:00:51 AM
Hm... we all have our own rules to live by.

Do as thou wilt, then pay the price is my boiled-down version. Few people openly subscribe to it, especially the price part, and yet...
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Dave on July 19, 2017, 09:10:58 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 19, 2017, 09:00:51 AM
Hm... we all have our own rules to live by.

Do as thou wilt, then pay the price is my boiled-down version. Few people openly subscribe to it, especially the price part, and yet...

I would go for "Do as you wilt, so long as it has no adverse effect on any person or the environment and you accept the responsibility".
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Asmodean on July 19, 2017, 02:31:12 PM
...Which is a version of what I said. Do. If you are not prepared to pay for it, don't.
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Dave on July 19, 2017, 04:44:44 PM
Rewrite:

Asmo wrote:

Quote...Which is a version of what I said. Do. If you are not prepared to pay for it, don't.

when I modified his:

QuoteDo as thou wilt, then pay the price

Taken literarily that could leave one free to commit unecessary immoral or unethical actions, where any fine, compensation paid, injury incurred by yourself etc may do nothing to make things better for a person, creature or environment "injured" by your actions.. Kill a baby and a billion dollar fine plus a limitless jail sentence with daily torture for as long as you live, is sufficient "payment" in real terms IMHO. But, Asmo, your version implies that it is OK, you wanted to kill the baby, knowing there would be a price and being willing to pay it.

That phrase could easily be taken up by fundie religionistas to "prove" that atheism is "evil" IMHO, but then, I am also an aspiring humanist



Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Icarus on July 19, 2017, 09:04:42 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on July 19, 2017, 04:44:44 PM
Rewrite:

Asmo wrote:

Quote...Which is a version of what I said. Do. If you are not prepared to pay for it, don't.

when I modified his:

Quote

That phrase could easily be taken up by fundie religionistas to "prove" that atheism is "evil" IMHO, but then, I am also an aspiring humanist

Fundies can use any statement by atheists as a means of, and reason for, condemning us to the several circles of hell..  For example, if I say that "I prefer strawberry rather than vanilla", they can find an anti religion message in that statement about my tastes for ice cream. I exaggerate but little here.

Fixed quotes - xSP
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Dave on July 19, 2017, 09:45:58 PM
Quote from: Icarus on July 19, 2017, 09:04:42 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on July 19, 2017, 04:44:44 PM
Rewrite:

Asmo wrote:

Quote...Which is a version of what I said. Do. If you are not prepared to pay for it, don't.

when I modified his:

Quote

That phrase could easily be taken up by fundie religionistas to "prove" that atheism is "evil" IMHO, but then, I am also an aspiring humanist

Fundies can use any statement by atheists as a means of, and reason for, condemning us to the several circles of hell..  For example, if I say that "I prefer strawberry rather than vanilla", they can find an anti religion message in that statement about my tastes for ice cream. I exaggerate but little here.

Yeah, but, "Do as you will" is pretty explicit. It has echoes to the Hellfire Club (OK, just a bunch of posers really), Aleister Crowley, Thelema etc etc. Why give fundies any excuse at all? There are more of them than there are of us, with better influential power and media connections, not to mention more guns.

Apart from that, as an aspiring humanist, the moral and ethical implications concern me. Atheists need not be moral nor ethical to qualify for that label, the conciously, deliberately immoral or unethical humanist is not a humanist. That is excepting the fallibilities that all humans are prone to, the perfect human isn't.

That is why I will still be an "aspiring humanist" until the moment I die!

Fixed quotes - xSP
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Dave on July 19, 2017, 09:48:48 PM
Dunno what you did there, Icarus, but can't get out of the quote nest!
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 19, 2017, 10:05:50 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on July 19, 2017, 09:48:48 PM
Dunno what you did there, Icarus, but can't get out of the quote nest!

:fixed:
Title: Re: Is there something similar to the 10 commandments for atheists?
Post by: Asmodean on July 20, 2017, 01:09:23 PM
Apologies for not quoting, but this response goes towards several posts between my initial one in this thread and this point.

Immoral actions are most certainly encompassed in what I said. My argument hinges on the definition of "pay," not "do."

So yes, if you are not some sort of sociopath and you live with yourself after having brutally murdered seven children, three old ladies and one baby ostrich, that would go towards paying for it. So would prison, naturally, but I am trying to illustrate the intended scope of my swing word. Full scope, pretty much.

It works well for a regular-sort-of-feller. The friendly neighborhood sociopath is unlikely to care about earthly rules regardless of what they are, so why would I bother with defining one specifically for him?

Speaking of, yes, "Do as you will" does mean go ahead and gas all the Jews, if you want it to. I have no problem with that interpretation and history shows that there are those who have no problem with that action. However, that can also mean "Stop that evil-ass cuntpickle," and the payment may well be extracted even before you succeed or even proceed.

So there you have it.