Reasons Optional

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First things first: I do what I do because I enjoy it.

I take the universe at face value. There seems to be a set of laws that describes everything from the heavens, to atoms, to life. I see no reason to infer that anything else lies behing this, unless believing in that something sheds light on how the world works, and provides predictions of phenomena that would otherwise go unexplained. To believe in something that can not be confirmed by all men seems to me to be accepting too low a standard for the truth.

I do not believe in god (although I used to), because I know of no way of discerning whether god exists, or of deciding which god among the thousands in which men believe is the true one. God may exist, but if it can't be found with the senses, and if there is no unambiguous test of some relationship between god and the human soul, I see no reason to believe it. Although I accept that religions are valid as social institutions, I do not believe in any of them. That's the essence of agnosticism.

Given that, I do have beliefs. I believe that morality is living one's own life as much as possible without infringing on other's right to enjoy their lives--- ``Do what you will, but harm none.'' A great person is one who also works to benefit others, sometimes in the face of their own loss. The reward for such people is self-respect, a feeling of satisfaction at having made someone else's life better, and sometimes the genuine admiration of others.

I have also set a goal for myself, to get as close to the truth as possible. I don't know where that will lead me, and I doubt I'll be disappointed if I never feel like I've got any closer. I just enjoy the process.

You can read what I have to say, or you can read what others who I respect have to say. . .


Feel free to mail comments to: muno@mit.edu

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