I think the approach will be different for each individual. I wear atheist t-shirts often, & have an "Atheist Atom" tattoo on my right forearm. I use them not only to state clearly that I am an atheist & will not hide, but as an invitation to discuss, if one wishes. I won't proselytize, & try to follow many "Street Epistemology" precepts if there is a discussion, but if theists can wear crosses, or other religious paraphenalia I can surely display mine!

There's nothing wrong with intelligent atheists sharing their thoughts and arguments in books, articles, videos, or discussions or conversations. It's a positive contribution to society and mankind for thinkers to share their ideas and opinions with others. I often tend to be timid about trying to discuss atheism with non-atheists, but I will tell others that I am an atheists. I also often tend to get emotionally worked up easily when I try to argue such topics. But rational and civil debate or conversation is always a good thing.

I agree with Ella.

I have some sympathy with him he sounds fed up with talking about 'what is not' rather than what is 'here and now '- However he probably needs to know that not everyone is in the same space as him and might need to chew on it a bt longer. I think it takes some of us who have been inculcated - longer to reach a god-free zone in our head - I have never had a god so I think its of little or no value to talk, unless someone else has that need

If he doesn't like the books then he doesnt have to purchase any, for the rest of us I like access to books on the topic.

He just sounds dull and asocial character.

Perhaps he just doesn't enjoy debate or conversation. As for not liking people writing books because no-one asked them to write them, I suspect he would struggle to find a book to read at all on that basis.

As for the certainty comment, this is likely aimed at theists and anti-theists. The atheist position is not one of certainty, it is a rebuttal of theist claims - we have seen no evidence to convince us that a god/s exists.

I don't see the point of evangelising my atheism, but will happily discuss my reasons with theists or anyone else should the topic come up.

We each pick our own path. the destination is the same for all. if someone chooses a path of pain and suffering then it might be helpful to persuade them that such a choice is not necessary. but if they are happy then it's best to applaud them their happiness and move on.

I don't feel the same about deciding what other people should and shouldn't do, but I do for myself think the less I say about belief, or lack of, the better when talking to other people.

I have a a friend who says 'don't let them start!"

I find it pointless talking to anyone about religion unless its a safe space like here because tis a waste of my time- I am not out to change anyones mind about anything, thats their mind their job.

I think you missed something when you complained about him hating the idea of certainty that was his cue to you that god -fearers are certain that they are right so it was important for him to say that; so I don't understand you saying 'even though he is atheist -' Certainty is for gnostics.

Agnostics and Atheists know at any one time that they don't have a god.

Get a real kick out of it because it scares the living daylights out of people.... Instant conversation closer. Most people go silent. Naughty I know but a little dissonance is good for everyone.

I don't try to convert the person next to me or justify my lack of belief. I myself do not get on "lets bash religion" conversation with a fellow atheist. Neither combat a religious person. No god, no religion... nothing to talk about that. I don't need books affirmation of what conclusion I already reached to more than half a century ago. If you feel you don't know enough of what there is nothing to know about... go ahead knock yourself out. I just let the whole thing go too long ago to go back to pick it up. I won't say you are right or wrong. I am just happy with my attitude on the subject. It was dropped on the floor and I walked away, never to return.

I think that’s a matter of personal preference in whether/how one decides to discuss their own beliefs. Personally, I enjoy discussing atheism with others, but am not invested in trying to convert anyone. I do think it’s weird to claim that “nobody asked them to write a book.” Obviously there is plenty of demand for these books as they sell millions.
I also think there’s a societal benefit to being open about your atheism. It’s like, people who think that “there were no gay people” when they were growing up. There WERE gay people, you just didn’t know that about them. People hold stereotypes about groups of people and it’s harder to hold onto those biases when you know that your friend, neighbor, coworker, family member is one of “those people.”

I don't see any point in trying to convince anyone. As long as you respect my right to believe what I believe I don't care about what you believe. Once I had my cousin ask me about what I believe because her parents had made her go to church her whole life and she just didn't believe any of it. We talked about it for 3 or 4 hours. Other than something like that I don't see any point in talking about it

I rarely discuss ANYTHING unless I am asked to do so. I do engage in friendly chat with people to be sociable.

Anybody can say anything on any subject.
Nobody has to listen.
Nobody has to be rude about it.

If humanity is to survive suicidal theocracies, all Atheists must hasten secularism abating faith folly and violence

If I'm not being a "proper" atheist by trying to educate and limit the influence of religion, then I will continue being an improper atheist. Usually quiet about it if I'm completely surrounded by people I know don't value evidence.
I usually only talk about it if someone asks or if someone brings up and attacks my position.

I don't see any reason to go around being as annoying as religious people have been. Unless I'm asked, why bother to mention it? I have mentioned it on the MK (missionary kid) Facebook page I frequent only after someone tried to beat me over the head with Bible quotes, but more as an indirect comment, like, "I don't believe the way I used to."

I'm good with it..if the listener doesn't like it..that's their problem.Not mine

Just like anything else, there is a balance there. Don't let yourself be silenced but don't go out there evangelizing either. When you talk about atheism too much you bother the religious folk the same way they annoy you when they talk too much about God. It may be fair retribution but it's not my style. As a general rule of thumb I only talk to people that show some interest in what I have to say. If not it's best to keep it short to avoid wasting everyone's time.