Almost 20 years ago I read Jacob Bronowski's "The Ascent of Man". That was a turning point in my life because it helped me to become more confident in my agnosticism/atheism. One of the topics (there are many) that he covers is that in humans it is our level of cooperation that sets us apart from other animals. I then realized that this has always been the basis of my morality. I realize that all organisms must struggle to survive and ever since I was really young I have never wanted to make things more difficult for any other individual.
7
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
6 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I watched the BBC series as I grew up. I got around to reading the book probably around the same time you did. Found it at a garage sale, lol. I love especially the last episode of the series with music by Pink Floyd.
CapriKious
Level 7
Apr 13, 2018
1
Pink Floyd is in every episode.
@intrepid65 That does not surprise me so much. I knew that series before I knew Pink Floyd so well.
Pink Floyd was one of my sources of grounding myself through my adolescent years through college. Although Syd Barrett is rumoured to have gone crazy it was their music that kept me sane in some real tough times in my life. I am a sax player myself so I also appreciate their songs with sax parts.
@intrepid65 I did not begin to really follow music on my own until my teenage years. I was scouring my elementary and public library along with encyclopedia's at home along with PBS basically as soon as I could read, around age 4.
Neither have it. Humanism is part of my character. Always want to help others.
sassygirl3869
Level 9
Apr 13, 2018
1
intrepid65
Level 5
Apr 13, 2018
0
It has been observed in species that are raised in maternal dependence. That they often demonstrate altruistic behavior, sympathy, empathy, and they often ostracize selfish and violent aberrations. Humans are no different. In fact, we are exactly the same.
crocoduck1
Level 3
Apr 13, 2018
2
That is true, But the point is about our level of cooperation and it is really a potent point against theist's criticism of agnostics regarding morality. It is our level of cooperation, which is willing and strategic, that sets us apart. Not that it "only" exists in humans.
I like your screen name crocoduck1. A satirical stab at Ray Comfort?
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
Share this post
Categories
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.