On Happiness and Atheism

Since becoming a non-believer, I found myself seeking the most important thing in life. In my upbringing, the preachers and teaches seared into my brain the notion that the kingdom of Heaven always perched highest on the tree of importance. Nothing came before church, Jesus, God, service, obeying your pastor and huddling closely to your church family.

I feel none of those obligations now. Despite that, I had (at the very least) maintained the same level of happiness as before leaving Christianity-- and quite possibly, I had even gained more happiness once I recovered from the initial shock of losing my faith. But now, I began to wonder what life is really about in the face of a new paradigm that includes evolution, mortality that may not have an afterlife, and a universe that doesn't seem cognizant of our existence: and, an existence that may not have a purpose outside of what we name for ourselves coupled with our own drive for survival.

In such a situation, what is paramount to life? As far as my personal philosophy goes-- I am ecstatic to say that I have simplified the solution down to one fundamental element:

Happiness.

I have also come to learn that happiness may very well be a skill that can be learned and honed. I have a new blog to explore this notion: Happiness Inculcate. I hope to see you there; I hope you find it useful.

On Enlightenment

Remember the question posed to Benjamin Franklin?

"What have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" 

And now, contemplate his response:

"A republic, if you can keep it."

We need to be about the business of keeping it.

Reflect upon the Age of Enlightenment because many of those ideas birthed from that time play into why this country is even here in the first place-- and what it will take to keep it truly ours-- as in, the people.