Purpose and morals of atheists.

"Moral relativists" and "purposeless wanderers" are two derogatory labels given unfairly to atheists by those who commit the offense mentioned in my previous post: judging the "outgroup" in ways that creates division instead of mutual understanding. The problems of morality and purpose to those who do not believe in a personal god are real, and various atheists tackle this problem in different ways, if at all. Though I can't speak for every atheist, I will do my best to relate my experience to what I suspect occurs in many others.

As one slowly realizes that there is no higher intelligence comparable to our own in the universe, the budding atheist will probably enter a period of despair. "Nothing matters!" "What's the point?" and "Why shouldn't I just kill myself!?" could be common reactions. Though some may become stuck in this morass, it is more common to migrate towards a sense of purpose and morality that I have found to be more deep and rewarding than my previous state. In my case, I have clung to the golden rule for two primary reasons. One is purely practical. I want others to treat me like they would be treated, and acting that way myself is one method of promoting that behavior in society. More broadly, the golden rule leads to increased internal satisfaction and to a stable society in which suffering is minimized and liberal and libertarian ideals allow for individuals to prosper.

As for purpose, I am no longer stuck with a sense of perpetually trying to please the ultimate Father Figure. My purpose does not come from an external locus, but rather is derived from my own internal motivation to leave this world in a better state than I found it. I just hope my efforts are meaningful and successful as measured by those outside my immediate circle of family and friends when I die.