Read another article : Altruism in the absence of heaven
Excerpt :
But, you know, all religions are egoistic in their own way and this is where the dolphin story comes in again.
We are led to believe that humans need to be nourished in mind and spirit and our potential cultivated. Education, culture and religious instruction civilise us, otherwise we might be brutes. Heaven must be explained to us, that we may be motivated to be charitable to others, if not devout to the gods. Graciousness, sensibility, morality and yes, compassion, have to be taught.
But if altruism is compassion in action, and if dolphins could demonstrate this without schooling, civilisation, culture, religion or heaven, but merely because somehow we living things are hardwired to behave this way, then are teachers, statesmen, artists and priests overrated?
Wouldn't we humans still be altruistic even if there had been no heaven?
A bit too philosophical for my mind right now, since it is my bedtime. No comments, just wanted to share. I guess it is also because I am atheist ?
No comments:
Post a Comment