michael
Shermer was once asked what he believed in. Without going into the
arguments as to what 'belief' means, I find myself in general
agreement with him. His list is at the link. My list is almost
identical, but I have edited it slightly, as I do not believe in
free-will, at least in the way it has always been understood. This, I
am aware, leaves me open to the charge of inconsistency.
I
believe in the Principle of Freedom:
All
people are free to think, believe, and act as they choose, so long as
they do not infringe on the equal freedom of others.
I
believe in civil liberties, civil rights, … … … including and
especially freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to
assemble peacefully, freedom to petition grievances, freedom to
worship (or not), freedom of the press, freedom of reproductive
choice, freedom to bear arms, etc.
I
believe in the sanctity of private property, the rule of law, and
equal treatment under the law.
I
believe in truth seeking and truth telling.
I
believe in trust and trustworthiness.
I
believe in fairness and reciprocity.
I
believe in love, marriage, and fidelity.
I
believe in family, friendship, and community.
I
believe in honour, loyalty, and commitment to family, friends, and
community members.
I
believe in forgiveness when it is genuinely asked for or offered.
I
believe in kindness, generosity, and charity, especially voluntary
aid to others in need.
I
believe in science as the best method ever devised for
understanding how the world works.
I
believe in reason and logic and rationality as
cognitive tools for answering questions, solving problems, and
devising solutions to life’s many problems and quandaries.
I
believe in technological growth, cultural advancement, and moral
progress.
I
believe in the almost illimitable capacity of human creativity and
inventiveness for our species to flourish into the far future on this
planet and others.
Ad
astra per aspera!
