Question for Atheists

[Lek]

I have a powerful desire to know why the universe exists and our purpose for existence as individuals. I don't see science as a way to discover this. Do atheists search for the same thing and, if so, what is their source or method? I think most atheists don't see any purpose at all.

[Angrboda]

What practical difference is there between a "powerful desire" and an ordinary desire? Is it special in some way?

[pineapplebunnybounce]

Of course you can't use science to do that, you've completely messed up the process. You suppose there is a purpose for the universe and humankind without any proof. You're just going to do bad science if you continue on the same way. It's like saying, "how much gold do the pots of gold at the end of rainbows have on average? I believe there's an answer, but I don't think science is the way." Of course not, just go on using your own imagination, it worked so well when you were making things up to ask questions about.

[Whateverist]

Is it on the level of a sexual fetish perhaps?

Is your desire to find a greater reason why greater than your desire to see what is really there?

[Silver]

For some reason, some people think the universe cares that we exist and that we should care about it in return. The truth of the matter is that the universe is non-sentient, and anything that is non-sentient cannot care about something that is sentient. Sentient humans seem to erroneously think that there must be profound meaning behind everything. There honestly does not have to be any sort of meaning behind anything at all, except when we subscribe meaning to it because we think for some odd reason it deserves meaning where there apparently is none.

The statement that atheists see no purpose to life is likewise erroneous. Life, in its simplest layman's definition, is merely the act of living. Nothing more, no supernatural addage necessary. One does not need a belief in a fairy tale to enjoy life.

[Esquilax]

So, you don't see science as the correct method for working out how the universe is, and therefore that precludes the rest of us from disagreeing with you?

Besides, suppose there's no purpose to existence, as I do: so what? What changes, for us? Say you figure it out today, that there's no god and no design... are the things you enjoy about the universe suddenly going to stop mattering? Will the things you believe in that are real blink out of existence?

If your answer to those questions is anything but no, then it seems to me you've hitched your wagon to a really terrible crutch.

[Whateverist]

The truth of the matter is that the universe is non-sentient, and anything that is non-sentient cannot care about something that is sentient.

Oh sure it is .. at least in part. My part.

[TaraJo]

I have a powerful desire to know why the universe exists and our purpose for existence as individuals. I don't see science as a way to discover this. Do atheists search for the same thing and, if so, what is their source or method? I think most atheists don't see any purpose at all.

What if there is no true purpose, either for us as individuals or even as a race? What if we are just here with no purpose except the ones we give ourselves?

[yoshirama]

You make your own purpose. Living for an afterlife isn't a purpose for me. Live a great life, have a great time and if something comes after death(I don't believe it will) than thats the way it is. If nothing happens after death well you won't know about it.

[Minimalist]

I have a powerful desire to know why the universe exists and our purpose for existence as individuals.

Good. So you invented a silly fucking story that satisfies your desires.


Now what the fuck are you going to do with the rest of your life?