Statement of Beliefs


metaphysics

I’m a skeptical empiricist. On my reductionist side, I’m a materialist that thinks quantum physics is very Zen. On my holistic side, I am fascinated by the phenomenon of emergence, and I wonder if the universe is conscious of its own existence.

If you want simpler terms, you can call me an atheist or an agnostic or a rationalist or a freethinker. I base my beliefs on the best available evidence, and I am free to change my mind without notice upon further review.

ethics

1. with love and logic

2. in accordance with the three jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation, and humility

3. following the golden rule: treat others the way you wish to be treated.

4. using Virian ethics, virtues(reason,empathy,vision), sins(dogmatism,apathy,hypocrisy)

5. keeping in mind the Toltec Four Agreements: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, always do your best.

values

the welfare of people, knowledge, truth, wisdom, and happiness

books that have informed my personal philosophy

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

The Moral Animal by Richard Wright

Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan

Joseph Campbell

Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis

Godel, Escher, and Bach: The Golden Braid

Job by Robert Heinlein

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Life 101 by Peter McWilliams

Wishcraft by Barbara Sher

Age of Reason by Thomas Paine

roles I occupy

relationships – husband, father, friend, son, brother, uncle, etc.

householder – housekeeper, cook, handyman, gardener, launderer, pet owner

financial manager – career, budget, working towards financial independence.

hacker – work, learn, skilled technical professional

community member – neighborhood, city, county, state, country, planet

self-maintenance – physical (diet, exercise, rest, stress), mental (education and mental exercises), spiritual (writing, volunteer service, meditation), emotional (friendships and connections)

individual – self-development, recreation, play

politics

On a political compass, I’m located a moderate located somewhere between the liberal and libertarian points of the compass. I believe in the republican (lower-case R) form of government, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.

Being a good member of the community involves:

vote in all elections

public service

energy conservation

reduce/reuse/recycle

give blood

use alternate energy sources

know your neighbors

get politically active

lead on issues where knowledgeable

take public transit

neighborhood improvement

join PTA

be involved with a spiritual community

don’t be a burden – stay in good health, save for retirement

pay taxes

obey laws

give to charity

be punctual

practice safety

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