Atheism 2.0 | Alain de Botton

[@hamishwoodland7424]

Atheists aren't an active group in ourselves. We don't all want to fight religions. We don't all need a connection between us. We don't feel guilty for looking at old churches. We simply don't believe there is a God. That's it.

[@rafb145]

if atheists are not an active group than why are you speaking on behave of all of them?

[@Wegnerrobert2]

He is not speaking in behalf of all of them, he just said "don't all". You also don't need to be part of an "active group" to speak about a concept lol

[@TheLyricalWrdsmth]

It's a compulsive need to feel more correct than others.

[@SanjanaKarkera]

Agreed

[@Quinnandfriends1]

traditional500 Nice strawman

[@dornelli1]

I'm an atheist who loves to admire churches and the rituals. Its not a contradiction, because many believers also see the logic in my points. Its all about tolearance and learning to live together.

[@lilrog0909]

I couldn't agree even more. I really hate being around militant athiest but I love science and history

[@agunemon]

haha exactly... thats why even if I'm an atheist I don't mind going to christian churches when my friends/family invite me even if they know I'm an atheist... its fun, especially the rising popularity of having christian bands in it... even plain old catholic homilies... the preachers always tell nice stories that almost always have a good moral and not just because it was what god willed... its also probably the reason why there is no militant atheist, well if there is then there would be barely any militant atheist...

[@ViolaGMidi]

How I wish people with religious could think the same way.

[@kostailijev7489]

Religious atheism is the new "in thing!"

[@socksumi]

I don't admire religious rituals... at all. Some churches look impressive but it only serves to remind how rich and powerful they are. I recently visited the basilica in Vatican City. The lavishness, the gold, the endless ornamentation is so decadent and over-the-top that it's quite unsettling.

[@christopheranderson3064]

As an atheist Alain De Botton gave religion the credit it deserves. That is what you call intellectual honesty at its best.

[@fritula6200]

Atheism isn't intellectual honesty.... it's a LIE.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

The Lord works in mysterious ways. So mysterious for some of us that we deny His existence. Very sad state of affairs, atheists do not realise what they are missing, I do, good luck.

[@lmdeboom]

@@jeffforsythe9514 we've been there. I believe people missed things by believing in the existence of the old man in the sky.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

@@lmdeboom That old man is now here in human form and this is now the beginning of a brand new age. falun dafa

[@fatihtuncel6987]

To Imam Shafi'i What is your proof for the existence of God? they said * He said; * mulberry leaf * Put those leaves and eat milk, bee ground honey, deer ground musk, The caterpillar makes the ground silk * Taste, colour, smell and substance to create beauty so different from what is belongs to Allah

[@asmameklati2722]

I can't explain how this hit me now. I was religious.. muslim to be exact and I left it 4 years ago but still am struggling and feeling lost without any guidance. I'm so hight rn and I feel like I just discover a new path while watching this

[@Heroqudah]

you lost alot!

[@jurassicthunder]

this is the road to reality and science. you are in the right path. read more scientific and philosophical books that's based on truth that way you can find some answers

[@sangteawazza4187]

@@jurassicthunder than what is truth based on,does it come by chance or it is just an illusion

[@siddhantjadhav2793]

Your amazing brain guides you, think, ask questions, argue, be rationale all the while also fulfilling your goals in your life while also enjoying it. Remember you create your own destiny and not some invisible sky daddy lol

[@siddhantjadhav2793]

@@Heroqudah He/She lost nothing but irrationality and delusions. He/She is learning to accept our reality as it is, our yet unknown origin, he/she is only gaining from this normal experience. Omar you are just afraid of loosing the sheep from your herd as you want to continue as a sheep so you try to hold back others with your stupid negativity

[@Badboyifier]

is this the school of life guy?

[@oneiota2424]

Yep!

[@jamesrands]

Yes, but his voice sounds different on "School of life"

[@devonking1897]

A different setting, different pacing, and even a different microphone can do a lot to change the sound of a person's voice

[@jamesrands]

Devon King I think I also had an image of the School of Life narrator in my mind which was very different.

[@TechReviewTom]

I totally thought the same thing

[@pernus5856]

This approach is fine in the UK, where the church has in large part faded into obscurity. The problem is that American Evangelical Christendom will not go so quietly. They are positively rabid.

[@frenchie1132]

@Colin Cleveland big business in US - all travelling in their private jets!

[@jasim3839]

I would add most of the world is probably worse than America.. in these places we still need the militant atheism " Religion is bullshit" argument

[@femalespartacus]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@geneba712]

Because church in UK is empty of real content, AEC has biblical foundations and is mainly protestant.

[@strings-n-keys]

Christianity will not go away as long as the Holy Spirit dwells on earth and when prosecution comes it will go underground just like in the Soviet Union. Not everyone is brainwashed thank God!

[@tigerwa]

I am an atheist though I very occasionally go to church (CofE) because I like singing loudly out of tune and free wine, I often feel I am not the only one there for those reasons too.

[@sergio7248]

hahahahahhahahahaha best comment

[@johnarbuckle2619]

++++++++++

[@adaslesniak]

Because Christian narrative (fairy tale part in mind of many) doesn't resonate with lot of people while their miss practice and talks about values (exactly what this talk was about), so they do believe in what Christianity is about in terms of moral and social things, but they do not agree on many "you need to believe in all of those dogmas".

[@sergio7248]

Adas Lesniak So right.

[@jayd4ever]

then you are living in falsehood

[@hedayetulislamhimel]

His voice is exactly how I imagined while reading his book .

[@dagi135]

What is the title of his book

[@hamidehiraj45]

@@dagi135 Religion for atheists

[@jeffforsythe9514]

You mean the forked tongue sound?

[@mikeygarcia8271]

You know what element atheists missing in the equation ? The Biblical prophecy is the element that is missing, something that other religions can't claim to possess. Not only did the Jews survive more than two thousand years of threats of annihilation and persecution but the fate of this group of people has been disclosed in prophecies thousands of years ago. Many of which have been fulfilled, others are being fulfilled currently and a few have yet to be fulfilled. Case in point: More than thousands of years ago, God said that the Jewish people will be scattered in all four corners of the world - check! 2nd, they will return to their homeland , to be specific- to a desolate land - check! [ Mark Twain, during his visit to Israel 150 years ago described the holy land as a desolate land that even cactus could hardly grow ] Israel has been one of the top exporters of agricultural products in the world..heck it even the Netherlands, the number 1 exporter of flowers worldwide even import flowers from Israel. 3rd, they will make the land prosperous- check! considering the fact that israel was such a small country, mostly dessert, had no oil nor gas during the first 5 decades of existence..[it was etablished in 1948 btw} and always in constant threats of annihilation as they were surrounded by enemy countries. 4th, Think about this...God made a promise that He will preserve them as a separate people until the end of days despite thousands of years of being scattered in all parts of the globe - check! I have been in Israel and you will see Jews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc..People who came to Israel from all countries of the world and yet their identity remained intact...that is nothing short of a miracle..a fulfillment of prophecy made thousands of years ago. and the list goes on...I can tell you more.

[@tonyrelignisilly3633]

Atheism is not the right word to describe what Alain is advocating.

[@ShreyRupani]

+Tony Relignisilly Which is why he's calling it Atheism 2.0. An idea of what he thinks atheism should be, rather than what it is.

[@tonyrelignisilly3633]

Shrey Rupani yes indeed, and I'm questioning wether what Alain us saying deserves the 'atheism' mantle at all.

[@donlowell]

+Tony Relignisilly How about simply secular humanism?

[@albadona9300]

+Don Endsley Humanism and Christianity, the way I understand them, are almost identical. I welcome any thoughts, questions, or suggestions than can correct me.

[@donlowell]

Alba Dona, secular humanism rejects the supernatural, which all religions operate in. From Wiki, "The philosophy or life stance of secular humanism (alternatively known by some adherents as Humanism, specifically with a capital H to distinguish it from other forms of humanism) embraces human reason, ethics, and philosophical naturalism while specifically rejecting religious dogma, supernaturalism, pseudoscience, and superstition as the bases of morality and decision making."

[@theopaopa1]

"the possibility of an harmonious disagreement"

[@tims9662]

And here we are in 2021....

[@rogerfroud300]

He's absolutely correct about why Religions are so robust and survive even though they are nonsense. I was brought up a Baptist but loathed every wasted moment I had to give over to it. People like me really don't want those structures in our lives. Coming together under a brand (Church) of Atheism 2.0 is far too structured to be acceptable to me. Much as I'd love Religion to die out, combining forces and turning Atheism almost into a Religion itself it not the way forward. To me, Atheism is just that, not believing in Theism. I think I'll leave it as that.

[@solarnaut]

I suppose he was prescribing a global "wiki project" to "fill in the gaps" created by a non-theistic life. His suggestions could also be for individual atheists to consider ways to address some of these human needs that "membership has its privileges" church-goers get plugged into. The "pilgrimage" reference tickled me because I have "jokingly" described certain "important to self" trips that way. I would not do well in a chorus or church picnic, but have, a time or two, envied the glassy-eyed happiness those deluded folks access.

[@zertxer_zertxer]

I suppose his point is that Atheists don't _have to_ reject all Religion outright, but they may choose things that appeal to them without losing their intrinsic Atheism.

[@rogerfroud300]

***** I was always of that view, but the rising tide of Islam and the persisance of Religion in the USA are an ever present threat to rational society. We can remain silent while they tirelessly try to convert us all, or make a stand and actually speak out against Religion. Atheism by it's very nature tends not to galvanise people into pressure groups. Fortunately there are some Secular Societies that do that, and champions of Evolution who tirelessly campaign and argue on our behalf. There are far too few voices heard though, and that needs to change if we are to keep our freedom.

[@PredatorH2O]

@@andrii5175 Almost all of the things you described were done by religious people. Getting rid of religion is a way forward for society.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

People will basically follow any path whether it leads to destruction or to a football game. Unreal, what sheep. They see an applaud sign or a laugh sign and immediately obey. Falun Dafa is a wonderful spiritual practice that wants nothing but for you to reach your spiritual awakening.

[@JKR9488]

I find religions fascinating, but I'll never believe in them

[@rafayshakeel4812]

Well, it's a good thing that you find Religions fascinating, but why is it that you won't pick one true Religion and believe in it, mate? Just curious!

[@Noba46688]

@@rafayshakeel4812 because to believe in a religion is to intentionally delude oneself using the beliefs of other likewise deluded individuals as justification for doing so.

[@rafayshakeel4812]

@@Noba46688 That's your subjective opinion, mate! You're calling 6 Billion people delusional without any evidence, mate.

[@Noba46688]

@@rafayshakeel4812 it is illogical to believe that an all powerful being exists (or beings exist). What created the being(s)? When? How? Why? Did they do it alone? Where? Why don’t they make the world a better place? Why did they allow the holocaust to occur? What about the rape of Nanking? But yes, I’m SURE that this being or these beings are full of love. History has definitely proven this.

[@rafayshakeel4812]

@@Noba46688 This is the reason why you should learn more about your own worldview, mate! Under Atheism, there is no such thing as "The Problem Of Evil." Under Atheism, everything which exists is only a rearrangement of matter, nothing more! So, your worldview doesn't give you the platform or the right to talk about these matters. By the way, Mr. Richard Dawkins himself claimed the following: - In a materialistic universe, there is at bottom no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but pointless indifference. These are the sayings of your so-called intellectual prophet, Mr. Richard Dawkins. By the way, I'm not supporting this claim on Mr. Richard Dawkin's quotes, rather these are the sayings of the founding fathers of Atheism! You're mocking religious people for being delusional, yet you don't even know the basic stuff about your own worldview. Under Atheism, there is no difference between excrement and a human being. It's only a rearrangement of matter. This is not me trying to insult you or anything else for that matter, rather these are the implications of an atheistic, materialistic, and godless worldview. You can fact-check everything I said, Mr./Ms. SupaNoba!

[@mBUSHattack]

As a former Catholic turned agnostic/secular humanist, I really shared this sentiment. I realized the ritual and persistent thought reminders through structure are missing in pure atheism, at least for me. maybe not universally, but for myself.

[@sevilnatas]

Michael Bush, Atheism is simply the lack of belief in a God, you are an atheist. The only thing "missing" from atheism is the belief in god. Anything else that you want to add to your life is your right, such as, Secular Humanism. The only thing you can't add to your life and still be an atheist is the belief in god.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@Michael Bush I understand the problems with the Catholic sect of Christianity and why you left, but that group of people who practice wrong does not negate the fact that God is real and that he cares about you..... Do you believe your body, life, family and the ground you get to walk on are all a gift or something else? If you believe it is something else then what do you think it is then?

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

Michael Bush I'm an atheist and I enjoy going to a Unitarian Universalist church. It is mostly secular - though, it was originally founded in Christianity. I think of it as humanist. A lot of different folks attend my church - a couple Buddhists, lots of atheists & agnostics, some Christians, etc. It's nice that it is very inclusive.

[@janelam3420]

Michael Bush /

[@diyalectic52]

VeroMithril Why?

[@Bathna33]

He has a very beautiful accent.. and such a beautiful mind.

[@Bathna33]

+Jack Palkovic well.. I think so :D

[@buckerine]

+Jack Palkovic what do you have against him?

[@AnkitSinghAnarchoAtheist]

He has channel named "School of Life"

[@bicycleetc9436]

JustDance Pinky33 Really, you think so? Thanks for telling us about you.

[@ciao-cj5in]

and head

[@DavidVeal]

I have never heard this kind of atheism before, but I have preached it for 20 years. Respect is a key ingredient to atheism. It is a shame that some people who do not believe in the myths of gods feel the need to tear another down. And it ultimately becomes a cat chasing it's tail sort of argument. No on really changes anyone's mind. And good people, regardless of their faith, are still good people. I love it when my family and friends ask me about my ideas of creation and all of that, I love it when they share theirs. Respect. It's so needed in this life. You and I do not own the sensibility of another. Why try to pull happiness and direction from someone who has finally found it?

[@DavidVeal]

ZyTelevan I think any person takes a lot into consideration, and no single person or single debate really changes anyone who doesn't want change. That is more along the lines of what I should have said. People do change, all the time. To me, a true believer in God will always have that on them. To me that is why people take the time and effort to debate, they just have not fully let go. However, we are diverse, dynamic critters, so any general statements from me are of course not worth the pixels they're formed by. I get that.

[@ambruskocsis6559]

David Veal I agree. I'm a Christian. I can accept if someone's beliefs is not the same as mine (there are many form of Christianity itself). I have no problem atheists either. What is hurts me is the "religion is the root of al evil and if you're religious than you are automatically stupid and ignorant" arguament, wich is quite simplifies the whole question. It's mostly a negative stereotype, based upon acts and statements of radical and fundamentalist people. Very much like the "atheists are immoral" nonsense. No one can truly understand the other side if we constantly puts labels on each other. Sorry if my english is not perfect, I'm from Hungary and I studied english a long time ago. :-)

[@juanzulu7203]

+David Veal well, I basically agree with you. Of course we dont need to be on the offense all the time. But how can you ever "respect" ridiculous beliefs, religious or not? I cannot. I would need to lie. And I have the strong feeling that it is similar to you. You just PRETEND to respect those beliefs. This is something we can do with children. But adults deserve more than that, namely the gift of critique.

[@DavidVeal]

I can set aside one's beliefs while respecting the many different values of a person. I do not put that much emphasis or I should say concern on anyone's religious belief. Faith has little to do with the aggressiveness or peacefulness of an individual, or of an organization.

[@juanzulu7203]

David Veal faith means believing something without good reason which in itself is nothing to be proud of or nothing which in the long run has ever caused something good.

[@lizosaurusrex]

Well that was unexpectedly wonderful. One of my favorite TED talks to date, for sure.

[@mikeygarcia8271]

My friend, you are eternal..I and even many atheists, have seen the Spirit realm with our own eyes.. You may be surprised to know that the there's only a thin veil that separates the physical world from the Spirit realm. First, do you know any pagan gods who made promises to their people and kept them? None..right? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob made many promises to His people since ancient time and kept them..and His promises for the future of the Jews and gentiles who received Jesus as Messiah are currently happening before our very eyes. One particular fulfillment of the prophecy is the return of the Jews to their homeland in 1948. Case in point: God made a promise that in the last days, He will bring His people back in the land of Israel after more than 2000 years of exile in different parts of the world. Did He fulfill that? Yes, in 1948, the Jews came back to the land and became a nation again after more than 2000 years of exile outside Israel. It was in 70 A.D when the Roman empire massacred the jewish population in Israel but some managed to escape to other countries..that was the start of their exile in the different countries in the world. Can I ask you something? Can a people become a nation again after having been dispersed in different parts of the world for more than two thousand years? And in the countries where they were exiled, they were the minority and were heavily persecuted. They were not allowed to secure jobs and were often expelled from their lands.. And throughout the ages, kings, queens, political and religious leaders tried to annihilate them...do you think they could survive as a people? Could they become a nation again and become a powerful force in the region shortly after they reestablish themselves in the land of their forefathers? And as they tried to rebuild their tiny country, they have to survive the attacks of the neighboring nations that are more well-established and have their respective armies? Considering they are a small country, with no army at that time, as small as New Jersey with the land mostly dessert, surrounded by enemies who attack them from all sides--- and with hardly any natural resources that even Mark Twain in his diary said that even a cactus was having a hard time to grow in this arid, bone dry and dessicated land ? Will they survive? What do you think?

[@ZZ_ZRØ]

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:5-8

[@hansrudolf7212]

I remember that richard dawkins did say and many times repeated "that i love Christmas carols and music and those beautiful rituals. Im an ex Muslim Atheist from Afghanistan. I love to celibrate the feasts and so on as well . So pls dont generalize about all atheists .

[@vijaysaini1537]

I m atheist from india . i love diwali and all other festival

[@semihcorbaci]

Me too a Turkish ex Muslim atheist and i love celebrating feasts too

[@CihanTelli]

@@semihcorbaci okurken "kesin kurban bayramını kastediyordur" dedim :))

[@shadygamererfan377]

Ex muslim from India but I don't like to do rituals.

[@mansourq.689]

Salam watandar Atheist

[@jerrywhite7328]

As an atheist I have to say that this is amazing. I spent years trying to understand how exactly to, you could say 'be', an atheist, and it took a lot of trial and error, and a bit of anger at being lied to about something so massive as The Meaning of Life. I hope young atheists find this, and other School of Life videos, and make better choices. Indeed the Sermon is much needed in modern society, and I wish to elevate this man to a sort of Sainthood.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

I sought the meaning of life for close to forty years and then received His Divine blessing, good things take time, good luck.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

I know that God exists because after 35 years of seeking I received His blessing.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

The Lord never lied to you. The more faith that you have in God, the greater the blessings, poor you.

[@tok1879]

@@jeffforsythe9514 lol, did he tell you what his life lacks is blessings?

[@jeffforsythe9514]

What irony. Atheists demand proof that God exists while they are the proof that Satan does.

[@maxverse]

I've watched a ton of TED talks, and their meaning and impact aside - he's one of the best speakers I've ever heard. Just a touch on the fast side. But both of his speeches are such pleasures to listen to, both in pacing, phrasing, and delivery.

[@ZZ_ZRØ]

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:5-8

[@p.bamygdala2139]

"We have secularized badly". I agree. Well said. The big challenge for the movement is to determine what alternative we will provide to entice and incentivize de-conversion. We probably need to commoditize it to sustain and expand.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

What irony. Atheists demand proof that God exists while they are the proof that Satan does.

[@andrewaustin8135]

@@jeffforsythe9514 That makes absolutely zero sense. In what way do people who don't believe in any gods and other mythological beings prove the existence of gods and mythological beings?

[@ZZ_ZRØ]

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:5-8

[@LenweTaralom77]

“Art for art's sake is an empty phrase. Art for the sake of truth, art for the sake of the good and the beautiful, that is the faith I am searching for.” ― George Sand

[@gooddayok]

I hope these movies will help you as they have helped me GOD HAS ARRIVED kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYWopZRqgdFnadU GOD OF GODS | BIRTH OF THE UNBORN: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZnRoKmfo8SkrKc

[@proculusjulius7035]

@@gooddayok god's not dead, he just doesn't exist.

[@christophercousins184]

I agree, but that's very different from saying art should be didactic... "Should be, should buzz..."

[@jeffforsythe9514]

If you are sincere and have a kind heart, read the book Falun Gong.

[@AtamMardes]

"Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool." Mark Twain

[@John-lf3xf]

Obviously wrong.

[@John-lf3xf]

@@AtamMardes Motivated ignorance is a very generic property of individuals to protect certain states of knowledge. (That is, much more generic than being necessarily what we would formally describe as "gullible emotional person".) And given that there is no one without faith in something, if not metaphysical, then usually seemingly something social, you have not much a point that way either. You (or whoever wrote this) use sets of words which have distinct and subtle meanings in parallel which is quite imprecise and/or redundant.

[@John-lf3xf]

/conf

[@frumaatholoid]

Mark Twain never said that.

[@AtamMardes]

@@frumaatholoid "The best cure for Christianity is reading the Bible." Mark Twain

[@TerryUniGeezerPeterson]

Instead of being called an atheist 2.0, a better alternative would be human 2.0 or human+. Atheism should not even be a word, just as there are no words for disbelief in fairies, unicorns, etc.

[@matthewtenney2898]

Life is fundamentally different for the atheist. It deserves it's own word.

[@TerryUniGeezerPeterson]

@@matthewtenney2898That's because atheists live in reality, use logic and critical thinking skills.

[@JackieOdonnel]

This the best TED Talk I've ever heard. Truly. I've sent many people this link, and I myself have watched it at least a dozen times. I think all of this is a good reminder that we are all human, with human needs, and there is no one side. We all believe what we believe, but we all want the same outcome--culture, love, learning, growth, communion with nature and others, reminders to look at the sky. Bravo. Excellent talk.

[@socksumi]

"Human need for connection, ritual and transcendence". All I need is the comfort of familiarity and fellowship with other humans. I wouldn't mind a little change and variety thrown in the mix. You can leave transcendence off the list... I don't need that. I also don't need to call these things religion because they are not.

[@cristian_5305]

As a devout Christian, I appreciate an atheist that at least gives religion it’s due respect, thank you

[@gaurav.raj.mishra]

Anybody else got the Richard Dawkins reference?

[@SuperEdge67]

Gaurav Mishra Everybody did.

[@cyrhow5096]

I remember the good ole day when Atheists said Atheism wasn't a belief system. Alain de Botton is fighting hard for it to be one.

[@sharismad]

Belief system? Atheism? Can you explain?

[@punchline43]

@@sharismad No, he can't.

[@buttermepancake3613]

It's not a belief system lol it's a lack of belief or skepticism

[@M29WeaselDriver]

I'm a devout Christian and I've got to say that's a good speech Well done. With that said people who are religious have contributed greatly to science and medicine. Galileo was a catholic. Einstein was Jewish Lewis Pascal was Christian. Indeed lots of university's were founded by religious organizations.

[@stevedarlington278]

Galileo was tried by the catholic church. One is born Jewish.

[@hugopritchard8455]

Pascal's first name was Blaise not Lewis. He was a Catholic theologian as well.

[@0fficer47]

There is a balance to behold here. There are aspects of both atheism and religion that everyone should see but often overlook.

[@scubasteve1757]

Dan of Deadwood Spirituality - the Human Soul that makes us feel reborn upon peeling back a new layer of the universe and seeing behind the veil?

[@170221dn]

How can there be a balance between believing a god exists and not believing a god exists?

[@IanD-ut4dy]

@@170221dn I know this is a late reply but here goes. The balance isn't between the beliefs (even though atheism is a lack of belief), it is the mechanics of each system. In religion I imagine it is the ability to attract and teach and continue to attract new adherents as well as "spiritual fulfillment". For atheism it is the aspect of skepticism that naturally comes with non-belief. Really combining those two leads to secular humanism, which is what I suspect the Ted talker is alluding to.

[@adrianmbugua8344]

One thing I strongly agree is religion gave as great art.

[@serlGlent]

+buru kenge and great stupidity people

[@cosmicplebe310]

+serlGlent why look at the bad side..

[@rescyou]

No, religion stole money from poor people to purchase great art.

[@archievilliers5177]

Not really, it's just religion had the money back then. Artists need money. 1+1=2.

[@skaterdude7277]

you have missed the entire point of the video

[@azeljoyportugues572]

He is my ideal man, I like how he do his hand gestures and he looks so humble and respectful

[@talalcockar1389]

Cool haircut too

[@MercyMburuNyakio]

this is literally one of the most underrated ted talks.

[@gfrozin]

A well deserved standing applause. Thank you!

[@ZZ_ZRØ]

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:5-8

[@noname-zl5es]

For me , becoming an atheist is a journey of searching truth, questioning things instead of believing blindly and making our own paths ...

[@thecanadianamateur1129]

This is the most powerful thing I’ve read in a while and thank you so much for this. I needed to hear this.

[@ZZ_ZRØ]

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:5-8

[@stinkyoldmonk8982]

I love this man's voice

[@magicvortex]

In my opinion he is talking about problem that is not existing. I never abandoned awe, art, community, morality... and others as atheist.

[@IIVVBlues]

I enjoyed this perspective very much. I have volunteered at museums for decades and it never occurred to me to incorporate themes similar to the way religions do. The same goes for music. As a musician this has given me some new ideas for my presentation to audiences. Thank you.

[@psyekl]

This speaker makes the same error that so many do: The idea that modern atheists dismiss religion outright ( @ 0:30 ) The arguments of religion being "wrong and ridiculous" does not apply to their utility in society. Something can indeed be incorrect and absurd, but still have a great deal of utility. If these individuals would sit back and listen to the people they choose to criticize they will find that the conversations do mention this on many occasions. It is a very common recognition among the modern secular culture that the unity, camaraderie and ritual observances that bind religious communities are missed and even desired. This speaker is very intuitive in this aspect.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

Up to a point, anyway, yes.

[@jlp7091]

A wonderful talk by an engaging intellectual. My husband, a staunch atheist, said to me last night when he got home that a woman on the street was handing out religious pamphlets and said to my husband that she would pray for him. He said he responded to her by saying “thank you very much, that is very kind of you”. It doesn’t take much to be kind, even if you don’t believe.

[@luyar2]

I could listen to this guy all day

[@karenKristal]

this is excellent

[@SkylerBaird]

I'm LDS and I refer to this Ted talk often when teaching people why commandments are good.

[@onlineeducationnepal7842]

*what to do if your religious Hindu, Muslim and Christian friends are fighting? Tell them there is "No GOD". They will become close friends and you become enemy*

[@775.-]

If u dont talk about religion in the first place , u would never be enemies

[@sad-pt7xd]

Peace 100

[@harinivasan9609]

@@775.- So we should all ignore everything we don't agree about? Don't be offended, but religion has played a huge role in politics and is still influencing people who vote in their democracy because of their religious beliefs. I can't even say I'm an atheist without people of all religions calling me arrogant for thinking "I'm above god". I don't think the answer is shutting up.

[@Soytu19]

He is basically explaining what the School of Life is all about. School of Life = tools of religion + philosophy + psycholohy

[@scygnius]

This is one of those TED talks that I never want to end!

[@adamwho9801]

This really isn't about atheism, it is about secularism. It is about how to structure secular organizations to be more satisfying to the human brain which is evolved to operate in groups and with ritualized behaviors.

[@ANDROLOMA]

All people are atheists until instructed otherwise about the alternative through miseducation.

[@N1976DL]

I am a former Christian turned atheist, and I have found that the secular world, namely atheism, leaves a void, as Alain alluded. While morals, virtues, and values are conflated with religion, such as Christianity, they exist in spite of religion, not because of it. However, religion is an outlet for community, relationships, social, and interpersonal connection. This is what atheism fails to offer. Though, it’s purpose is not to claim to offer such things. That said, I’ve been wondering if it would be possible to create an atheist, or secular, “church“ experience. Literally, like what you would see in a church service, with music, singing, a message, a time to socialize, a group service, and individual services. Basically, the same model as a modern, Christian church minus the religious dogmas, doctrines, worship of a deity, and supernaturalism. Maybe I could be a pastor for the First Church of Atheism?

[@ronaldlindeman6136]

I would include things like music concerts as non Religious. I would include sporting events as non Religious. I would include most movies, plays and TV shows as non Religious.

[@kevingolden4683]

And the reason you'd fail in being the pastor for such a church is not just because of the doubt in your tone, but also because you were never truly a Christian.

[@N1976DL]

Kevin Golden please see logical fallacy, “no true Scotsman”. Old, tired, and fallacious argument. Thank you. Not sure where you see doubt in my tone. But, yeah, no doubt that religion, and its gods, are a man-made social construct.

[@ronaldlindeman6136]

I'm sorry for my first answer. You are right, atheism does not offer the same things of community, and it not configured to. Atheism is more about honest philosophy. There is a place already for atheists and humanists who want a more Religious like experience, and that is the Unitarians. There's a history of it, Thomas Jefferson thought that everybody would turn to that after they learned how wrong Christianity actually was. Deists would go into being Unitarians, some of it was promoted by Ralph Waldo Emerson. But Unitarianism didn't really catch on. But you can find some Unitarian buildings and services in large cities, I have been to a few. It's a 20 minute drive for me one way, I'd go a lot more.

[@N1976DL]

Ronald Lindeman Firstly, thank you for the apology. You don’t see that, too often, on social media. I appreciate it. Although, your first answer wasn’t disagreeable. It just didn’t follow, I thought. But, yes, the unitarian universal church is what I’m getting at. But, I think they still flirt with spirituality and divinity. I tend to believe that all religions are tapping into a common denominator.

[@OrangeAnimeGirlLover]

Watching this video I couldn't help but think about me and one of my best friends. She comes from a Christian household and holds strong beliefs in her faith but you would never be able to tell that unless you asked her. I on the other hand am an Atheist but I don't dismiss religion as being nothing but fairy tales because I can see value in it. However, their are parts in religion I disagree with. But me and her everyday at least once a day, talk about religion and are views on it but It isn't a conversation that I dread on having each day. Believe it or not, we agree on things and it's one of the favorite parts of my day. I may not have the same view point as her but I start to get a better understanding of why people believe in God. I'm not saying I ever will but rather than hating on someone because your religious values are different. I feel that the best way people can come to an understanding about things is by meeting in the middle and talking about things. I find religion to be a fascinating topic. Something I could talk about all the time because our modern day world would never have come to be with out it.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@LionHeart1511 Your friend is correct though, God is real and he is your great great grandfather to the 200-300th generation back! You should pray to him and get to know him.... Do you believe your body, life, family and the ground you get to walk on are all a gift or something else? If you believe it is something else then what do you think it is then?

[@bobs182]

@@j0hncon5tantine Your body, life, family, and the ground one walks on are reality. They are all real.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@@bobs182 Saying they are real is a description or one aspect of them. IF you do not believe they are a gift then is that ll you have to say about them? Do you really appreciate them?

[@bobs182]

@@j0hncon5tantine I appreciate those who do things to help me but nobody did any of the things mentioned for me.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@@bobs182 Well, what if I told you somebody did and I have evidence that would hold up in a court of law for it? Would you believe me? Would you want to see it?

[@ozgurkaya8037]

As a pantheist, I have been trying to reveal the cultural and therapeutic sides of all the religions for years, because we humans are quite emotional creatures. I agree with Alain de Botton literally

[@yeah7046]

You don't need to follow any Religion to be a Human.

[@فارسبنكلبان]

‏Anthony Flew is considered one of the most prominent atheists, so he retracted his atheism and ،told us that the universe has a deity with modern scientific evidence, not with thought or dreams and feeling, but after science and modern discoveries about the existence of a Creator. He fell into another problem that the Creator wanted according to his mood ‏ He wanted the Creator to be neither speaking nor hearing, and creating creation in vain ‏But it is logical that this Creator sends a messenger to teach us who he is. And we have to verify the authenticity of the Messenger and what this Messenger calls to? ‏ It transports sperm from the liquid state to the eyes, heart, blood, arteries, and bones. Unconscious nature creates a conscious human being. Then this nature teaches about the importance of the heart and lung, then puts the rib cage, then oxygen, then water, there is sexual desire, and there are the genitals to complete the male and female sexual process. , What coincidence are you talking about, a coincidence that creates the male and the female. All of these are called verses and there are things that complement each other, there is a lung and there is air and there are teeth and stomach and in food and other things and we say that it has no creator!!! ‏ The only question God will ask you is ‏ focus on it ‏ ((He said: Did you deny My verses and did not encompass them in knowledge, or what did you do?)) ‏ I mean, God Almighty tells you what I told you is a lie and you cannot realize it or understand it ‏ And what in the world have you been doing? ‏ Do you know what your answer is? ‏ ((The decree will befall them for what they did wrong, and they will not be able to speak. ‏ If you find yourself in the world without a choice in a great reality we live in, and you go without a choice and a question is the most important ‏ If your destiny is fire, has God wronged you???ًً ‏Muhammad, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, is a prophet from the Creator, and before him many prophets did not lie or deceive, and he is the only religion that commands you to worship one Creator who created everything. ‏First of all, you should know that the religion of all prophets is the worship of one Creator who created everything. Islam today is the only religion that commands you to worship one Creator and not idols, illusions, conjecture or a number of gods. But how do we know that the speech is from God and not from Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace? . These are some of the things that comfort your heart and believe that this is a prophet and many of the prophets before him ‏ The Almighty said: (Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke) ‏ The smoke confirms that the origin of this universe is inflamed. It is not a lake of water, as was the perception of all philosophies and religions that are based on illusion. This is one of the postulates of modern science today that the sky is condensation of smoke. This fact converted the French scientist Maurice to Islam and wrote a book entitled the Holy Qur’an on the scale of modern science ‏How did Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, know this fact before? ‏ The Almighty says: ((And the heaven We constructed)) ‏ The sky is a building, not a vacuum as it was thought, and this was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017 that proved it ‏How did Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, know this fact before? ‏The Almighty’s saying: ((And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander. )). ‏ That is, the sky expands with time. This fact, even in the time of Einstein, was not imagined by anyone and it was proven. And Einstein admitted it and admitted that it was the biggest scientific mistake he made in his life if he believed that the sky was fixed. The Qur’an before Einstein says that the sky expands ‏fact ‏ Almighty’s saying: :((And We have made the night and day two signs, and We erased the sign of the night and made the sign of the day visible that you may seek bounty from your Lord and may know the number of years and the account [of time]. And everything We have set out in detail. )). ‏ The verse of the night is the moon and the verse of the day is the sun. The Qur'an tells that the sun and the moon were fiery masses. That is, the moon was a fiery mass and was erased, and the verse of the day remained visible to the eyes. Was the moon a fiery mass and extinguished? This is one of the biggest scientific issues discovered about the moon. The moon was already a fiery mass, and NASA issued on its official website a conceptual clip entitled The Evolution of the Moon in the video. In fact, the moon was a fiery mass like the sun, and this is what the Qur’an told about and the truth of modern science. ‏How did Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, know this fact before? ‏Almighty’s saying ‏And you see the mountains thinking that they are rigid, while you will cross as the passage of clouds. [It is] the work of God who has perfected everything. In fact, he knows what you're doing.)) ‏ And the verse clearly spoke of a strange phenomenon, which is that the viewer of the mountains appears to him still, that is, they are still, but in fact they are not like that, rather they are in a state of constant movement. And the infidels of Quraish had previously accused our master Muhammad, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, of madness, and it is likely that their joy was overwhelming when this verse was revealed. ‏ They also found in it, according to their claim, evidence of this madness, and they told the people: How can you believe this man who says that these fixed mountains move like clouds moving in the sky! ‏ And today it is proven that the earth rotates, and with it the mountains, how did Muhammad know that and why is he telling you instead of the matter that makes people consider him crazy? The matter was not from him, but from God. Almighty’s saying ‏Those whom Allah (in His plan) willeth to guide,- He openeth their breast to Islam; those whom He willeth to leave straying,- He maketh their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: thus doth Allah (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe)). ‏After man was able to reach the sky by flying by modern means of transportation, he knew that the higher up in the air, the less oxygen and atmospheric pressure, which causes severe tightness in the chests and the process of breathing. : ‏How did Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, know this fact before? It was not from him, but from God Almighty’s saying ‏Or (the Unbelievers' state) is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by (dark) clouds: depths of darkness, one above another: if a man stretches out his hands, he can hardly see it! for any to whom Allah giveth not light, there is no light! ‏Modern sciences have revealed that in the bottom of the deep seas with abundant water - the deep sea - there is great darkness, to the extent that living creatures live in this darkness without visual tools, but live using their other senses such as hearing. ‏These dark darknesses are not found in the sea water that surrounds the Arabian Peninsula, but rather they have been discovered in the oceans far from it ‏This verse shows another aspect of the Qur’anic miracle, which is that the sea wave that all people only knew was one wave in the seas ‏The verse says there is another wave in the depths of the sea, and divers discovered at the beginning of the twentieth century a fact that was hidden in the depths of the sea, that fact that shows another wave that throws divers into it as it is thrown at swimmers, and this wave was discovered by Scandinavian divers. I will tell you what the Prophet said. The Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: One day the Bedouins who live in the desert will build tall towers, and this is my duty. Go and see where the tallest buildings are and who owns them. ‏God Almighty: ((We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?) And God informed the Qur’an of this by saying: “Did you think that we created you without a purpose and that you would never return to us?” ‏All these and other matters that I have not mentioned indicate that this is a prophet from God..More important than that, as I told you, is the only religion that commands you to worship one Creator, who created everything and before him many prophets ‏Say, if you wish, there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God ‏ speak from the heart

[@ricericericericericericerice]

his pacing is way better in this video than the the one before it

[@yeshua731]

No offense taken. Here is a quote I like: "The only problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place." ;)

[@PredatorH2O]

Good one.

[@soilofk]

It's so refreshing to have a speaker holding paper notes in his hands!! I enjoyed this.

[@sophiewilliams7322]

Brilliant talk. I hate the antagonistic tone of the online atheist community. And if you think about it, the yearn for morality, guidance and spirituality must be part of innate human nature else we wouldn't have invented religion in the first place.

[@pathfinder1273]

What makes you think we invented it? Were you there at those times, listening in?

[@bryankristercaranto4039]

This is a brilliant talk! Been thinking of the same stuff. But he only explored the surface. I believe he could even further it. Love it!

[@jeffforsythe9514]

Please do not quit seeking the Lord. Try asking the Lord to show you that He exists, but do not forget to say please.

[@mikeygarcia8271]

You know what element you're missing in the equation ? The Biblical prophecy is the element that is missing, something that other religions can't claim to possess. Not only did the Jews survive more than two thousand years of threats of annihilation and persecution but the fate of this group of people has been disclosed in prophecies thousands of years ago. Many of which have been fulfilled, others are being fulfilled currently and a few have yet to be fulfilled. Case in point: More than thousands of years ago, God said that the Jewish people will be scattered in all four corners of the world - check! 2nd, they will return to their homeland , to be specific- to a desolate land - check! [ Mark Twain, during his visit to Israel 150 years ago described the holy land as a desolate land that even cactus could hardly grow ] Israel has been one of the top exporters of agricultural products in the world..heck it even the Netherlands, the number 1 exporter of flowers worldwide even import flowers from Israel. 3rd, they will make the land prosperous- check! considering the fact that israel was such a small country, mostly dessert, had no oil nor gas during the first 5 decades of existence..[it was etablished in 1948 btw} and always in constant threats of annihilation as they were surrounded by enemy countries. 4th, Think about this...God made a promise that He will preserve them as a separate people until the end of days despite thousands of years of being scattered in all parts of the globe - check! I have been in Israel and you will see Jews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc..People who came to Israel from all countries of the world and yet their identity remained intact...that is nothing short of a miracle..a fulfillment of prophecy made thousands of years ago. and the list goes on...I can tell you more.

[@RatatRatR]

Check out his book Religion For Atheists.

[@coconutcore]

FINALLY! Someone who's got the right idea and DOESN'T use the media as a substitute for religion!

[@patrickoneill1993]

Harmonious Disagreement-an essential stepping stone towards diverse Unity. Thank you for words, Alain. Cheers, Pat O’Neill

[@jeffforsythe9514]

The difference between knowledge and wisdom is suffering...........falun dafa.

[@goliathsteinbeisser3547]

"That's not the end of the story." Yes, it is. I do not believe in god, and that is all that I have in common with other atheists, because it is the only common defining characteristic. Anything beyond that falls not into the category of atheism. I am an atheist and appreciate art, culture, rituals and so on but it could also be the opposite. Atheism says nothing about your values, beliefs and character beyond: "Does not believe in god(s)." Other than that I can be a scholar, a brute, a psycopath, a hero, right wing, left wing... It is fine if you want to connect and socialize with other atheists, but do not be disappointed if you find that you do not have as much in common with other atheists as you thought. Besides, it is not like religion has a monopoly on ritual or art. I appreciate the Epic of Gilgamesh, for example and nobody is stopping me from doing so, and I also share my appreciation for it with anyone who cares to listen, religious conviction does not even come up in this context. No Atheism 2.0 required. I like the ideas, but they belong more into the category of living well and wholesomely.

[@nathangayner7592]

Wow! I think this is so right. To let the foolishness of the beliefs blind us to the essential part religion has played in the entire story of mankind, is to miss out on more than we can know.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

Falun Dafa is a wonderful heart and mind cultivation practice, free.

[@kw_cooper]

It's like shooting fish in a barrel if there is no fish or barrel but everyone says there was one thousands of years ago because there is an old text of first-hand accounts of the barrel and they all pray to the barrel and the barrel with give them everlasting life and the fish will come in a thousand years and save them and we use this barrel to make decisions and laws. And then people kill each other in the name of the barrel, and they fight over the ground where the barrel used to be, and wear necklaces of a fish jumping out of the barrel, and thank the barrel for offering the food they eat. rAmen.

[@JoseAmaya-gp2yb]

You nailed it.

[@osamab814]

Keiland Cooper people kill each other for other reasons too what makes your arguemen valid?

[@crownpoint9]

I am just replying to one thing you said. I have heard it before. That religion causes wars. Not so. Consider the greatest numbers of deaths because of wars. By far the most deaths came from atheist attackers. Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler. And then there are the religious, though not Christian attackers. Japan. Millions, millions. Now Consider the wars Christians have been in and consider the mercy they have shown after the war. Ww2. We forgave Germany and Japan. American Civil War. The union did not punish the South. Abraham Lincoln outlined the forgiveness. Atheists have by far caused the most deaths, millions, by cruelly killing their own people. The second most attacking wars is from Islam. It is a religion that should not be lumped with other religions. Look it up. And see it.

[@Ghost_ed1823]

@@crownpoint9 you are wrong to classify the deeds of wicked people as atheistic deeds, those were people who believed in manipulating and torturing humans , atheists dont believe that stop!!! , categorizing nonsense there can be wicked people who are religious , doesn't make every religious person wicked.

[@pathfinder1273]

Keiland Cooper You really need to take a course on writing. What a terrible use of metaphor. It makes me think your premise is not well-formed, either.

[@ARMYStrongHOOAH17]

Thank you Plato! Thank you, Socrates! Thank you, Jane Austen!

[@mikaailahmed5679]

Alain is an absolute gem in a sea of mediocrity and rigmarole. One of the best speakers out there and such fluid articulation of his ideas. Love his School of Life stuff too!!

[@mental9453]

He is still an atheist though

[@mikaailahmed5679]

@@mental9453 so?

[@RatatRatR]

Being an atheist is fine.

[@riesweetandsour]

Does being secular or lack of religious beliefs have to mean lack of creativity and traditions? I don't think so. Our completely rejecting certain imaginary ideas doesn't mean we reject all traditions and creativity. Being atheists we are simply humble enough to recognize and accept the distinction between facts and our creativity. Besides, there exist some secular cultures that have practiced interesting and creative traditions around the world. I don't like the idea of turning to religions as the major sources of creative traditions.

[@MrEddie8313]

I cannot blame both the religious and the atheists people 'coz they're simply all hungry seeking for the truth which offers a culture of a quality-kind of life we are all pursuing after ! ... ✌️✌️✌️

[@SinisterMud]

Atheist do not have certitude religious people have about the birth of existence.

[@leaveme3559]

@@SinisterMud and religious people with all there beliefs can't prove how that existence came to be.. At the end its just blind belief

[@franklinbarrett4630]

I find beauty in humanism ,most art and rituals I can freely enjoy. Most atheists are not outspoken and they are enjoying the beauty of many cultures. Finding beauty and joy in life is a message for everyone.

[@rodt9779]

That beauty and joy is because of God. God shows himself today through near death experiences, healings, and testimonies from people around the world. God bless

[@alexgoslar4057]

It is the overwhelming unanswered existential questions that make people believe.

[@Me-ip7tt]

So many interesting ideas, it seems like he had trouble keeping up with the speed of his own thoughts and ideas, I agree with so many of the things he says

[@Shunarjuna]

Alain de Botton looks like he has a giant brain… sounds like it too.

[@devinbeverage5199]

+TheLyingTruthTeller That sounds related, thanks for your contribution. While we’re at it, I have heard he has a certain affinity for canning strawberries.

[@alir.9894]

+thelyingtruthteller Why do you say that he has a giant temper?

[@mcseedat]

Think he meant giant "temple"

[@goodkidsincity]

I see what you did there.

[@BIGGOODBOY]

Shunarjuna he sounds like he gotta big booty too

[@MichaelLevine-n6y]

It is refreshing to hear someone support atheism without resort to polemics and sarcasm against religion.

[@Lwoods1717]

This man gets 100x hotter when he opens his mouth.

[@bradwilson5552]

Ehh - really ??

[@bradwilson5552]

In a Prince William kinda way maybe but that’s a “s t r e t c h”

[@arttyree4504]

Just wondering. . . wold the TEDsters consider inviting Timothy Keller or Ravi Zacharias to speak on Theism 1.0?

[@quantumrobin4627]

Art Tyree Hope not, it would break the streak of useful tedtalks.

[@jessytheyodellingirl]

I adore his voice

[@jeffforsythe9514]

You mean the part when he hisses?

[@SharonBalloch]

As a Christian I love this guy... and the comments here... gives me hope for the future..

[@MindGem]

There's one very important thing you've missed. Most atheists believe that religion is not only wrong but also very harmful. If it's also harmful then we can't be acceptable of religious dogma.

[@waltermendoza2141]

This was like watching a dog chasing his own tail. So much effort made, and in the end, never caught a thing!

[@arsplastiques]

I really appreciate how he gives permission and good reasons for cherry picking the best bits of different religions. Often, people do tell you that it's not "allowed," but I never thought to push back and say, "yes it is, why on earth not?" :)

[@livethemoment5148]

this is a different kind of cherry picking...and it is totally allowed for atheists...its a great idea to cherry pick in this way

[@jenniferludy5510]

Precisely! They demonize you can cal it cultural appropriation. 🙄

[@coldenhaulfield5998]

I'm an atheist and I love the music of Amy Grant, Brian McKnight, MWS and many more gospel artists.

[@mikeygarcia8271]

You know what element atheists missing in the equation ? The Biblical prophecy is the element that is missing, something that other religions can't claim to possess. Not only did the Jews survive more than two thousand years of threats of annihilation and persecution but the fate of this group of people has been disclosed in prophecies thousands of years ago. Many of which have been fulfilled, others are being fulfilled currently and a few have yet to be fulfilled. Case in point: More than thousands of years ago, God said that the Jewish people will be scattered in all four corners of the world - check! 2nd, they will return to their homeland , to be specific- to a desolate land - check! [ Mark Twain, during his visit to Israel 150 years ago described the holy land as a desolate land that even cactus could hardly grow ] Israel has been one of the top exporters of agricultural products in the world..heck it even the Netherlands, the number 1 exporter of flowers worldwide even import flowers from Israel. 3rd, they will make the land prosperous- check! considering the fact that israel was such a small country, mostly dessert, had no oil nor gas during the first 5 decades of existence..[it was etablished in 1948 btw} and always in constant threats of annihilation as they were surrounded by enemy countries. 4th, Think about this...God made a promise that He will preserve them as a separate people until the end of days despite thousands of years of being scattered in all parts of the globe - check! I have been in Israel and you will see Jews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc..People who came to Israel from all countries of the world and yet their identity remained intact...that is nothing short of a miracle..a fulfillment of prophecy made thousands of years ago. and the list goes on...I can tell you more.

[@debraharris4989]

Believers can learn from this atheist!

[@danniealexander4131]

He's making great points. Things to think about and try and implement.

[@mikeygarcia8271]

You know what element you're missing in the equation ? The Biblical prophecy is the element that is missing, something that other religions can't claim to possess. Not only did the Jews survive more than two thousand years of threats of annihilation and persecution but the fate of this group of people has been disclosed in prophecies thousands of years ago. Many of which have been fulfilled, others are being fulfilled currently and a few have yet to be fulfilled. Case in point: More than thousands of years ago, God said that the Jewish people will be scattered in all four corners of the world - check! 2nd, they will return to their homeland , to be specific- to a desolate land - check! [ Mark Twain, during his visit to Israel 150 years ago described the holy land as a desolate land that even cactus could hardly grow ] Israel has been one of the top exporters of agricultural products in the world..heck it even the Netherlands, the number 1 exporter of flowers worldwide even import flowers from Israel. 3rd, they will make the land prosperous- check! considering the fact that israel was such a small country, mostly dessert, had no oil nor gas during the first 5 decades of existence..[it was etablished in 1948 btw} and always in constant threats of annihilation as they were surrounded by enemy countries. 4th, Think about this...God made a promise that He will preserve them as a separate people until the end of days despite thousands of years of being scattered in all parts of the globe - check! I have been in Israel and you will see Jews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc..People who came to Israel from all countries of the world and yet their identity remained intact...that is nothing short of a miracle..a fulfillment of prophecy made thousands of years ago. and the list goes on...I can tell you more.

[@juleslu8403]

wonderful!!! makes so much sense and lines out the necessary framework, and helps to destigmatize atheism. Alain de Button is one our modern geniuses.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

A modern genius? You mean that there are old-fashioned geniuses? What irony. Atheists demand proof that God exists while they are the proof that Satan does.

[@ZZ_ZRØ]

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:5-8

[@drbobinski1]

great message, great speaker. I am an atheist but love Christmas, etc....Churches are amazing architecturally as well.

[@ReasononFaith]

I loved the talk. Thank you Alain. While I squirmed at the title, since I believe that 'atheism' is one specific position to one very specific question, Iove the idea that we have something to learn and incorporate from religious structure, practices, etc. --- just not their doctrinal positions or truth claims. Independently, I've had very similar intuitions and ideas, as I have spent time in counter-apologetics with Islam, from a peaceful sect of Islam that I left. I recognized the value of Community, but didn't want to have to buy into any supernatural, unsubstantiated dogma. I have an idea I will be pursuing, about 'Religion Minus the Bullshit', that takes what you've articulated here so beautifully, and helps organize it. You are totally on to something. I believe that I have some ideas that will help address the problems/limitations that most non-believers would have with these ideas. Of course, they are opt-in, for those who believe there are things we can incorporate as best practices for living, to make our lives richer and more fulfilling. A huge thank you for laying this ground work and sharing these ideas.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

Take a good look at Falun Dafa, very wonderful.

[@mikeygarcia8271]

You know what element atheists missing in the equation ? The Biblical prophecy is the element that is missing, something that other religions can't claim to possess. Not only did the Jews survive more than two thousand years of threats of annihilation and persecution but the fate of this group of people has been disclosed in prophecies thousands of years ago. Many of which have been fulfilled, others are being fulfilled currently and a few have yet to be fulfilled. Case in point: More than thousands of years ago, God said that the Jewish people will be scattered in all four corners of the world - check! 2nd, they will return to their homeland , to be specific- to a desolate land - check! [ Mark Twain, during his visit to Israel 150 years ago described the holy land as a desolate land that even cactus could hardly grow ] Israel has been one of the top exporters of agricultural products in the world..heck it even the Netherlands, the number 1 exporter of flowers worldwide even import flowers from Israel. 3rd, they will make the land prosperous- check! considering the fact that israel was such a small country, mostly dessert, had no oil nor gas during the first 5 decades of existence..[it was etablished in 1948 btw} and always in constant threats of annihilation as they were surrounded by enemy countries. 4th, Think about this...God made a promise that He will preserve them as a separate people until the end of days despite thousands of years of being scattered in all parts of the globe - check! I have been in Israel and you will see Jews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc..People who came to Israel from all countries of the world and yet their identity remained intact...that is nothing short of a miracle..a fulfillment of prophecy made thousands of years ago. and the list goes on...I can tell you more.

[@tijaplace9228]

Only after the second time of watching this I realized why his voice sounds so familiar to me. The School of Life.

[@holdontoyourwig]

" What could we use from religion " Who said religions were the original authors of ANYTHING that could be used by us today.

[@mpcc2022]

Any person who doesn't understand history and or the genealogy of morals.

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

True Love. All Truth All Love

[@holdontoyourwig]

@@SeaJay_Oceans I assume you have conveniently ignored all of the slaughter then ? The loving slaughter obviously.

[@PredatorH2O]

Exactly. Religion has literally nothing to offer.

[@TheSultan1470]

@@holdontoyourwig wrong

[@ryanhilliker375]

I’m an atheist and regularly sing in choirs. Christmas is pretty awkward for me because “WOO JESUS!”. But I appreciate the music and it’s construction. I’m actually quite jealous because there are some amazing works that are all religious, and I have yet to find secular music with chords as unique as some pieces. Especially remixes of old songs, like vocative’s mary did you know. An absolutely amazing song. And I don’t know of any songs that are secular that have as much of a punch as that. But I still appreciate it for what it is. And I love the song. I’ve learned that just because I’m an atheist, it doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy music and it’s amazing construction.

[@JackieOdonnel]

I agree. One of my favorites of all time is the Hallelujah Chorus. Gives me chills. I try to imagine humans are singing to the stars, the moon, the sky, Mother Earth. However you look at it (whatever you consider "God" or something "greater than self"), the human experience, and the way we express ourselves, is a thing of beauty. Even when life gets ugly, there are lessons to learn, things to feel, growth to experience, knowledge to acquire, people to learn from.

[@DDball]

Sounds kind of like Unitarian Universalism to me

[@Cygnique]

+DDball Not quite. He's not advocating any appeals to the supernatural. He's recommending that the secular, rational worldview adopts a greater appreciation for beauty / qualia -- areas of life that have been *sorely* neglected in the secular world. Atheists and the like are deathly afraid of appeals to emotion, all the while forgetting that starkness and satire are very strong appeals to emotion. Just a different kind. What matters is that you advocate for evidence-based ideas. There will always be appeals to emotion. Might as well develop a wider repertoire of those.

[@muse3324]

nope..its about christianity

[@processandbeing]

In a sense. I heard a guy in a podcast, a clergy member if I remember correctly, recently say the Christian God is really more a set of ethics like charity and goodwill and forgiveness and justice than an actual being. In that viewpoint, I feel like Atheism 2.0 would adopt the language of "praise kindness" for "praise God" and, in that, unify the theistic and atheistic views. People inherently do what this guy puts forth. My relatives go to church for community rather than any need for direction, comfort, etc but call themselves Christian, denying many (maybe all) of the core beliefs.

[@tubeyou89119]

Love this!! Among many points that I totally agree with Alain, there are a couple highlights I really happy to find the confirmation from him: "Politeness over differences", "do not need individual leaders" and "should learn good things from different religions".. I want to say many atheists do have faith, plenty of it.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

Ask yourself who would want you to deny God?

[@tubeyou89119]

@@jeffforsythe9514 Ask yourself who would want you to buy the whole god thing?

[@jeffforsythe9514]

If one wants to return home to Heaven from where we all fell, faith in God and kindness are both definate requirements.

[@mikeygarcia8271]

You know what element atheists missing in the equation ? The Biblical prophecy is the element that is missing, something that other religions can't claim to possess. Not only did the Jews survive more than two thousand years of threats of annihilation and persecution but the fate of this group of people has been disclosed in prophecies thousands of years ago. Many of which have been fulfilled, others are being fulfilled currently and a few have yet to be fulfilled. Case in point: More than thousands of years ago, God said that the Jewish people will be scattered in all four corners of the world - check! 2nd, they will return to their homeland , to be specific- to a desolate land - check! [ Mark Twain, during his visit to Israel 150 years ago described the holy land as a desolate land that even cactus could hardly grow ] Israel has been one of the top exporters of agricultural products in the world..heck it even the Netherlands, the number 1 exporter of flowers worldwide even import flowers from Israel. 3rd, they will make the land prosperous- check! considering the fact that israel was such a small country, mostly dessert, had no oil nor gas during the first 5 decades of existence..[it was etablished in 1948 btw} and always in constant threats of annihilation as they were surrounded by enemy countries. 4th, Think about this...God made a promise that He will preserve them as a separate people until the end of days despite thousands of years of being scattered in all parts of the globe - check! I have been in Israel and you will see Jews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc..People who came to Israel from all countries of the world and yet their identity remained intact...that is nothing short of a miracle..a fulfillment of prophecy made thousands of years ago. and the list goes on...I can tell you more.

[@dimitrispap777]

@@mikeygarcia8271 only religious people could think that those "prophecies" show that god exists.

[@mpcc2022]

Alain De Botton the quintessential last man.

[@fritula6200]

Alain de Botton... grew up and was raised by the English Boarding School System. Alain's father was super rich, worth $234m when Alain was a child. The saddest part is... nobody had time to nurture Alain and bring him up in a loving family, no father, no mother, no siblings. His "home" was the boarding college. The cold English boarding school were his family. From where did Alain get his love, comfort and sense of family, sense of belonging. Who hugged him and kissed him when he fell and hurt his arm or leg, who tended to him when he was sick, with the flu or had a headache? I feel so sorry for him, and thousands like him. No wonder he is an atheist. I believe he is looking for God, and he will find him in his journey thru "atheism ". God works in mysterious ways. Look up the lives of Roman Catholic Saints...one example... an atheist Saint Augustine ! A nother atheist St Peter, another atheist St Paul, another atheist St Mary Magdalene etc....

[@niltomega2978]

lol..I grew up in a loving home and I'm an atheist. There are many who grew up in a cold uncompassionate home who are religious. Your attempt to take 1 atheist and extrapolate his experience to all atheists is a sad, intellectually dishonest trick....but then religion itself is a trick

[@legendofloki665i9]

Thank you. I couldn't agree more, even if I were an atheist. Well said, and well pointed out.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

What irony. Atheists demand proof that God exists while they are the proof that Satan does.

[@mikeygarcia8271]

You know what element you're missing in the equation ? The Biblical prophecy is the element that is missing, something that other religions can't claim to possess. Not only did the Jews survive more than two thousand years of threats of annihilation and persecution but the fate of this group of people has been disclosed in prophecies thousands of years ago. Many of which have been fulfilled, others are being fulfilled currently and a few have yet to be fulfilled. Case in point: More than thousands of years ago, God said that the Jewish people will be scattered in all four corners of the world - check! 2nd, they will return to their homeland , to be specific- to a desolate land - check! [ Mark Twain, during his visit to Israel 150 years ago described the holy land as a desolate land that even cactus could hardly grow ] Israel has been one of the top exporters of agricultural products in the world..heck it even the Netherlands, the number 1 exporter of flowers worldwide even import flowers from Israel. 3rd, they will make the land prosperous- check! considering the fact that israel was such a small country, mostly dessert, had no oil nor gas during the first 5 decades of existence..[it was etablished in 1948 btw} and always in constant threats of annihilation as they were surrounded by enemy countries. 4th, Think about this...God made a promise that He will preserve them as a separate people until the end of days despite thousands of years of being scattered in all parts of the globe - check! I have been in Israel and you will see Jews from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, etc..People who came to Israel from all countries of the world and yet their identity remained intact...that is nothing short of a miracle..a fulfillment of prophecy made thousands of years ago. and the list goes on...I can tell you more.

[@TheGimpwars]

im sure every religious person from preists to parishes doubt their faiths from time to time. Religion can be a battle within oneself. i never really hear an atheist say well changed my mind~

[@pronobsarker3828]

how do you think we turned atheist?

[@lesliemeier4225]

Not sure where the gentleman is from. But his voice is like the way to learn... It's like "buddah" (aka butter)

[@waindayoungthain2147]

It’s my opinion on atheism, it’s respect everyone with sympathy and sharing.

[@melstarw85]

great talk - love his ideas about art

[@jeffforsythe9514]

In my opinion, art and beauty should be synonymous. Did you know that Picasso knowingly demonised art? If you look closely you can see it in his eyes. Oh, yes, on a different note, how many abstract artists does it take to change a lightbulb? A fish.

[@jeffforsythe9514]

Art and beauty should be synonymous. Picasso demonized art. Just my understanding.

[@zzzzzz...9902]

I am atheist and I really like wine. So I did a test. I went to church. When it was half way done, the service, the church had communion. So I went up the first time and then sat down. I let a few rows of people go through. I then got up and proceeded to take communion again. I wondered if the minister would notice, the thing is he didn't notice. So I got to take wine twice. I recommend this for anyone who is an atheist and likes free wine. I am thinking about running this experiment again but go for three times. Do you guys think it will work?

[@77jaykb]

The "morality" didnt come from religions.. it evolved with us as a species and religions adopted some of them.

[@hiradvl174]

u are so dumb that i won't even tell u the right thing

[@77jaykb]

@@hiradvl174 oh no. How will ppl know the right things from now on :(

[@hiradvl174]

there is no evolution in subjective truths. evolution is progress. Progress happens in obejtivity. So your argument assumes a objective morality. The only Objective morality is the derivied from ultimate goodness which is god nothing else

[@choiyatlam2552]

@@hiradvl174 Even though our psychology didn’t change much, societies changed, technology changes, our way of living also changes. What were consider perfectly normal can be absolutely barbaric when we revisit it years later. Morality basically speaks about how one should live a life and how one should treat one another.

[@hiradvl174]

@@choiyatlam2552 The question is where was morality is originating from. The answer is religion. You might say no and suppose morality stems from evolutionary brain or instinct human interactions ;however, morality 1400 years ago during muhammad is the same as now, morality in the bible still exist and people abide by its rules. nietzsche udnerstood that morality was strength and power in the dominance hierarchy as he states it in geneology of morals. Religion exists because theologens were not efficient in predicting what moral laws should be applied. utilitarians and leftists could not stop being a hypocrite and explain if there is an objective morality. However, if you believe morality is subjective, answer my two questions. Why 99 percent of the people agree on the ssme moral rules? and why you don't kill people if there is no objective morality?

[@maryoneill6495]

Atheism is not a belief nor a belief 'system.' It is simply a word to describe what you are not: you are not a theist.