Everyone has their own philosophy, everyone has their own set of morals by which they live their lives. What's yours, and how do you justify it? Hopefully we'll get some good debates going. Nothing warms the cockles of my heart like a good argument.

My personal morality is based on the Wiccan Rede:

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfil;
An it harm none, do what ye will.

I'm an atheist myself, but that makes a lot of sense to me. Not harming someone means, as far as I'm concerned, without their express permission. Logically following on from that, therefore, no action which affects only oneself is immoral, and no action which takes place with the permission of those whom it affects is immoral.
As far as the purpose and meaning of my life goes, I don't see that there is one. So I'm generally Epicurean in my outlook, because that seems to logical response to a meaningless life.

Well, as I said back in the other thread, I'm an Anarchist.

People seem to attach a rather bleak "murder, rape, steal" vibe to it. To me anarchy simply means no government, society can still exist. But recently I've lost alot of faith in the practicality of the anarchist theory. I guess I'm more of a social democrat.

My philosophies for life are a bit more practical, I'm a rather morbidly anti-religion. As I've said many times "I don't need any medium of religion or prayer to communicate with god, god is humanity. I am god, you are god, you can't help but communicate with him."

I stand by it.

Other than that, I'm anti-capitalist in belief but sort of grudgingly accept that until everyone else is it's not going to work out. I'll stick by my friends to the end and generally mihnd my own buisness.

As Winston Churchill said, "Capitalism is the worst economic system, except for all the others."

I take a similar philosophy to commie; as long as what you do doesn't adversely affect others, then it's fine.

Also, I take the attitude of "do unto others"... I try to treat people fairly and equally, in the hope that they will afford me the same luxury. And sometimes it actually works.

One other credo I play by is "Please yourself, cos nobody will do it for you". I'm not sure if that's an indirect quote or whether I should swipe it as my own... but I believe that your own happiness can only derive from your own action and decision, you can't rely on others to just give it to you.

I don't think there's any others I'd live by. I'm not a complicated person, I try an keep things simple.

The economy isn't everything. Capitalism is very strong in that respect, but it falls so very short on economic equality and in some cases civil liberty.

Leftist philosophies are rarely strong in the economic sense, they make up for it with other things. Winston Churchill also forgot that as far as the economy goes, facism is the way to go. The value of the German mark went from billions of marks to equal one American dollar to respectable levels with the rise of the German Socialist Workers Party (nazis). The price? Freedom.

EDIT: Yay! No longer a n00b

Here, you graduate from n00bdom at 100 posts. Sorry.

Here's a topic to debate. Anton Szandor LaVey proposed a variation on the Golden Rule. As opposed to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", he proposed "Do unto others as they do unto you." If someone treats you well, treat them well in return, and if someone treats you badly, respond accordingly. He thought the Golden Rule to be too easily taken advantage of by those who did not live by it. Thoughts on that?

True... from a raw economic viewpoint, facism was fantastic! However, there were a good number of reasons why it failed, none of which I need to express cos I think we all know... I think Churchill's point was that every economic system was flawed, but it was less flawed than all the others. Sure, it doesn't feature the gregarious qualities of socialism or the sound economic plan of the hard right, but the sacrifices needed to make it work are easier to deal with.

Sorry, wandered off topic a tad there...

Peh! It says I'm a member now don't it?

No matter, as for that variation. Well, if someone is cruel to you and you're cruel back... that's what starts wars. The whole idea of the golden rule is to treat agressors kindly so that they treat you the same.

Edit in response to leopold: Point taken, but that quote now just says "capitalism is in the middle somewhere, so there" no exactly the most profound statement. I don't really like Churchill, or any other world leaders past or present. The only people who should be in power are the ones who don't want to be there.

But what happens when you treat people kindly, and people take advantage of you because of it? Should you go on treating them kindly?

I'm not a follower of The Golden Rule myself. So i don't have to worry about those things. I'm nice to the people I like, indifferent to the people I don't. If people mess, I mess back. If they mess harder, well I'm screwed arn't I?

But the whole idea is based on the hope that you don't get taken advantage of, if it were me, I'd start playing hard ball. So there are obviously acceptions to The Rule, sadly no single sentence bcan govern all of human life.

for the most part, i have realistic philosophies about life. i'm not an idealist/insanly optimistic in any way (which sometimes really pisses me off. sometimes i wish i was an idealist/optimist. realism can get really depressing.....)
1) all organized religion is absolutely incorrect by nature. whether there's a god or not, if the religion was organized and created and written down (and re-written), translated (and re-translated) by man, then they're all wrong
2) acknowledge your predjudices and try to get rid of them, but don't expect too much. i'm not one of those ppl that thinks he/she treats everyone equally. i TRY to treat/think of everyone as equals and all that good stuff, but honesty, i think that's a bit naive to think that you're not predjudiced. simply by living in american (or any other) society you are conciously or sub-conciously predjudiced. i personally feel that it's a much better philosophy to recognise exactly what each and every one of your predjudices are, and try and live your life in such a way that the predjudices have a minimal part in them (i'd say 'have no part' but that's not gonna happen. to anyone. ever. so dont' think it will)
3) if life screws you over, don't expect something/someone to suddenly make everything better just because 'you're a good person'. actually, basicly all my philosophies are centered around realism (like 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and expect the same in return, but don't get all that shocked when it doesn't happen. and if you do unto others as they have done unto you, expect life to screw you over royally)

morals by whitch we live our lives?....

My morals=

Morals? what's that....

this pretty much describes me...I dont belive in God...I dont think killing is wrong...the only thing I think is wrong is Rape...and that's about it...I'm heartless with no moral high ground to stand on...*shrugs*sad I know I should be bothed by the fact that seeing death, blood, gore, and other "bad" things dont bother me...*shrugs* but I guess that's just the way I am...

They're still morals, even if they're loose ones.

I think That as a person I have too many morals and standards and I tend to judge people by my own standards which I know I shouldent do as it allways leaves me dissapointed when people who are close to me dont live up to them

I found this statement a long time ago and I suppose it can be seen as one of my philosophies becausee I for one do find it hard to exept that im wrong sometimes and iIthink that this statement is important
"Keep your reality pure, keep it true, do not let it be refuted so always be ready to shine through and alter what you thought you knew should you ever be proven wrong. An outstanding characteristic of a good person is his ability, after a long argument, to say "Oh, you're actually right about this, I'll use that fact in the future."
And about the Golden rule statement this is actually one of the satanic rules that I definatly do not agree with. we must understand that satanism teaches that self worship is key and that you should look after number one and this kind of self indulgence is celebrated. In my head I think it would be great to have a no mercy attitude at least then nobody would mess me around but I just dont think in reality it would be feasable

I am not an antheist, but, I am not highly into religion either. I was raised as a Christian for some part of my life. And as I got older I quite frankly starting having conflicts with the doctrines.

I am not of any particular political affiliation, however I do think that there is a lot that all sides can contribute and that these ideas will eventually evolve into something practical and just.

I understand that capitalism isn't the most ideal economy, but it was intended to solve issues that were generally a problem in a country's beginings. Now, however most capitalist nation's are run by the few powers that make thier money matter. I really don't think there is one all perfect economic system that exists, again we will hopefully evolve into something that can satisfy our needs in the world.

I do believe that there will be a finite number of individuals that will inspire and contribute to human kind and stop this stagnation, apathy and intolerance worldwide.

And if not, then nature will. The Earth will outlive us all , it has outlived all others before us. We don't matter in the future we only matter in this fraction of time.

I have a problem with humankind's arrogance. That we are all important in the overall picture in this universe. We are too busy trying to prove our selfworth. Finding purpose. Why? Can't we just exist and be as kind and generous to ourselves and find others that can live with that and not make it a point to making us see how wrong we are? We are the house fly's in the vastness of this Galaxy and we are too busy proving each others points of view and beliefs wrong. And segregating ourselves based on those opinions.

And at the end the roaches and insects will walk over our skin flakes. Then they too will pass. And so on.

It's easier to defend our ignorance than to stop and consider other possibilities.

Some very good thoughts there VVes. *nod nod*

One word can be used to describe a big philosophy that I apply every day. Moderation. And I don't mean forum mod

What I mean by that is.....I always throw myself into the middle of a conflict and try and ease both parties down. I do this when friends are family are fighting with each other or children. I do this when friends argue with one another. It goes on and on. I don't like seeing people at end. Of course not only do I usually fail to achieve my goals but it usually hurts me in the long run. But I do it anyway. That's one thing I've got going.

That said, I dont believe in destiny, I dont believe in fate, I dont believe in higher powers. I believe the world is exactly what we as a whole make it out to be. People slaughtering each other in the thousands in the name of who, of what? They kill each other for no reason other then their opinions differ. It isn't some holy war on who's right and who's wrong when it comes to a Deity. It's mankind foolishly making its own choices. I dont know if we're alone in the universe but we're a very small part of it. VERY small. Just a blip on the radar.

I am neither athiest, nor religious. I don't recognize the actuality of the church but rather gather the ideas from every religion I come in contact with and try to gather my own thoughts. I was raised catholic but began to question the little things like how is it a priest, who is no less fallable than I, is a conduit to communicate to god. From all I could gather it just seemed a way for the church to keep tabs on the communities. I couldn't agree with a religion of routine, and use a book pieced together from letters from thousands of people, by a small group of "officials" for lack of a better term.

As for how I live my life, I give everyone an even chance to prove themselves. I always try to live by the golden rule, but I stay real about it. I'll help out just about anyone but if I get screwed on something, they're not getting any assistance again. I also don't help just because I hope someone will help me, I do it cause it makes me feel better helping someone out. I drove 2 hours the other day to help a friend move some funiture out of her basement, no promise of reward, wasn't even after a thank you, just figured I'd help cause I didn't have anything else to do. That's just me.

No one form of government has it right. No poilitcal party has it right. From an economic standpoint I think the capitalist system works. Competitive markets do wonders for production, which increases GDP values, and stimulates further economic growt. BUT the competetive nature of the system leaves little to be said in other fields. Yes, capitalism (the primary aspect of democratic government_ is great for the economy but what about effective government of the people. America is left with bouncing lawmakers. Conservatives constantly restricting the freedoms that we are supposed to hold so dear. "You can do whatever is morally and ethically responsible . . . just don't smoke, do drugs, or have a homosexual relationship. . . fine you can be gay just not where we can see it . . . .no you can't get married." Then the liberals adding their side, but are often too loose for comfort. There's no strong party playing the middle ground. There's only the left and right wing but no one talks about the bird.

I've gone on too long, I'm tired. oi need sleep.

That little song verse sums just about everything up. Anything else I'm too lazy to say now. Yeah, laziness and apathy tend to work well for me. And love.

I have been called a Nihilist before, but I think thats wrong.. I'm too happy to be a damn nihilist!

I prefer the term "Jolly pessimist." which comes from that bastion of psychological insightfulness.. the Andy Capp cartoons.

I actually consider myself pagan, closely identifying with Wiccan. And I think you might have taken the meaning of the Wiccan Rede...well, I don't want to say the "wrong" way, maybe just a different way than I take it. It really has nothing to do with permission, so much. I think it is still possible harm someone with their permission, and you can definately harm yourself. Take self mutilation for example. Or what if someone asked you to kill them? (Not to be confused with euthanasia, where you know that person is going to die anyway, I don't really object to that) Would that be right then? Anyway, I don't think so. "An it harm none" means that your actions should not hurt anyone. But otherwise, "do what ye will". Believe what you want to believe, say what you want to say, do what you want to do, just as long as no one is harmed. It goes hand in hand with the golden rule, which is also something I try to live by.

Now the thing about the golden rule is, it says nothing about others treating you as you would like to be treated. It says YOU treat others the way that you would WANT to be treated, not others treat you the same way in return. If everyone lived by this rule (not saying it will ever happen, but isn't it a nice thought?), combined with the idea that they should not harm others or themselves, it would make the world a much better place, I think. And that's why I choose to live by it. Also, if you're talking immediate results, I think you'll find most people will be a lot nicer to you if you're nice to them.

The only other set rule I try to live by is I don't try to change other people's religious beliefs, which is actually a Wiccan doctrine, no prosylitizing (sp.?). I believe that all roads lead to the same place, it doesn't matter what religion you are, and personally, I don't think it matters even if you're athiest, we're still all headed for the same place, whatever that place may be (maybe not even a place, so much, as an end).

I believe that god is everywhere around you and in you. And I use the term "god" loosely. When I say "god", I mean that stuff which gives us life and energy, that thing which is responsible for us being here. And I think that that "god stuff" has taken on different personifications throughout the years, from the ancient gods of Egypt and Greece and Rome and before, to the God of Christianity, and also all the other gods of the world...whether or not these personifications created humans or humans created them is not the issue, what matters is that people beleived in them...and well, that's kind of my thoughts about god. And I don't really believe that god is a higher power, or that god is good, or bad, it's just a force that is there. At any rate, something had to set the universe in motion. Maybe it was chemicals swirling around in space or whatever...but why were those chemicals there? Instead of saying it's just a complete mystery, I choose to say that it was something. Maybe it was an accident. But one thing's for sure, at least to me, it was something. Everything's got to be something. Effects must have causes, that's rational, right?

Hmmm...capitalism...I can't say I hate it, really. Just basing this on the fact that communist countries haven't done all that well in the past, in fact, they just tend to make most people living in them even more miserable from what I've read, because instead of raising most people's quality of life, it's lowered. Also, I admit to being a little greedy. Even though I'm broke now, I can't shake the thought that maybe, just maybe, someday I'll become better off. You see, at least a capitalist society gives people the hope that their situation could improve. Of course, capitalism definately has it's flaws. The price of a college education in this country is rediculous. And the thought that people like Bush are where they are today is sickening. No kids, you don't have to have brains to go to an ivy league school, just a helluva lot of money. Maybe it would really solve all our problems if they made college free and didn't allow people to inherit money they didn't earn.

Sorry I wrote such a long reply, but I think about this stuff a lot.

(keep in mind that i am not a brainbox like the rest of ya).

personally i think that all religions are wrong. or at least not right. they were/are all written by humans, so therefore no one religion can be thought of as "the word of god", as we humans can be egotistical self-centred maniacs. we can also be caring loving compassionate beings who want total harmony in the world. i think that this duality(sp), or "human nature" is why the world is always war-torn. i also believe that all these "kinks" will eventually be ironed out by evelution (wether the human race survives to the end is another question intirely).

my philosophy is kinda simple:

dont hurt others, dont annoy others, try not to hurt yourself in the process of being nice to others

yeah...erm...i dont really follow any of that but its what id like to live up to one day!

see i used to have morals bu reality shot them down.. i had all these no sexz till marrige and no touchin less your goin out.. and drinkings wrong.,........ not a one of those morals have i kept... not a one........

Hmm, interesting, this is.

Here's the basic moral by which I live my life:

*clears throat*

"No fun: no point"

Which basically tells me to be selfish, and have a whale of a time. Fortunately, I've been conditioned to have a conscience such that my actions may well be mistaken for someone obeying the Wiccan thingamajig, or the Golden Rule. But no. Fortunately, I'm hardwired to generally be a nice person, so I get pleasure from helping folk I care about, and looking after those I love. Which means that I end up looking after my own, but can be a bit of a cold-hearted bastard towards those that haven't justified why I should be good to them.

I also strongly believe that humans are by nature greedy, lazy, self-centered and generally vile beasts, which kind of explains how we've arsed our way to the top of the food chain. It's only so-called civilisation that prevents anyone from indulging their natural instincts to kill everyone else, steal their food, and set their children up into a harem. It's also civilisation that allows those that DO indulge those instincts to get away with it, more often than not.

Due to the fact that we, as humans, are base creatures, I firmly believe that anarchy is inherently unworkable, despite being a rather nice idea, it relies on EVERY person doing their part, which, let's face it, just isn't going to happen. We need government to keep ourselves civilised to keep ourselves having a government. It's a benficially vicious circle.

Ermm, I'm done now - more may occur to me later.

*points to Jonman's post*
Yeah, what he said.

Basically I'm here to have fun and try not to hurt anyone in the process. I can be pretty selfish sometimes, but that's part of being human. I look out for the people I get attached to (and that happens pretty often, I think) and try to be civil to anyone else. It's not really a philosophy as much as just doing what feels right.

I did want to change the world at one point, but recently I've given up on any hope of that ever working. I'd like to change the way people think, or rather just make them think at all, but most people don't seem to want to listen to anyone else. I try, through my writing and by being impossible to ignore, but it usually doesn't work. The naive side of me thinks the world would be a better place if everyone just used their brains a bit more, but... easier said than done, right?

Mine...

right now it's

fo cba tbh thx.

Although I'm not Wiccan the Wiccan Rede is my philosophy. Do what you like as long as you don't hurt anyone else. What you considering 'hurting' someone else is the debatable point

As with all 'rules', it's often easier said than done!

Spiritually, I am a devout Christian who believes in God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost (but you already know about all that). I am also a believer in the Body of Christ, but I also believe that I have to be self-sufficient as a Christian. I believe in Grace and that one doesn't have to go through all these motions and jump through all these hoops to be accepted by God. I also believe in the Tao both in a spiritual sense and a scientific sense. It's kind of hard to explain.

Personally, I am a strong believer in the idividual. I think that omposing one's beliefs on another is completely wrong regardless of the purpose or intention. I believe that a person has a right to do whatever he or she feels, but must take the responsability of said actions. I also am a firm believer in personal freedom and the right to defend oneself.

Politically, I am an Anarcho-Capitalst. I think that there should be no government because government uses violence to coerse people into doing things they don't want to do. I am a Capitalist because I believe that the Market is a good equalizer of things and that it provides an opportunity to prosper. And yes, it does create an uneven distribution of wealth, but not everyone is as productive as the next person, so it's not necessarily an unfair distribution of wealth.

That's about it. I'm a pretty simple guy. Most of my beliefs really just center around personal freedom and non-coersion, both of which stem from my Christian values. If anyone disagrees, well, you're entitled to your opinion.

I have a theory more than a philosophy.

The universe...in general...is circular. The planets, stars, moons and suns are all spherical.
In that case...god must be female. A curvy, sexy female

My personal philsophy is pretty simple:

1. Do as you would be done by, unless they've really got it coming to them.
2. Do what you want, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.

Number one is a little too flexible, and number two is probably too strict, but hey, you've got to have room to be human.

My political philosophy is a little more complicated, but I'll leave that for another thread.