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42 Global Beliefs for A Reasonable Global Way Part 1: Philosophy We value Truth. 1. Although the laws of nature affect us, we believe in the Truth, but with some uncertainty. 2. Reality is real; we categorise it, using language, but some experiences are wordless. 3. There is no transcendental creator god, no immanent god, no god who cares for us. 4. Our minds and our consciousness are our brains working, so when we die, we rot. 5. To be good is a choice that comes
from within, and can’t come from god or science. 6. Beauty arises from our shared innate desire for self expression and to communicate. Part 2: Science We value
Diversity. 7. The scientific method uses reason and evidence to explain how nature works. 8. Science can explain the evolution of matter, energy and the stars, after the big bang. 9. The sun, moon and earth evolved out of star dust, giving us tides, seasons, days & rain. 10. Science is working out how life began, from simple molecules to complex living cells. 11.
Evolution brought predators & prey, different sexes, nervous systems, pleasure
& pain. 12. Some apes in East Africa evolved
into early humans who spread out over 13. Science is developing explanations of how our brains evolved into all that we are now. Part 3: History We value Life. 14. History uses reason and evidence to describe our past and explore future trends. 15. Homo sapiens spread across the world, starting farming earlier where it was easier. 16. Technology developed differently often due to differences in geography and needs. 17. Civilisations rose and fell depending on their environment and rulers’ effectiveness. 18.
19. Colonialism has collapsed, human
rights and democratic government are spreading. 20. Increased prosperity and material growth is good but now threatens our environment. Part 4: Religion We value Love. 21. Religions tell stories about our place in the world but we must interpret these sensibly. 22. Early beliefs about spirits and ancestors are understandable but no longer reasonable. 23. Traditional eastern religions provide useful insights into the mind, but are unscientific. 24. Western monotheists retell their good stories and rules but often ignore their bad ones. 25. Modern religions are unreasonable: variations of old ideas, pseudoscience or atheist. Part 5: Art & Culture We
value Beauty. 26. Art that is authentic helps us to express ideas and understand our place in the world. 27. Media must tell the truth: we must become better media consumers and regulators. Part 6: Personal Practice We value Responsibility. 28. Our choices reflect our values, based on our beliefs in all domains of knowledge. 29. We must look after our bodies: eat well, exercise and take proper medical advice. 30. We are more effective if our ongoing choices are realistic, integrated and consistent. 31. Relationships, especially sexual ones, can be fun, but must be honest and consensual. 32. Family relationships must be based on respect, compassion, responsibility and duty. 33. Community involvement is
unavoidable and more fulfilling when based on respect. 34.
We can have, and express, ‘spiritual’ experiences, without supernatural
explanations. Part 7: Politics We value
Equality. 35. Politics works when we agree on peaceful, equitable procedures to resolve disputes. 36. Mixed, managed economies, with controlled markets, best promote prosperity. 37. Democratic: transparent and accountable governments best promote human fulfilment. 38. Area governments must use minimal force to maintain stability and the environment. 39. A sustainable global environment needs management of population and resources. 40. We need global NGOs to address global problems of survival, equity and prosperity. 41. We must educate both children and adults to understand the bases of these beliefs. Part 8: A Reasonable Way We value Hope. 42. These beliefs are an evidence based, natural, compassionate, reasonable way of life. See the website for details. Join the discussion.
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