1. Although the laws of nature affect us, we believe in the Truth, but live with uncertainty.

  2. Reality is real; we categorise it, using language, but some experiences are wordless.

  3. There is no transcendent 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.

  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 Eurasia.

13. Science is developing explanations of how our brains evolved into all that we are now.

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. Western Europe colonised the world because of various geographical accidents.

19. Colonialism has collapsed, human rights and democratic government are spreading.

20. Increased prosperity and material growth is good but now threatens our environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

42. These beliefs are an evidence based, natural, compassionate, reasonable way of life.