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LM: #331: Secular asceticism
I was born agnostic.
Never for a moment have I believed some higher power would eventually judge and punish my behavior.
But, I’ve learned to place a lot of value in the self-government of my actions. I follow strict routines, hardly ever drink, and try my best to recognize, reflect upon, and right and faults in my demeanor and comportment.
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I used to think religion was an absolute sham – that it was foolish to believe in what is observably false through the lenses of rationality and science. Nor could I appreciate the nuanced realities surrounding the many atrocities committed in the names of gods. I’m not and will probably never be a believer, but I recognize now these were ignorant and reductionist viewpoints.
I recognize there’s something very rational about a belief in God and more importantly the practicing of rules and rituals in the recognition of a god.
I think atheists, agnostics, and the “spiritual but not religious” would benefit from a sort of secular asceticism.
The major religions of the world became major religions in part because they directed the behaviors of their practitioners in ways that were beneficial to the group – and sometimes the individuals within. There were literally thousands of flavors of Christianity, for example, and those which refused to write down their beliefs or have sex even for procreation understandably didn’t make it.
Even if you don’t believe you will be struck down or suffer eternal torture for behavior deemed deviant doesn’t mean there isn’t behavior you’d be better off avoiding – beyond the obvious stuff that directly harms others. Society as a whole and the individuals within would be better off if we secularists didn’t discard with God the foundational behaviors common to the dominant religions: routine, contemplation, humility, gratitude, accountability, compassion, sobriety, judiciousness – what am I forgetting?
Societies who practice these behaviors thrive. Those that don’t, disintegrate.
Book: Essays of Montaigne (Amazon) is a collection from the 16th-century pioneer of the personal essay.
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Best,
David
P.S. I’m doing 300 hours meditation.
