Comments on: Atheistic Societies Are Happy Societies http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies grep understanding Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:44:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Lol j/k | http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-256464 Lol j/k | Sat, 21 May 2011 15:54:39 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-256464 <p>[...] the happiest, safest, smartest, most flourishing counties in the world – who are the most atheistic - will suffer God’s wrath the most.  If you believe in that then you believe in a fucking [...]</p> [...] the happiest, safest, smartest, most flourishing counties in the world – who are the most atheistic - will suffer God’s wrath the most.  If you believe in that then you believe in a fucking [...]

]]> By: alderi http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-253788 alderi Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:52:00 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-253788 <p>correction:"... the Western ones living in sterile and protected environment".</p> <p>Eastern cultures (Buddhism and Induism amongst other) see our pensions schemes, insurances policies of all kinds etc... as the symptoms of civilisation decline, when the people would rather send their parents to rabbit cages than taking care of them so, when everything is so regulated, that people are prevented to think for themselves and to take their lives in their own hands. Rightly so these "uneducated" people look at our so called "social progress" with great contempt.</p> <p>In my view prejudice starts when you judge people on what they believe rather than what they are. I have been living in countries whose people are amongst the most religious (like the Balinese, who believe in the existence of thousands of gods). They are the gentlest people on Earth. Why should we care about their beliefs, if the "end result" is beautiful? I would not dare suggesting they ought to question their beliefs.</p> correction:”… the Western ones living in sterile and protected environment”.

Eastern cultures (Buddhism and Induism amongst other) see our pensions schemes, insurances policies of all kinds etc… as the symptoms of civilisation decline, when the people would rather send their parents to rabbit cages than taking care of them so, when everything is so regulated, that people are prevented to think for themselves and to take their lives in their own hands. Rightly so these “uneducated” people look at our so called “social progress” with great contempt.

In my view prejudice starts when you judge people on what they believe rather than what they are. I have been living in countries whose people are amongst the most religious (like the Balinese, who believe in the existence of thousands of gods). They are the gentlest people on Earth. Why should we care about their beliefs, if the “end result” is beautiful? I would not dare suggesting they ought to question their beliefs.

]]> By: alderi http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-253787 alderi Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:16:00 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-253787 <p>No doubt about the correlation between atheism and societal health. But the title mentions happiness. Has any study established a correlation, if not causation, between societal health an happiness? My observation, as a traveller, is the happiest societies I came across are definitely not the Western ones which life in sterile and protected environments. A refining of the theory would be welcome.</p> No doubt about the correlation between atheism and societal health. But the title mentions happiness. Has any study established a correlation, if not causation, between societal health an happiness? My observation, as a traveller, is the happiest societies I came across are definitely not the Western ones which life in sterile and protected environments. A refining of the theory would be welcome.

]]> By: Freeze Dried Dog Treats http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-244638 Freeze Dried Dog Treats Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:01:44 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-244638 <p>Educated and independent people are 1) less likely to be religious, and 2) less likely to be taken advantage of by their government</p> Educated and independent people are 1) less likely to be religious, and 2) less likely to be taken advantage of by their government

]]> By: Freeze Dried Dog Treats http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-244289 Freeze Dried Dog Treats Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:01:44 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-244289 <p>Educated and independent people are 1) less likely to be religious, and 2) less likely to be taken advantage of by their government</p> Educated and independent people are 1) less likely to be religious, and 2) less likely to be taken advantage of by their government

]]> By: durvetwormer http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-244282 durvetwormer Mon, 31 May 2010 16:59:24 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-244282 <p>Well done site. I'm very much pleased to visit the site.</p> Well done site. I'm very much pleased to visit the site.

]]> By: erock68la http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-244071 erock68la Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:22:15 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-244071 <p>Does atheism lead to low illiteracy rates and higher educational attainment, or is it the other way around?</p> Does atheism lead to low illiteracy rates and higher educational attainment, or is it the other way around?

]]> By: When is an Idea Ridiculous? | dmiessler.com http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-242291 When is an Idea Ridiculous? | dmiessler.com Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:17:53 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-242291 <p>[...] Assuming we survive long enough, this belief will fall squarely into the list I’ve made above. This has already happened in many European countries (which, by the way, are more educated, have less crime, and enjoy more overall societal health). [...]</p> [...] Assuming we survive long enough, this belief will fall squarely into the list I’ve made above. This has already happened in many European countries (which, by the way, are more educated, have less crime, and enjoy more overall societal health). [...]

]]> By: g http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-241817 g Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:59:24 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-241817 <p>Koreans are actually extremely christian.</p> Koreans are actually extremely christian.

]]> By: g http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-241537 g Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:59:24 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-241537 <p>Koreans are actually extremely christian.</p> Koreans are actually extremely christian.

]]> By: Abram http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-241104 Abram Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:03:38 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-241104 <p>Brandon, I agree completely with your hierarchy of needs comment. However, religion does not go away as soon as basic needs are met. America is one of the wealthiest nations (or was, anyway), albeit with huge economic disparity, yet many of the most vociferous and dangerous religious people are wealthy, having everything they need, materially, at their disposal. Religion is viral in nature. Once implanted, it is difficult to get rid of. Only critical thinking skills can rid one of religion and religious thought patterns. <br><br>There are also many very 'educated' people, in terms of having attained high levels of formal education and obtained advanced degrees, who nevertheless have not acquired critical thinking skills. This is especially the case where, as in the U.S., private religious universities exist that serve to indoctrinate more than to educate, but I've known people at public universities, especially in the technical and scientific fields, who were very adept at compartmentalizing thought. Their scientific knowledge and religious ideas are kept in separate compartments, somehow preventing scientific ideas from affecting religious ones, even though many are entirely at odds with one another. I once asked a trained Catholic priest, who happened to teach a course on the Gospels in the Religious Studies department, how he could know all that he did about the way scripture was put together--multiple authors removed in time from the events being described, often contradicting one another; councils hashing out what should be included and excluded from the bible, hammering out points of doctrine, editing, deleting, or embellishing under the direction or influence of powerful political leaders who could put you to death for points of view deviating from that of the King, etc.--and still believe. His answer was simply that he uses scientific and empirical knowledge to inform his practical day-to-day life and keeps that separate from, that is, does not let it interfere with, his faith.</p> Brandon, I agree completely with your hierarchy of needs comment. However, religion does not go away as soon as basic needs are met. America is one of the wealthiest nations (or was, anyway), albeit with huge economic disparity, yet many of the most vociferous and dangerous religious people are wealthy, having everything they need, materially, at their disposal. Religion is viral in nature. Once implanted, it is difficult to get rid of. Only critical thinking skills can rid one of religion and religious thought patterns.

There are also many very 'educated' people, in terms of having attained high levels of formal education and obtained advanced degrees, who nevertheless have not acquired critical thinking skills. This is especially the case where, as in the U.S., private religious universities exist that serve to indoctrinate more than to educate, but I've known people at public universities, especially in the technical and scientific fields, who were very adept at compartmentalizing thought. Their scientific knowledge and religious ideas are kept in separate compartments, somehow preventing scientific ideas from affecting religious ones, even though many are entirely at odds with one another. I once asked a trained Catholic priest, who happened to teach a course on the Gospels in the Religious Studies department, how he could know all that he did about the way scripture was put together–multiple authors removed in time from the events being described, often contradicting one another; councils hashing out what should be included and excluded from the bible, hammering out points of doctrine, editing, deleting, or embellishing under the direction or influence of powerful political leaders who could put you to death for points of view deviating from that of the King, etc.–and still believe. His answer was simply that he uses scientific and empirical knowledge to inform his practical day-to-day life and keeps that separate from, that is, does not let it interfere with, his faith.

]]> By: Mikobana http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-231658 Mikobana Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:49:47 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-231658 <p>This is over simplify why the cultures attain such characteristics. Japan has a high young adult suicide rate, because of the stress of obtaining an education. Many times kids fail and their lives are so ruined that they kill themselves.</p> This is over simplify why the cultures attain such characteristics. Japan has a high young adult suicide rate, because of the stress of obtaining an education. Many times kids fail and their lives are so ruined that they kill themselves.

]]> By: Mikobana http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-248998 Mikobana Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:49:00 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-248998 <p>This is over simplify why the cultures attain such characteristics. Japan has a high young adult suicide rate, because of the stress of obtaining an education. Many times kids fail and their lives are so ruined that they kill themselves.</p> This is over simplify why the cultures attain such characteristics. Japan has a high young adult suicide rate, because of the stress of obtaining an education. Many times kids fail and their lives are so ruined that they kill themselves.

]]> By: beer http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-230449 beer Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:15:17 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-230449 <p>apparently this study has never spent much time in south korea. they are about as atheistic as green beans are colored red.</p> apparently this study has never spent much time in south korea. they are about as atheistic as green beans are colored red.

]]> By: beer http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-248997 beer Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:15:00 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-248997 <p>apparently this study has never spent much time in south korea. they are about as atheistic as green beans are colored red.</p> apparently this study has never spent much time in south korea. they are about as atheistic as green beans are colored red.

]]> By: Andy http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-230415 Andy Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:41:50 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-230415 <p>I believe that the article said organic atheism. China and Cuba are, atheist by state institution. Not organic. Also, if you will note, the ex soviet nations on the list of most atheistic are fairly economically and socially sound. I think this relationship is statistically significant, although I haven't looked at the actual statistics, I am just familiar with the economic and social climate of most of those countries. However, I don't think that this implies causation, although I'm sure they are related. Perhaps the inverse is true. Perhaps socially safe climates are good cultures for atheism. Perhaps it is because most of these countries are fairly liberal, and tend to service the poor rather than the wealthy, people are less dependent on religious organizations for safety. I think it's only significant to say that the better off societies are more atheistic societies. Which has a lot of implications, no doubt, but it's a little subjective.</p> I believe that the article said organic atheism. China and Cuba are, atheist by state institution. Not organic. Also, if you will note, the ex soviet nations on the list of most atheistic are fairly economically and socially sound. I think this relationship is statistically significant, although I haven’t looked at the actual statistics, I am just familiar with the economic and social climate of most of those countries. However, I don’t think that this implies causation, although I’m sure they are related. Perhaps the inverse is true. Perhaps socially safe climates are good cultures for atheism. Perhaps it is because most of these countries are fairly liberal, and tend to service the poor rather than the wealthy, people are less dependent on religious organizations for safety. I think it’s only significant to say that the better off societies are more atheistic societies. Which has a lot of implications, no doubt, but it’s a little subjective.

]]> By: Andy http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-248996 Andy Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:41:00 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-248996 <p>I believe that the article said organic atheism. China and Cuba are, atheist by state institution. Not organic. Also, if you will note, the ex soviet nations on the list of most atheistic are fairly economically and socially sound. I think this relationship is statistically significant, although I haven't looked at the actual statistics, I am just familiar with the economic and social climate of most of those countries. However, I don't think that this implies causation, although I'm sure they are related. Perhaps the inverse is true. Perhaps socially safe climates are good cultures for atheism. Perhaps it is because most of these countries are fairly liberal, and tend to service the poor rather than the wealthy, people are less dependent on religious organizations for safety. I think it's only significant to say that the better off societies are more atheistic societies. Which has a lot of implications, no doubt, but it's a little subjective.</p> I believe that the article said organic atheism. China and Cuba are, atheist by state institution. Not organic. Also, if you will note, the ex soviet nations on the list of most atheistic are fairly economically and socially sound. I think this relationship is statistically significant, although I haven’t looked at the actual statistics, I am just familiar with the economic and social climate of most of those countries. However, I don’t think that this implies causation, although I’m sure they are related. Perhaps the inverse is true. Perhaps socially safe climates are good cultures for atheism. Perhaps it is because most of these countries are fairly liberal, and tend to service the poor rather than the wealthy, people are less dependent on religious organizations for safety. I think it’s only significant to say that the better off societies are more atheistic societies. Which has a lot of implications, no doubt, but it’s a little subjective.

]]> By: Dragos http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-230002 Dragos Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:35:07 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-230002 <p>you guys forgot about Atheistic Societies @ Happy Societies of ex Soviet-Union , China , Cuba all very Atheistic and soo Happy ... dumb @ stupid</p> you guys forgot about Atheistic Societies @ Happy Societies of ex Soviet-Union , China , Cuba all very Atheistic and soo Happy … dumb @ stupid

]]> By: Dragos http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-248995 Dragos Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:35:00 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-248995 <p>you guys forgot about Atheistic Societies @ Happy Societies of ex Soviet-Union , China , Cuba all very Atheistic and soo Happy ... dumb @ stupid</p> you guys forgot about Atheistic Societies @ Happy Societies of ex Soviet-Union , China , Cuba all very Atheistic and soo Happy … dumb @ stupid

]]> By: no http://danielmiessler.com/blog/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies/comment-page-1#comment-229969 no Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:58:14 +0000 http://dmiessler.com/blogarchive/atheistic-societies-are-happy-societies#comment-229969 <p>Norway is one of the most Protestant Christian dominated countries in the world.</p> Norway is one of the most Protestant Christian dominated countries in the world.

]]>