An Atheist’s Creed

I believe in the world that is—

indifferent to life, unmoved by prayer,

vast in power, careless of hope,

the fodder for thought and the root of love.

I believe in life that rises from dust and chance,

bringing joy and cruelty, tenderness and thought.

I believe no law is written in the stars,

no judgment waits beyond the grave,

and that death ends both suffering and song—

that life is opportunity

and humanity a happy accident.

I believe in the blessings of love

and honor those who have loved me:

my mother and grandmother, who gave without stint;

my wife, who showed me a fuller love;

and my son, whom I pray will exceed me.

I believe that suffering is real,

that pleasure is good,

and that meaning is made in the lives we share.

I believe in freedom of mind and speech,

in grace over vengeance,

and in seeing tradeoffs clearly.

I do not expect salvation.

I do not seek eternity—

only to walk in the light a while longer.

And when the end comes,

I hope to say my life has been worth living,

and that I would gladly live it again

if the choice were offered me.