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What I believe

Chapter 2: PREFACE
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About This Book

A series of essays argues that human beings are natural organisms whose minds depend on brain organization, so doctrines of a personal God and personal immortality lack scientific support. It outlines what constitutes a good life in terms of emotional balance, intellectual honesty, and sympathetic social relations, and derives moral rules from human sentiments and practical consequences rather than divine command. The discussion treats salvation as both individual improvement and collective social reform, and examines how scientific understanding can help secure happiness while warning that science alone cannot supply moral ends or guarantee fulfillment.

PREFACE

In this little book, I have tried to say what I think of man’s place in the universe, and of his possibilities in the way of achieving the good life. In Icarus I expressed my fears; in the following pages I have expressed my hopes. The inconsistency is only apparent. Except in astronomy, mankind have not achieved the art of predicting the future; in human affairs, we can see that there are forces making for happiness, and forces making for misery. We do not know which will prevail, but to act wisely we must be aware of both.

January 1st, 1925 B. R.