My partner's brother is an atheist. As of this writing, we haven't spoken much, since he lives in another state and we've only met on a couple occasions. But the first time we were together, the subject came up and there was some interesting discussion.
I learned, much to my regret, that he is an unhappy atheist. He's a man who seems to want to believe in a hereafter. Like so many people, he has a hard time dealing with the idea of there being nothing after death.
In fact, he goes so far as to say that without an afterlife, there's not much meaning to life. He says that if he knew for certain that there was a heaven (or something similar) waiting for him after he dies, then he'd be able to enjoy this world a lot more. Without that prospect, he feels that this life is lacking, like it's a waste of time. He wants to know that there's a final state of punishment and reward. It would make him feel better, I guess.
Personally, I don't understand this point of view at all. Never have, probably never will. Is dinner not worth eating unless you get dessert? Is playing a game a waste of time unless you win? Is doing something nice for a person stupid unless they do something nice for you in return?
To me, the fact that I don't believe in an afterlife makes my time here on Earth all the more precious, all the more important. To me, a heavenly afterlife would make this life virtually meaningless. Why waste time in this world when it's the next world that's the important one?
This man seems to me to be bordering on Nihilism. If he did not have a wife and young daughter, he might just become so. But his family is his strength, his reason for living. I'm glad he has this, for I'd hate to see him give up on this world and all the wonders and beauties it contains.
This world around us is all we have. It's for us to enjoy, to love. Savor it. Make every moment count. You don't get a second chance.
