Just to be clear, I’m not a professional ‘quote maker’. I’m just an atheist teenager who greatly values his intelligence and scientific fact over any silly fiction book written 3,500 years ago. This being said, I am open to any and all criticism.
‘In this moment, I am euphoric. Not because of any phony god’s blessing. But because, I am enlightened by my intelligence.’ - Dutchling
Glad you're open to criticism Dutchling, here's three.
1. That you say "fiction" fine, that's fair as you believe it to be less than fact. To say "silly" however, is where I draw the line. Age doesn't make it any less valuable than any other philosophical text. Moreover, if you're talking about the Judeo-Christian bible, keep in mind that it is a compilation, not written all at once.
2. Nobody asked for your backstory, Dutchling. :p I wouldn't have been offended by your quote. It's an exceedingly vain platitude but generally inoffensive. Your attempts to explain why it shouldn't be offensive are, if anything, what made it offensive. ( Or else, why would you have made such pains to bring it up. ;p )
3. That you place specific focus on your intellect ( especially above scientific and philosophical inquiry) is egocentric and detracts from any arguments for your worldview. ( And if you didn't want to forward your worldview, you wouldn't have made such pains to bring it up. ;p )
That is all. Hope it didn't offend. No flaming or I'll lock the thread and I'm too exhausted to take this to PM, so don't try. Also, I know you probably didn't mean intelligence in the way you said it, just try to take more care to not come off as condescending, m'k mate? There's too many atheistic blowhards in the world as is. ;p
Eh, why not, let's make that be my quote: "If you're an atheist, careful to say what you mean instead of coming of as a condescending asshole. There's too many atheistic blowhards in the world as is." - anonymous writing as Capt. Ringo McClellan.
( To preempt the obvious and fair counter, Yes there are too many religious blowhards in the world too! :] This conversation is done, ok? I am not about to have Toady lock down another of my threads over quasi-sociopolitical flamewars. Also, disclaimer: Please don't take me too seriously, except for the ban on touchy irrelevant discussion. )
Here's a better quote: "Take a moment to look around at everything and appreciate it - soon it'll all be gone."