Not a thing is self-evident to my eyes, my friend.
Though I do agree that, as Jefferson said, there are “truths” we choose to take as self-evident.
I take the truth of Christianity as gospel, so to speak; though I will admit I am a very poor Christian, by almost any standard.
You apparently embrace only the truth of your senses, and only the ethics that you and your friends can agree on.
I’m no fine philosopher either. But I’ll tell you this, C.C., as you probably already know, there have been many, many minds greater than yours or mine to ponder these questions; and virtually to a man (or a woman) they have been led only to greater uncertainty.
I find a welcome peace in the certainty of Christ. All the rest of it is but trying to live a worthy life.