[Protagoras]

I disagree with you on the rationality of evil Islamofacists and Nazis and other dictators. It has been entirely rational though out most of history to take what you want by might. The vast majority of evil doers never get their just reward in this world.

Or any world if there is no afterlife.

Everyone is going to leave this existence, so in the mind of atheists, if you do whatever you want and suffer no consequences here, you did no wrong. If you do wrong and no one finds out, you did right because it's right for you.

I find it to be a bizarre concept, but I understand if someone is committed to the idea of no higher authority, they have to come up with something to make it square in their own minds. Bizarre, but understandable.

Peace

[Durus]

It has been entirely rational though out most of history to take what you want by might.

No it has never been rational although it certainly has been rationalized over and over again. The whole concept of "might makes right" is completely irrational even to those that have used it hence the paranoia of tyrants and criminals. You might claim that the majority of evil people do not reap the just reward for their actions, but I respectfully disagree. You always reap what you sow even if it's not apparent to outsiders.

I find it to be a bizarre concept, but I understand if someone is committed to the idea of no higher authority, they have to come up with something to make it square in their own minds.

Many people find it equally bizarre that culture after culture come up with superstitions to explain everything from the tide coming in to a code of morality. I personally muddle along the best I can deriving what meaning I can from life using the faculties I have. If there is a G_d, and this higher power gave me the faculties of reason, I doubt that the power is offended if I use them.