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What makes you want to be nice Mineral MAn? Do you think it is instinct like animals that have instincts?

Please don't tell me that you're another fundamentalist christian of some sort that actually believes without your religion that you'd be out raping and pillaging on a daily basis. The assertion you are trying to make to MM is wholly and completely insulting.

In fact, it very easily could be said that law abiding, nice, non theists are inherently "better" people because they are law abiding and nice without some supernatural deity watching their every move.

"What makes you want to be nice Mineral MAn?
Do you think it is instinct like animals that have instincts?"

You're full of questions, aren't you? OK. My mother, who is also an atheist, taught me all the usual things. Be nice to people. Share your toys. Don't hit, bite, or pull other people's hair. That sort of thing.

She was right. A guy gets along so much better by being nice. Indeed, if you're nice, most people are nice in return. It's pretty simple.

Then, as I got older and started to read books, I read about all sorts of countries and cultures. It seemed that every one had some rules about being nice to other people. You are aware, I'm sure, that almost every culture has something equivalent to the Golden Rule. That always seemed to work well for me. I treat others the way I hope they'll treat me. Usually it works very well, and those times it doesn't are just exceptions.

Nobody has to tell me to be nice. I have 58 years behind me that prove that it works.

Now, that doesn't mean being a pushover. I'm not that at all. Attack me and I respond with twice as much force. Threaten me or my family and you contend with someone who will give his life to defend himself or especially his family.

But, if I'm ahead of you at a door, you can count on me to hold it open for you, whether you're man, woman or child. If we both get to the stop sign at the same time, you'll get to go first...every time. If I need to change lanes, I won't cut you off. I'll wait. If you wait on me in a store or restaurant, I will always thank you for your service.

I don't need religion for that. I have my mom to thank.