Argument Against Individuality Over God
Individuality Over God Although there is great variety in religion and philosophy, children are often directed towards certain beliefs. For example, those who are raised in a religious environment can feel that they have no choice but to conform to the religion of their families and friends. The American Humanist Association (AHA) strives to change this. In the article “Atheist Activists Targeting Children With ‘Good Without God’ Campaign” by Heather Clark, the author reports the start of an advertising campaign and website from the AHA. The campaign, made to direct children to the Kids Without God website, strives to provide a resource for those who may not have access to knowledge outside of their religious environment. The website’s homepage states that the resource is for “young people around the world who have embraced science, rejected superstition, and are dedicated to being Good Without A God” (“Kids Without God”). There is controversy surrounding the campaign; some strongly believe that a belief in God is necessary for young children to have. However, Siddhartha,
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Hermann Hesse’s protagonist in his novel of the same name, believes that all people must choose their own path, and that every path is different. Rather than accepting others’ teachings, he seeks to discover his own knowledge. Considering Siddhartha’s journey and his values, it is reasonable to say that he would support atheism and the ‘Good Without God’ campaign. Throughout Siddhartha, the protagonist learns to accept that his journey is one that is separate and unique from all others. Siddhartha realises that he must seek knowledge on his own; teachers cannot teach him everything. He tells the Illustrious One that although his teachings are extraordinary, “[they do] not contain the secret of what the Illustrious One himself experienced — he alone among hundreds of thousands” (Hesse 34). He respects the instruction and gains knowledge from it, but he knows that there is an aspect of it that cannot be taught; a part of it that could only be conveyed through a personal encounter. Because Siddhartha believes in seeking one’s knowledge, he would not be against the “Good Without God” campaign — he would think that all people, including children, have a right to learn on their own. This is exactly what the campaign aims to achieve. Instead of forcing children to believe something or live a certain way, it offers different options. On the landing page of the campaign’s website for example, it is stated that its goal is to “encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and tolerance among young people” (“Kids Without God”). The campaign ventures to give children an alternative set of beliefs that are not based on religion; it does not attempt to limit or force any beliefs. Siddhartha’s ideas are in line with this, as he is of the opinion that no one should be held back from making their own decisions. Furthermore, although atheists lack religion, they do not lack morals. Kids Without God promotes this by providing a set of values that one should follow unconditionally. One of these values, as listed on the website, is to “be nice to other people, just because it’s the right thing to do” (“7 Promises”). Atheism relies on behaving with integrity without the threat of supernatural punishment, simply because it is the right choice. Siddhartha’s thoughts reflect this as well; throughout the novel, he is constantly driven by his morals. For instance, after he becomes trapped in a cycle of greed and desire, he dreams of throwing a dead songbird into a road. He then feels “horrified … as if he had thrown away with this dead bird all that was good and of value in himself” (Hesse 82). This is a result of his own thoughts; rather than fearing punishment from an outside source, he is disgusted at his own actions. Although some aspects of Siddhartha’s beliefs are spiritual or religious in nature, his ideas and decisions are ultimately based on what Siddhartha himself believes to be true. His beliefs have no god, only the knowledge, both instinctive and learned, of what is necessary to live a virtuous life. Therefore, regardless of what Siddhartha’s actual beliefs may be, there is no evidence to suggest that he would be opposed to a mindset that, although godless, retains the morals needed to direct one towards an honest and fulfilling life. Lastly, Siddhartha is likely to accept both atheism and the “Good Without God” campaign because he holds no judgement against the thoughts of others.
He learns and comes to terms with the fact that many opinions exist, and there will never be a “correct” one. It “pleases [him] and seems right [to him] that what is of value and wisdom to one man seems nonsense to another” (Hesse 145). Siddhartha has ideas, just as everyone else does, but he does not believe in limiting others’ thoughts; in fact, he does not believe it is possible. By the end of his journey, he is accepting of all people, regardless of whether or not he shares their experiences. When living alongside other people, he “[does] not understand or share their thoughts and views, but he share[s] with them life’s urges and desires” (Hesse 130). Siddhartha has his own views, but does not let this deter him from accepting others as
well. In conclusion, Siddhartha would be correct in believing that the “Good Without God” campaign is not harmful. Different people simply have different beliefs. All people have their own individual experiences that lead them towards a certain mindset, and it is impossible to change this through teachings, no matter how clear or influential. Kids Without God states that they spread their ideas “by outreach to the growing number of people without religious belief or preference”; this does not imply that other religions are incorrect. The campaign only strives to spread information and provide support for those who do not believe in God. As Siddhartha points out, personal beliefs cannot be taught, and it is for this reason that offering options to children cannot be harmful.
Hermann Hesse’s protagonist in his novel of the same name, believes that all people must choose their own path, and that every path is different. Rather than accepting others’ teachings, he seeks to discover his own knowledge. Considering Siddhartha’s journey and his values, it is reasonable to say that he would support atheism and the ‘Good Without God’ campaign. Throughout Siddhartha, the protagonist learns to accept that his journey is one that is separate and unique from all others. Siddhartha realises that he must seek knowledge on his own; teachers cannot teach him everything. He tells the Illustrious One that although his teachings are extraordinary, “[they do] not contain the secret of what the Illustrious One himself experienced — he alone among hundreds of thousands” (Hesse 34). He respects the instruction and gains knowledge from it, but he knows that there is an aspect of it that cannot be taught; a part of it that could only be conveyed through a personal encounter. Because Siddhartha believes in seeking one’s knowledge, he would not be against the “Good Without God” campaign — he would think that all people, including children, have a right to learn on their own. This is exactly what the campaign aims to achieve. Instead of forcing children to believe something or live a certain way, it offers different options. On the landing page of the campaign’s website for example, it is stated that its goal is to “encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and tolerance among young people” (“Kids Without God”). The campaign ventures to give children an alternative set of beliefs that are not based on religion; it does not attempt to limit or force any beliefs. Siddhartha’s ideas are in line with this, as he is of the opinion that no one should be held back from making their own decisions. Furthermore, although atheists lack religion, they do not lack morals. Kids Without God promotes this by providing a set of values that one should follow unconditionally. One of these values, as listed on the website, is to “be nice to other people, just because it’s the right thing to do” (“7 Promises”). Atheism relies on behaving with integrity without the threat of supernatural punishment, simply because it is the right choice. Siddhartha’s thoughts reflect this as well; throughout the novel, he is constantly driven by his morals. For instance, after he becomes trapped in a cycle of greed and desire, he dreams of throwing a dead songbird into a road. He then feels “horrified … as if he had thrown away with this dead bird all that was good and of value in himself” (Hesse 82). This is a result of his own thoughts; rather than fearing punishment from an outside source, he is disgusted at his own actions. Although some aspects of Siddhartha’s beliefs are spiritual or religious in nature, his ideas and decisions are ultimately based on what Siddhartha himself believes to be true. His beliefs have no god, only the knowledge, both instinctive and learned, of what is necessary to live a virtuous life. Therefore, regardless of what Siddhartha’s actual beliefs may be, there is no evidence to suggest that he would be opposed to a mindset that, although godless, retains the morals needed to direct one towards an honest and fulfilling life. Lastly, Siddhartha is likely to accept both atheism and the “Good Without God” campaign because he holds no judgement against the thoughts of others.
He learns and comes to terms with the fact that many opinions exist, and there will never be a “correct” one. It “pleases [him] and seems right [to him] that what is of value and wisdom to one man seems nonsense to another” (Hesse 145). Siddhartha has ideas, just as everyone else does, but he does not believe in limiting others’ thoughts; in fact, he does not believe it is possible. By the end of his journey, he is accepting of all people, regardless of whether or not he shares their experiences. When living alongside other people, he “[does] not understand or share their thoughts and views, but he share[s] with them life’s urges and desires” (Hesse 130). Siddhartha has his own views, but does not let this deter him from accepting others as
well. In conclusion, Siddhartha would be correct in believing that the “Good Without God” campaign is not harmful. Different people simply have different beliefs. All people have their own individual experiences that lead them towards a certain mindset, and it is impossible to change this through teachings, no matter how clear or influential. Kids Without God states that they spread their ideas “by outreach to the growing number of people without religious belief or preference”; this does not imply that other religions are incorrect. The campaign only strives to spread information and provide support for those who do not believe in God. As Siddhartha points out, personal beliefs cannot be taught, and it is for this reason that offering options to children cannot be harmful.