Another "Must Read"

This essay by Frans de Waal, on the interface between biology and morality. De Waal discusses the grounding of our moral impulses in our origins as social animals.

Perhaps it is just me, but I am wary of anyone whose belief system is the only thing standing between them and repulsive behavior. Why not assume that our humanity, including the self-control needed for livable societies, is built into us? Does anyone truly believe that our ancestors lacked social norms before they had religion? Did they never assist others in need, or complain about an unfair deal? Humans must have worried about the functioning of their communities well before the current religions arose, which is only a few thousand years ago. Not that religion is irrelevant — I will get to this — but it is an add-on rather than the wellspring of morality.

Read the whole article -- it's a little long, but has huge implications.

For those who insist there can be no morality without religion -- well, the portion quoted above settles that -- and is amply supported later in the article. And just remember one important fact: religions don't make themselves. We make them.

It also puts some foundation under my concept of "society" as an arrangement that provides for the well-being of the entire group -- not just the ones with all the goodies. Libertarians, take note: I've been calling libertarianism morally bankrupt, and it looks like I'm on solid ground.

Go at it.