One who reads a lot and walks a lot goes very far and knows a lot. CERVANTES
We are reminded by the Author of Don Quijote that as reading increases our knowledge traveling takes us to unknown and unseen places. It emphasizes that gaining wisdom and life experience requires both intellectual study and active exploration of the world.
Silent and serious meditation in a secluded place may be good for one’s spiritual enhancement, but it does little for one’s understanding appreciation of the complex and multifaceted world in which we live.
Q & A
How can atheists be sure there is no God?
There is no official church or authorized institution to proclaim what atheists claim or should claim. This is one of their strengths.
Many atheists would contend, on the basis of analysis, available evidence, and commonsense, that the existence of any God as enunciated historical/traditional religions is very doubtful, with a probability approaching zilch.
It doesn’t follow from this that people shouldn’t believe in the existence of a God, any more than that one shouldn’t believe in Hamlet or Agamemnon, Rama and Krishna, or goblins and cherubim. As long as such beliefs bring solace and satisfaction, and doesn’t interfere with the beliefs, non-beliefs, and lives of others (including and especially atheists) it is okay.
But whenever and wherever traditional believers enforce their beliefs and visions of God (or Non-God) by force, blasphemy laws, and terror, they need to be vehemently opposed by the awakened and civilized sections of humanity in all countries and societies, including and especially the theocratic powerholders.
What matters is not whether and in what one believes, but what one is prompted/inspired to do with one’s beliefs.
Spurts of Thought 