Reply #84: As an Atheist, why would you?

[txaslftist]

What's the difference between a flea and a man? What's the difference between a babboon and a man?

If there is no higher power to answer to, other than myself, why should I respect you at all, other than as a potential ally or victim?

Seriously, why? Because it's good for 'mankind' or 'society'? What do I care about that?

If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? If I cut off a man's head or gas him and no one finds out about it, did I really do anything wrong?

If these things are 'wrong', why are they wrong? Because I have to look beyond myself and believe other persons have rights? Why must I believe this? Do I have irrefutable proof of this? Or must I accept the existence of other persons and their equality with me on faith? And if I must accept these things on faith, why do I require 'irrefutable proof' before accepting other things on faith?