atheists-- what is your source of hope?

[bholdr]

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So my question to atheists is what is your source of hope? ... So when an atheist has an emergency, and sacrifices have to be made for the good of another, day in and day out, making your own future uncertain, where do you find hope, solace and joy, if you do not believe in a higher power?

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Belief seems to truly empower the faithful; in difficult times the strength of one's convictions may bring hope, solace, and joy. As an atheist, i can draw the same from my freinds and family; the people i love, my faith in them and in myself.

I do not see a need for a higher power to justify my existence or to give me a reason to live and struggle and suffer, to continue.

so:

my question for the faithful would be: Is a belief in a higher power needed for you to experiece hope? does the existance of that power give you hope, or is your hope for your god's existance?

either way you are not truly free... and there is a lot of hope, solace, and joy in freedom.