The Human Animal...

[Diogenes]

This is a problem that atheists repeatedly run face-first into, trying to explain what moral obligation we have to not simply follow our natural instincts.

Atheists would similarly run, face-first, into the problem of trying to explain what moral obligation we have to simply follow natural instincts.

[Diogenes]

I find it curious that human beings seem to be the only creatures that are at war with their natural inclinations. We are constantly trying to control our appetites and impulses. I suspect that the higher primates are perfectly at home with their instincts and cravings, unitary and uniform. Humans on the other hand seem to be bifurcated. Trying to dominate and control these very natural passions and stimuli... In a real sense - a state of war exists between the rational and the animal nature.

Self-control, like that required for delayed gratification, is found in non-human animals.

[seer]

This is a problem that atheists repeatedly run face-first into, trying to explain what moral obligation we have to not simply follow our natural instincts.

It seems strange that this bifurcation should rise up in the first place. I can imagine our intellects being in perfect unity with our natural impulses and passions, not fighting against them. Like a more advanced Chimpanzee.

[Mountain Man]

This is a problem that atheists repeatedly run face-first into, trying to explain what moral obligation we have to not simply follow our natural instincts.

[seer]

I find it curious that human beings seem to be the only creatures that are at war with their natural inclinations. We are constantly trying to control our appetites and impulses. I suspect that the higher primates are perfectly at home with their instincts and cravings, unitary and uniform. Humans on the other hand seem to be bifurcated. Trying to dominate and control these very natural passions and stimuli... In a real sense - a state of war exists between the rational and the animal nature.