Here are some of the ideals I've chosen to orient my life. They are in no particular order.
1. MINIMIZE THE RESULTS OF MORAL LUCK
Because of this, I donate 10% of everything I make to non-profits. For many people, religion is the impetus to contribute to a cause that is greater than oneself, and 10% is a common amount for this type of giving. This is a commendable thing, and atheists need to step it up.
2. DON'T KILL LIFE IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO
Here is a rather uncontroversial moral principle: all else being equal, don't kill life if you don't have to. This is why we swerve away from squirrels that run across the road and why we don't torture stray dogs - this is also why I don't eat meat. I can live a healthy life and, in doing so, not end the lives of other creatures. There are plenty of alternative sources of protein, and all restaurants have some sort of vegetarian dish.
3. HONESTY
I have a thought experiment. If I were to die tomorrow and everything about me were to be known, is there anything my loved ones would learn that they would find surprising. If so, I'm doing something wrong. Honesty, in this sense, is an ongoing mission, and is surprisingly difficult.
