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Chapter 32
Faith, Existence, Nature and Heritage
In this chapter
Faith and Nature
I do not believe in God. I maintain that God has no place in the life of a man guided strictly by reality and truth. I have found no evidence that persuades me of the existence of a supernatural deity or an afterlife. My understanding of existence is grounded in the natural world, not religious doctrine. I believe that divinity exists entirely within nature—in every tree, river, ocean, mountain, and living creature. That is the conclusion I have reached. You must examine the question and reach your own.
One should never profess a religious faith merely for social conformity or grandiosity. Though insecurity motivates some believers, at other times it is often the desire to cultivate a public persona of a virtuous, family-oriented individual. It is far better to be honest about a godless universe than to live a lie for the sake of social conformity.
Similarly, I believe that there is no conscious afterlife; our only immortality is the return of our bodies to the earth, where we dissolve back into the living ecosystem. I maintain that we should focus entirely on empirical reality; supernatural concepts like religion, astrology, ghosts, and metaphysical phenomena belong strictly to the realm of human myth and folklore, holding no more factual weight than childhood fairy tales. Similarly, there is no fate—we write our own destiny.
I firmly believe that you came to this earth naked, weak, alone, and empty-handed. You will leave it naked, weak, alone, and empty-handed. Life is a game you cannot win; the point is to enjoy playing it. Life is a short game. Play it well and enjoy it.
Belief is a deeply personal journey, and the path you choose to walk is entirely your own. No one else can define what resonates within your heart or dictate the values that guide your spirit. Ultimately, it is up to you to seek your own truth, question your own doubts, and cultivate your own understanding. Whatever you choose to believe, let it be born from your own reflection and conviction. Make up your own mind, for your faith belongs to you alone.
Crucially, we must recognise that while the theological tenets of any religion may be viewed as fictional, our national culture remains built upon a Christian foundation. Whether or not one subscribes to the faith, this history should be respected as the bedrock of our collective identity. Much like the monarchy, our monuments, and our statues, it is a vital part of the historical path that shaped modern society. One can fully appreciate this heritage without adopting the belief system. We must simply respect the journey and honour the history.
The Virtues of Faith
My conclusions may not match yours, and you must ultimately reach your own. A strong faith may be an imperative in your life; if you have considered this deeply and forged your own belief, that is truly admirable. Faith can be a non-negotiable cornerstone in a man’s life.
Grief and Loss
The first thing you need to know about grief is that it is not a sickness from which you recover. It is simply the weight of love that no longer has its old place to go. It feels like an anchor dragging you down, and you might think that to survive, you have to find a way to cut the rope and forget. But you do not.
Letting go does not mean erasing what you lost. It means letting go of the demand that the past remains your present. It means accepting that the story you were writing with them has come to an end, even if it feels unfinished, and that you must eventually start a new chapter without them.
In the beginning, the waves will crash into you without warning, and it will feel impossible to breathe. Do not fight the water. Let yourself grieve, let yourself feel angry, and do not dare think you are weak for doing so. Strength is not pretending you are not hurting; it is being honest about the depth of your scar.
As time moves on, the waves will not disappear, but they will spread out. You will find your footing again. You will laugh at a joke, enjoy a meal, or look at a sunrise, and suddenly feel a pang of guilt for being happy. When that happens, I want you to remember this: honouring someone’s memory does not mean staying miserable in their absence. The best way to carry those we have lost is to live a life that would make them proud, carrying their love forward into the world.
In times of loss, stay grounded in your duties. Channel your strength, master your emotions, and be the rock for those who depend on you. Grief demands that you remain unbreakable, show strength, and resist breaking down.
Nature and Heritage
Keep in mind that we do not just live on this land; we are its caretakers. Everything we have—from the historic old buildings and landmarks that tell the story of who we are, to the ancient trees, local wildlife, and natural habitats around us—deserves your utmost respect.
It is up to you to honour both our history and the Earth. You must protect the architectural treasures passed down to us, but just as importantly, you need to actively look after the wildlife, rivers, oceans, woods, and forests. Always take your rubbish home with you, and never be too proud to pick up someone else’s. It only takes a second to do the right thing, and leaving a place cleaner than you found it is just how you look after the world around you. Beyond cleaning up, always respect the land you walk on. Do your part to protect the animals, keep our waters clean, pick up your litter, and preserve the natural beauty of this planet. Show compassion to every living creature and learn to live in true harmony with the world around you.