Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is how we let them really know us.

It's a random universe. Shit happens. Good people get stage 4 cancer and dipshits win the lottery. There is no justice. Everything doesn't always come out square in the end. Life isn't some elegant math equation -- it's a Sergio Leone screenplay and everyone gets snuffed. Not all of us have to ante up for our portion of the tab. Some get to do the ol' dine 'n' dash.

Human you are, and your religion, Humanism.

What is the meaning of life? Why are we here?

Philosophers have pondered that question for centuries. I'm afraid the answer is disappointingly simple: Mating.

That's it.

Christians seem to think that life is a test, and that the goal is to get into Heaven. But that's like saying your job is to get a promotion. No, your job is to work. And then, if you worked hard, then you get promoted. Heaven is supposed to be a reward or promotion, for a job well done. And what's our job? "Be fruitful and multiply." We are here to mate and procreate. That's it. That's all there's to it.

That's the meaning of life. Mating.

Humankind has turned the world into a cruel and at times inhospitable place. The thing that makes it all bearable is the potential for loving companionship.

What fools are those who spend their time constructing defenses against things there are no defenses for.