Gleaning Wisdom Beyond Belief

You know, when I was an atheist for about 10 years — after leaving home at age 17 to join the military — I wasn’t mad at religious people. Not at all. In fact, even as an atheist, I still embraced many biblical principles. After all, you can’t argue with goodness, love, and treating people right. These are universal truths, and I tried to live by them, even during that chapter of my life.

From a young age, I was also drawn deeply into philosophy — particularly Chinese philosophy — probably because I was a martial artist and immersed myself in that world early on. I found inspiration in thinkers like Lin Yutang, whose book The Importance of Living, written around the 1920s or 30s, profoundly shaped how I saw life.

Another powerful influence was Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning — his reflections on surviving the Holocaust and the deep insight he gained through suffering and survival left an indelible mark on me.

That’s why I find it amazing — and a bit sad — when I see people reject everything contained in the Bible simply because they have an issue with Christianity as an institution. I have a buddy like that. He rejects the Christian God outright. But not long ago, he was enthusiastically sharing with me about the Tibetan Book of the Dead and how much he embraces its teachings. I just smiled and thought, "What’s the difference?" Both are human attempts to understand life, death, meaning, and purpose.

It’s the same when I see Muslims or others who try to recruit me into their belief systems. My response is simple: Why would I trade one religious structure for another? It’s not about the religion itself. It’s about the wisdom you can find if you have eyes to see it.

Getting back to philosophy and holy books — there’s so much good stuff in them. The issue isn’t the books. It’s the rigid control, the manipulation, and the misuse of religion by leaders who use fear and guilt to dominate people’s lives. The texts themselves often contain deep, beautiful truths — if you’re willing to read them for the message, not just the history.

Even when I speak in churches today, and referencing the Bible, I’m not necessarily claiming that every story literally happened. That’s not the point. It’s about the message — the moral lessons that can shape our lives for the better.

It’s like reading Aesop’s fables. Did the tortoise and the hare really have a race? Of course not. But the lessons — persistence, humility, not underestimating others — are timeless.

We don’t stop telling those stories just because they aren’t factually “true.” We share them because the truth within them is deeper than fact — it’s about principles that guide a better life.

That’s why I encourage people — especially those feeling stuck, disillusioned, or unfulfilled — to start exploring philosophy books and holy texts with an open heart. Don’t worry so much about whether you believe every historical detail. Ask yourself instead: Can I glean something valuable from this for my life?

Today, my life is about 99.9% drama-free. I’m happy, at peace, and moving forward.But I look around and see so many people living in quiet misery, refusing to search for answers.

Well — I’m giving you an answer right now:Start feeding your mind and spirit with the good. Seek out the wisdom. Gravitate toward what uplifts, strengthens, and liberates you — and reject anything that poisons your heart.

If you do, you’ll be amazed at how your attitude will begin to change. And when your attitude changes, your life will follow.

Take it from me — I know.