Great Talk! It's one of my "go to" talks when I'm having a bad day.
He has another great TED Talk: A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success.
Thanks for the info and the reminder.

Sounds like turning atheism into a religion.. I get the use of propaganda techniques that have been refined by institutional religions, but feel it’s unnecessary, and likely unrealistic ..as progressive societies appear to be heading in the right direction on their own.

A desire to hike the Appalachian or Pacific Coast trails… A ‘pilgrimage’ to the Museum of Natural History, or The Smithsonian Museums.. Checking out any art exhibit. Organizing or encouraging such ‘outings’ as part of a religious like experience seems unnecessary as well as impractical..

In order to ‘counter religion’ by using it’s techniques of manipulation seem ..impossible. Though, Madalyn Murray O’Hair had proposed both Solstices’ and Equinoxes’ become ‘World Holidays’ (4 per year). I’d agree, but what local, national, or international organization could or would make that happen? The UN?

Atheism stems from a practical view of reality, as opposed to inspirational. Humans are capable of finding adequate replacements for religious activities on their own.

I have mixed views on this. I left religion to be free of religion. I don't believe in a god or gods or dieties and certainly would not wish to spend my Sunday afternoon with a group of bible bashers.

Always a pleasure to listen to Alain.