The Teachings of Solaresi

On the Existence of Religion I

Archimae: Tell me sir, why does there exist religious conflict and suffering?
Solaresi: Dear friend, it has not to do with either the taint of corruption nor the conflict
between personal devotions that leads to such things. Rather, religious suffering exists do
to a self-innumerated pride. Religion is inherently good, yet politics uses it in order to
advance itself and therefore taints it.
Archimae: If this reality is held so high, then why do honest men not seek a way to
enlightenment without religion? Does any deity really hold such sway with the world?
Solaresi: First dear sir, to answer your question, I must present one myself. Do you
consider yourself a man average among other men?
Archimae: I would like not to think so, but the truth is evident that I do not hold many
more possessions than the person next to me.
Solaresi: And do you consider yourself an honest man? And do you possessions attribute
to any part of it?
Archimae: I consider myself an honest enough man that holds true at some moments
more strongly than at other moments. My possessions have everything to do with my
honesty. With less, I would beg and lie for more, and with more, I would cheat those
beneath me for more as well. I am honest because I worry not for my welfare or the
welfare of my family.
Solaresi: If an average man is but this way, then it is not hard to comprehend the thought
that the average man cannot seek enlightenment on his own. And for the not so average
man, for those both above and below him, it seems that the situation is even worse.
Archimae: Then, should we not try to seek enlightenment individually anymore?
Solaresi: Yes, but no. Individual action is meritable by virtue of itself; however, it is
highly arrogant to think that any one person could be one of the few to be able to live so
moral by his own conduct and moral fortitude.
Archimae: But then is it not best for those few who can, to leave religion behind for the
masses?
Solaresi: It has been argued as such, but what is society without its wisest men leading
it? In truth, all it takes is one person to break the spell of religionthe enchantment of a
moral code that demands strict, not blind, obedience in the effort to live a moral life. By
leaving the morally weaker behind, is to be stripped of the title wise, for it is wisest to be
compassionate, rather than to be dismissive of those beneath you.

Archimae: Then, in the case of multiple religions, which one is to be the true guidance
toward enlightenment?
Solaresi: First, tell me the reason that most believers adopt a religion initially?
Archimae: