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# December 20, 2010
- URL: https://www.drewshannon.net/post-2389749743/
- Published: 2010-12-20T09:31:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-12T15:35:57.000Z
- Author: Drew Shannon
- Tags: quote, ricky gervais, #import-tumblr-2026-08-27, notes

> “Do unto others…” is a good rule of thumb. I live by that. Forgiveness is probably the greatest virtue there is. But that’s exactly what it is -­‐ a virtue. Not just a Christian virtue. No one owns being good. I’m good. I just don’t believe I’ll be rewarded for it in heaven. My reward is here and now. It’s knowing that I try to do the right thing. That I lived a good life. And that’s where spirituality really lost its way. When it became a stick to beat people with. “Do this or you’ll burn in hell.”  
>  
>  
> You won’t burn in hell. But be nice anyway.  
>  
> — [A Holiday Message from Ricky Gervais: Why I’m An Atheist](http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/12/19/a-holiday-message-from-ricky-gervais-why-im-an-atheist/?ref=drewshannon.net)