ULAM Principles
February 23rd, 2025I realized it’s time I defined some principles and practices of ULAM, so here goes, with some inspiration from the Humanist Manifesto and, surprisingly, the Satanic Temple Tenets (which are not what you’d expect):
Note
This is a living, pinned, post and is being updated semi-regularly (for the time being), so check back to see updates…
PRINCIPLES
The two points of religion are to answer two questions; here are the ULAM answers to them along with our guiding principles:
- Where did we come from?
- The universe is self-existing, and was not created by any supernatural entity – that would create an endless loop of “ok, who created them?” If they can self-exist, the universe itself certainly can.
- How should we behave?
- Humans are a part of nature, emerging as the result of an evolutionary process. As such, we need to respect it and take care of it, minimizing our impact as much as practical without making life unnecessarily difficult.
- As a part of nature, we should not be ashamed of our bodies, nor any part of them. We are born naked, and the only reason not to be naked is for protection from the environment we happen to be in at a given time, or for fun or decoration. Nevertheless, one must be respectful of the social environment one is in when determining the level of clothing to be worn (or not).
- Whether clothed or not, people can be highly attractive to others, but that does not constitute an invitation. Consent must be obtained for encroaching on another’s personal space, and especially so for physical contact.
- Sex is part of our biology, and is nothing to be ashamed of. Nevertheless, it’s a privilege, not a right, and must be consensual.
- We are social creatures, and are stronger together, as a group that supports each other, than as separate individuals. Might Makes Right makes life better for a few individuals for a period, but weakens society overall, and cannot last.
- Corollary: One should not harm another being, physically or mentally, except in defense of self or others.
- Corollary: One should strive for justice in all matters of conflict.
- Corollary: Health care is not a right for an individual, it is a responsibility for society.
- Corollary: One should help those in need to the best of one’s ability.
- Diversity strengthens the group, allowing for a wide range of constructive viewpoints that can lead to the best outcomes. Divisive and destructive arguments lessen diverse inputs, resulting in poor outcomes.
- Corollary: One should not judge others when those others are not causing harm. The freedom to be or do only what others approve of is no freedom at all.
- Beliefs should conform to one’s best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs – if one acts as though what one wants to be true, is, when in fact it is not, one won’t get the outcome one expects and desires, and can in fact cause harm to others as well as one’s self.
- We are expected to treat others with respect and dignity, and should not need the fear of a supernatural being to scare us into doing so (which clearly doesn’t work for a lot of people anyhow). Forgiveness for missteps is earned by doing one’s best to resolve any harm that came from the missteps and better behavior going forward, not by reciting some platitudes and then continuing the offensive behavior. Actions speak louder than words.
PRACTICES
Some specific practices we should adopt:
- As a part of nature, we should spend time communing with nature, at least an hour a week, without clothes separating us from it, when the temperature is conducive (>20C).
- Given no reason to wear clothes, we should avoid doing so – it’s more natural, it saves money, saves laundry, and is just more comfortable. Avoid wearing clothes as much as society and the environment will let you get away with.
- Every time you wear clothes, you have to say “Paenitet me vestimenta gero” 10 times in penance. (“I’m sorry I’m wearing clothes” – “I’m sorry I wore clothes would be better, but google translate turns that into “I’m sorry I’m dressed”, which isn’t quite right)
PRAYERS
Hail Naturism
Hail Naturism, full of beauty
The Universe is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst mankind,
For blessed art those without clothes.
Holy Mother Earth,
Pray for us who have to wear clothes,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.Ave, naturae plena pulchritudinis
Universus tecum est.
Beatus es in hominibus;
Beati enim estis sine vestibus.
Sancta Terra, Dei Genitrix;
Ora pro nobis, qui te induere oportet;
Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Naturists Prayer
Naturism, hallowed be thy name.
Throughout the world,
naked we shall be, on earth as it is in heaven.
Take from us today our clothes
And forgive us when we must wear them,
as we forgive those who choose to do so.
And lead us not into the temptation to cover ourselves
but deliver us from such evil. Amen.Natura, sanctificetur nomen tuum.
per totum mundum
nudi erimus in terra sicut in caelo.
Auferte a nobis hodie vestimenta nostra
Et dimitte nobis cum eis utemur;
sicut dimittimus eis qui hoc facere voluerunt.
Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem ad tegéndum nos
sed a tali malo libera nos. Amen.