What sources guide an atheist to do the right thing?

Answer 1

Atheists do not need an outside source to teach them to do the right thing. The wonderful aspect of being an atheist is that one takes full responsibility for one's actions. They use common sense and conscience. If you are a normal human being you don't need to be told not to hurt people or not to kill or not to cheat or lie. (It should be pointed out that some religionists do all those things.)

Scientists have observed that "altruism" is a survival trait in animals that live in communal settings (herd animals, colony animals, tribal animals) that lets the species flourish at a cost to the individual. It is the action of "taking one for the team" that sees people reducing the selfish desire to get the best for themselves and letting everyone else suffer.

Calling it "Morality" tends to dress this innate impulse up, claiming it comes from some higher power. Atheists therefore act on the basic programming for survival when they are altruistic and exhibit "morality". This is somewhat the opposite of the view of the basic nature of mankind held by many "theists" who see basic human traits leading only to a "me first" outlook.

Consider the quote by Albert Einstein:

• A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.

Atheists know that they have the mental ability and common sense to escape being in Einstein's "poor way" and that they can do without the threat of a god(s) peering over their shoulder.

Answer 2

Laws, moral values and ethics guide atheists to do the right thing.