Welcome society participants! Here is the revised declaration of purpose: As a participant in the Golden Path, I recognize the following:
The capacity for life in the universe must continue.
We must not, as individuals or as a species, take actions that we know will cause the extinction of life.
The capacity for SENTIENT life in the universe must continue.
We must not, as individuals or as a species, take actions that we know will cause the extinction of sentient life. Do not take an action that will save sentient life in the short run, only to destroy all life in the long run.
The capacity for HUMAN life in the universe must continue.
We must not, as individuals or as a species, take actions that we know will cause the extinction of human life. Do not take an action that will save human life in the short run, if it will later cause the loss of all sentient life.
Our intellect is too limited to know which path of life, way of living, or moral code will best lead to the continued survival of life. Our goal, therefore, is to take actions that can increase our intellect and ability to make long-term decisions. We dedicate ourselves to continually expanding our individual intellects. To do so, we believe a sound and nourished mind, body, and emotional balance are required. Each member of this society should create habits of: eating well, exercise, and studying. Once this is accomplished, and a means of living is secured, the member can actively seek to promote learning in the rest of society.
Notes: The term sentient is meant to imply human beings, advanced alien races (if discovered), and evolved computer systems (if it happens).
We accept that we do not know how most of our actions will affect the universe. We will try to continually increase our personal knowledge, the accumulated knowledge of the human race, and, if possible, the learning capacity of humans and computers - in the belief that more knowledge will increase the potential of better decisions.
Steps: Take care of yourself first - food, clothing, security.