Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), Nobel prize-winning philosopher, who was tremendously influential in the field of analytic philosophy, was jailed for his pacifist beliefs during World War I. He was also active in the nuclear disarmament movement during the sixties, and he championed many social causes. A social critic, he wrote hundreds of articles and dozens of books. Russell, who died at the age of ninety-seven, lived a full, rewarding life. Any theist who would deny that a life such as that of Bertrand Russell was one of purpose must support this claim, and no theist has ever been able to do this.

Scottish philosopher David Hume (1711-1776) was not a theist. James Boswell, a devout Christian, visited Hume on his deathbed. Although Boswell thought Hume was a good and decent man, he was still disturbed that Hume could feel so much satisfaction about his own life, even in the face of death. Hume is considered one of the most influential philosophers of all time. His Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is still influential today. In many ways, Hume's work changed the way in which philosophers interpreted important philosophical issues.

Margaret Sanger (1883-1966) was a tireless, dedicated crusader for women's right to birth-control information. Though she began her fight in 1914, it was not until 1936 that birth-control information became legally available. Often in trouble with the law and narrow-minded public officials, Sanger struggled against tremendous legal, religious, and public opposition to her work. The masthead of her newsletter on birth control read: "No gods, no masters." Surely Sanger led a life of purpose.

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), the founder of psychoanalysis, led a life of purpose and dedication to his work. Freud's work was revolutionary in shaping the way in which we now understand human motives and the human condition.

Influential horticulturist Luther Burbank (1849-1928) bred a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. He called himself an infidel -- an unbeliever yet his life was filled with creative and influential works.

Other atheists whose names are often recognized include: science-fiction writers like Ursula K. LeGuin, Isaac Asimov, Harlan Ellison, Piers Anthony, and Arthur C. Clarke; actors Marion Brando, Sir John Gielgud, John Larroquette, and Peter Ustinov; comedians George Carlin and Paula Poundstone; linguist and social commentator Noam Chomsky; magicians Penn Jillette and Teller; composer and musician Randy Newman; science-fiction author and screenwriter Michael J. Straczynski; novelists Gore Vidal and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.; and the philosophers A.J. Ayer, Paul Churchland, Patricia Churchland, Daniel Dennett, Theodore M. Drange, Paul Edwards, Anthony Flew, Sidney Hook, J. L. Mackie, Michael Martin, Kai Nielsen, Sir Karl Popper, and W. V. O. Quine. And many more.