Why would it bother you to believe in God even if there can be no proof. The self however is not an infinite amount of electrons and neurons in orbit in it own universe. I would like for this discussion to think of the self as a slightly larger sphere around your body. That allows for the responses from the stimulus you feed it. Let's say the seven deadly sins of lust , greed,anger,sloath gluttony,denial and power are all very mental but also extremely physical as well. If you could send yourself messages,what would they be? Mine would be to stop running from or in fear. Let's say that sphere was able to define your gender. Would it be based on a decision, or a choice in all likelihood probably not. Gender identity seems to cover all the answers to all the insecurities we faced. Granting yourself permission to self identify your gender may feel like a choice or decision,but has a great deal to do with how our thoughts are perceived, and how our thoughts are conceived. Now going back to that sphere of self, are we entirely in control of our feelings and emotions, or as with the release of oxygen permeating into this sphere can we say that gender, and self are concepts based on thoughts we have come to accept or reject. If so, then virtue in terms of gender identity, gender conformity and non conformity derive more from our response to our thoughts as a stimulus that are giving us permission to experience self expression.?