I know there's been some talk of humanism but I thought it might be helpful to post a very simple explanation of what I consider to be an intellegent and sensible way to live.
Humanism is a rational philosophy informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming the dignity of each human being, it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility. It advocates the extension of participatory democracy and the expansion of the open society, standing for human rights and social justice. Free of supenaturalism, it recognizes human beings as a part of nature and holds that values - be they religious, ethical, social or political - have their source in human nature, experience, and culture. Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather from theological or ideological abstraction, and asserts that humanity must take responsibility for its own destiny. (Humanist Society of NSW website)