The philosophy of Enlightened Reason can also serve as a rich and rewarding way of life. This encompasses a rational world-view that values reason and intellectual liberation, and cultivates the mind through the study of science and the contemplation of philosophy. Ethical responsibility is of foremost importance, guided by the four cardinal virtues of Temperance, Prudence, Courage, and Justice, and the idea that all actions should be committed with consideration to greatest good that incurs the least harm. It is also a spiritual state-of-mind concerned with finding a deeper meaning in one's life and in one's relationship with nature and the universe. This also necessitates a pro-active stance toward repairing Earth's ecosystem and helping the environment by whatever means are within one's power.
Those who desire to lead a more enlightened way of life must put forward a concerted effort to live by the essential principles and ethics of their life philosophy. All too often we find ourselves in agreement with a life philosophy, only then to fail in living up to its principles because of the complexities in our daily lives or the stressful "rat race" of our careers. To truly succeed in living up to an enlightened way of life, one must always be mindful of the essential tenets underlying the philosophy of Enlightened Reason. These basic tenets are embodied in the 22 Apothegms of Enlightenment.
Being ever-mindful of Apothegms of Enlightenment, or of the principles embodied by any philosophy, requires that the adherent apply them in every aspect of their life. Unlike the strict tenets and rigid dogma of some religions and philosophies, the Apothegms of Enlightenment are simply provided as intellectual and moral guidelines without any particularly strict requirements. It is not intended that following the Apothegms should be a tedious or difficult thing. Indeed, there are no "thou shalls" or "thou shall nots", no behavioral or dietary restrictions, no taboos or heretical acts--there are only recommendations and words of caution. In fact, the Apothegms simply stress that we should abandon all forms of rigid dogma and encourages us to employment reason, compassion, and simple ethical principles. Do these things and you shall lead a life of Enlightened Reason.
But what else might one do? Apart from being a patient, rational, and compassionate human being, one can also do whatever is in their power (and within their economic means) to improve the environment. Everyone can recycle, and everyone can pick up trash when they see it laying around. In addition to this, there are many other environmentally positive activities and life-style changes that are well worth consideration. Visit National Geographic's TheGreenGuide.com for a comprehensive guide to "green living" ideas. Similar to green living, if not synonymous with it, is the LOHAS movement, otherwise known as "lifestyles of health and sustainability", which emphasizes healthy living with a low environmental impact. For more on LOHAS, please visit lohas.com.
Leading a way of life that follows the philosophy of Enlightened Reason and the Apothegms of Enlightenment also necessitates at least a lay-person's understanding and acceptance of science. In fact, science should not merely be accepted, but celebrated. Perhaps one day in the future our holidays will not be marked by religious events or the births and deaths of religious figures, but by the birthdays of great scientists, philosophers, and thinkers, and the dates of the most pivotal discoveries in science and the great achievements of humankind.
It is not difficult or restrictive for us to lead a more enlightened way of life. It is, in fact, a more liberating and empowering way of life, free from the chains of dogma and looking always to the horizon seeking a better future for ourselves, for our children, and for all of humankind.