Most people in 2016 who are paying attention accept the materialist perspective, that is that the scope of the universe is made up of physical phenomena that follow natural laws.
For the brunt of human history we were either living close to the earth, or later caught up in metaphysical questions which offered answers to the purpose of our existence. I'd argue, however, that at least some of the human race is now moving into a post-spiritual world.
I wouldn't argue that materialism negates ethics, morals and the like, but what I think it does do is negate any non-transient, objective purpose for being alive. What this means is that people are de facto free to live their lives any way they like within the confines of biological and social norms.
What I'm curious about then is if any philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, past or present, have written on finding meaning in this materialist world that's devoid of objective purpose?