How come I, my family, my friends, all of whom are atheists, have no need of a god to live ethical lives? Studies show that not only are theists more intelligent than those who believe in gods, but they have more stable marriages, have fewer people per capita in prison, are more generous, contribute more, etc.

There is also a correlation between stupidity and criminality. Is it possible that intellect enables one to understand consequence, and because one understands consequence, one avoids doing bad things?

There will always be those people who, unless they are threatened, will live according to their appetite rather than principle. Plato, in The Republic, mentions this - although he classified them slightly differently.

People who live by appetite are inclined to want to have happy, satisfied feelings all the time. It's all about their feelings - they do not live by principle.

Yes, when religion went out the window, there was nothing to replace it. And, maybe, if we survive climate change, ego, status, human stupidity, we can teach ethics.

Ethics, to my mind, are rules based on the principles necessary for survival and well being. It's that simple. If we go around killing people ,stealing from them, raping them, anarchy soon prevails, and community breaks down.

I'm not sure what you mean that I seem to be giving up, and I must prevail. How am I giving up, and what must I prevail for? I am certainly not keen to stop living. :)