How does such a life square with your idea of new age value? Why would that happen if there was something special about us? We live and die, just like every other living creature on this planet. We are social creatures, if there is anything special about us it has to do with making things better for our society and the people who inhabit it.
Look at wolves, wolves arguably have a similar sense of self and duty to that self but they also display, much like we do, a sense of duty to each and other and their pack. It's why dogs and humans get along so well, loyalty and duty to each other and the greater good is why we have accomplished so much.
What happens to me after I die is meaningless and to say it's somehow more important than what i do while i am alive is very self centered and counter productive to the greater good of humankind..