Why is the answer to the Meaning of Life, the Universe and Everything: 42?
In his series books, Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, the author Douglas Adams posed the question: What’s the meaning of Life, the Universe and Everything?
The answer was: 42.
Much to the frustration of his many fans (me included) Douglas Adams held off until one day he gave a mostly harmless explanation. He said it was all a big joke. And he was right.
The Ultimate Question has been contemplated by intellectuals, academics, philosophers, religious leaders and pub drinkers throughout history — the question is utter nonsense. Hence, it deserves a nonsense answer. I can understand that but why 42? Why not the answer Bananas or Chicken or Duckbilled Platypus?
I think it’s the number 42, because it’s around that age when you have an Existential Crisis and realise you don’t know anything, about anything at all!
No matter your current circumstances, your past experiences, your age, gender, social standing, religion; if you think you understand The Universe then honestly: You don’t.
You might think your past prepares you for the future, you know what to do and more importantly, what not to do, you have a 2000 year old guide book of ancient man-made rules or even Pearls of Wisdom from various Sages & Gurus….but you can’t ignore the one constant in the Universe: Pure Randomness.
I’m not saying ignore your experience, don’t plan for the future, but what I am saying is that try not to dwell on the past and certainly don’t fret about the future.
If you are older than 42 maybe you can relate to the above. If you are younger than 42 then please: Just try to enjoy the moment — while you can.
