Douglas Adams famously answered 42 – highlighting the absurdity of expecting a simple answer to an impossibly complex question. The real insight isn't the number but that we're probably asking the wrong question.

Philosophers offer frameworks: Aristotelian flourishing through virtue, existentialist meaning-creation despite absurdity, utilitarian well-being maximization. Research in positive psychology shows higher life satisfaction correlates with autonomy, mastery, connection, and contributing beyond yourself. Frankl demonstrated that perceived purpose enables endurance of almost any suffering.

The phrasing assumes a singular, universal answer exists. Better question: How do I create meaning for myself? Answer through experimentation, reflection, and commitment to defensible values.