Interesting thread everyone. I think about this stuff a lot, as I'm sure most of us do that are considering our future. I believe many people do not consider the 'meaning of life' at all. They do not question whether there is a meaning to it all, or consider that we are, indeed, organisms that are programmed to live, procreate, care for our progeny, then die. They just follow the program. Are they happier and more content than I am? Undoubtedly. But for those of us born (cursed) with a critical mind, realising the inherent pointlessness of out lives raises fundamental issues. For me, it is distilled down to this - My life is inherently pointless, however can I still enjoy it? I have really only got to this point in my thinking in the last few years (perhaps I'm a bit thick). And for the last 4 years the answer has been no. In place of enjoyment I have had pain, disappointment, struggle, hurt, disillusionment, dissatisfaction, confusion, frustration, and helplessness. I feel that even if I can change, even if I can struggle out of the abyss I am in, even if I can work my guts out and somehow get 'better', then the reward I will receive is life. And life is inherently pointless. That's not a very attractive prize.