Let's Say I Achieve "Meaning." What Do I Do Next?

[Arkilogue]

And whether you approach it as a quantity of experiences or quality of overall experience and function.

What is the most meaningful function/experience of a lump of coal? To be burned/transformed to release energy? Or energy to be used on it to compress it's loose carbon into crystal diamond?

I think what me and the OP are looking for is the second option, if I'm understanding your analogy in a way you would agree with.

Think we're feeling in the same direction

In my analogy the "burning" would translate to a hedonistic type life seeking high quantity of "extreme" type experiences. This would include adrenaline junkies and horders of money. The danger comes from it's innate temporarily and unquenchable nature.

The second option is energy put into the system in the form of self discipline either self imposed or by an authority figure. The atomic lattice of a diamond is highly regular and uniform, it's own internal structure does not impede the flow of light. This amounts to an integrity that allows clear perception of what passes through oneself...the light is clear perception. A lump of coal is perception obstructing.