When one speaks of meaning, the obvious question is "meaning to whom?" Meaning is necessarily subjective. In a lifeless universe, we could ask HOW a rock came to orbit a star but it would make no sense to inquire as to the MEANING of the rock orbiting the star (which could be stated as WHY the rock orbits the star) unless a designer is assumed with certain needs and desires. This is simply begging the question.
A sentient being with agency can create meaning in his or her own life, reflected in their reasons for taking or refraining from certain actions. If I desire to reduce hunger in the world, I may find meaning in working for a food bank because my daily actions are helping further my greater goals. Likewise I may find meaning in successfully day trading if my greater goals involve amassing a huge fortune. Not all meaning must be altruistic or even valued by anyone other than oneself. But I don't think, for someone who doesn't believe in a personal god, that the question "What is the meaning of life" is coherent because it carries with it a disputed assumption.
A sentient being with agency can create meaning in his or her own life, reflected in their reasons for taking or refraining from certain actions. If I desire to reduce hunger in the world, I may find meaning in working for a food bank because my daily actions are helping further my greater goals. Likewise I may find meaning in successfully day trading if my greater goals involve amassing a huge fortune. Not all meaning must be altruistic or even valued by anyone other than oneself. But I don't think, for someone who doesn't believe in a personal god, that the question "What is the meaning of life" is coherent because it carries with it a disputed assumption.
