Hi denmarkguy, what a refreshing post to read! I was probably "that kid" too - the type who likes to (over?) analyze and try to figure out the why and how of this amazing world we live in. Whenever we're supposed to introduce ourselves and describe our hobbies, people always mention exciting hobbies like hiking, kayaking, jogging, rock-climbing, etc. I always felt a little embarrassed to say that my favorite hobby was and is reading, taking long strolls, and chatting with friends/family. It's nice to meet other people who enjoy these things too.

Regarding your first question "What is the meaning of life?", I was wondering if you have read Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning? In his book, Frankl describes why he thinks man's deepest desire is to search for meaning to life. His book is particularly poignant as he develops his philosophy in the context of what he observed while living in a concentration camp during World War II.

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