the meaning of life: Infestation
Speculation as to the meaning of life has long been an intellectual pass time. But life, regardless of an attached meaning, is a natural consequence of the universe. And mankind is a natural consequence of life.
Assuming the existence of a sufficiently complex universe, where its elements may freely interact to form stable structures of greater complexity, certain features can be expected to emerge. Included among them is the expectation that any process which is self-replicating will come to prominence, as it will tend to consume the largest amount of available resources. And, from this, it directly follows that processes better at self-replication will supersede those of lesser capability. The assumed universe may be supplied by that within which mankind resides, where atoms represent the interacting elements. With this correspondence in place, the expected feature is reminiscent of the theory of evolution, by which all creatures are believed to have originated.
Evolution produces creatures with inherited characteristics that promote survival and propagation. In the case of animals, such characteristics take physical forms such as elongated teeth or increasingly keen eyesight. These characteristics may also take the form of mechanisms that engender beneficial behavior. This behavior results in creatures whose actions tend toward success in survival and procreation. These innate mechanisms can be seen to correspond to emotion.
Many argue that mankind differs from the animals in that man can reason. Yet, man's reliance on this ability is secondary, emerging only when emotional guidance fails. Thus, the more sensible conclusion is that man is the animal that can reason. And, as is the case with all animals, he, therefore, is shaped purely by evolution.
Man's behavior may be resolved into two distinct components, an intellectual and an instinctual. The intellectual component is readily apparent and is the one by which mankind chiefly perceives itself. It is demonstrated by his mathematical pursuits and technological accomplishment. The instinctual component, although equally visible, goes unrecognized. It is the only constituent in place at an early age so is observed most distinctly in young children. This is the component driven solely by emotion and is a remnant of humankind's animal lineage.
So it is that the universe begets humanity.