Since nothing actually exists until it is observed and or measured, intelligent life is required, if you believe in the anthropic principle, therefore the purpose of life is to facilitate existence.

What a silly question. The Meaning of Life is the Last full-length movie by Monty Python and the theme song.

They're just making additional assumptions.

The living define the meaning of their lives. Life just exists. There is some value in learning about life and how it came to be, but as Yoda says, there is no WHY. LOL!

The general meaning to life is a script written by someone else.
Those believing it's to slave in life to achieve being a slave in the afterlife really didn't think that through especially when the supposed Master is a no show.

En.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python%27s_The_Meaning_of_Life. Or what he said - 42.

The Meaning Of Life,,, 42

To propagate our DNA. Because we are infinitely more complex biological machines than single-celled organisms, our needs that helps promote longer lives, which then allows us to propagate our DNA more efficiently, are of course just as complex: society, arts, science, critical thinking, empathy, etc.

Fur shur, any question that starts with, 'If there is no god" is not a question that can be based in any reality any one can prove exists. So the first rule is, "Never respond to the second part of such a 'question.' Do not be diverted. Divert them.

With clear strength say, "To get to the other side. How is that not obvious?"

This is not a religious-based response, though many will 'feel" so. This is just a realistic response to stoopid. And reminiscent of a childhood joke poplular in the united states.

They will look at you dumbfounded. Some remembering. Some trying to excede their confusion.

And then you ask, 'Wouldn't you try to get to the other side if you knew it was better there than here?"

How can they deny that? It is exactly what they believe.

And then ask, "What if there is no 'other side?'"

DO NOT respond, no matter what they say. Just smile politely, nod, and drink as much of their best wine as you can. And make a great memory.

How can that be wrong.

Also: memorize the definitions of "evidence," and "proof," and "faith," and "stupid,"...

I think they're full of crap. I bet they also have as many things as you do for a purpose in this life.

Find you own meaning. Don't waste it you only get one turn on this ride. What so weird is that is the same pick up line in my 20s. Hehehehe

Makes sense to me...and welcome here, I see that you are new! You jumped right in...perfect!

It amazes me that people need a meaning for everything. If I trip over a rock there must be meaning to that. Meaning is simply evolution creating a brain that finds patterns. It has made us the apex predator. So I guess the meaning of life is to become the most bad ass living creature.

I'm here because when my pre-chosen (by me) parents conceived, my "soul" was ready to pop in and be reincarnated. No reason, except to enjoy more experiences.

This is from reading many studies of 2-6 year old children who remember past lives, and who also remember the process, and the inbetween time when they were ghosts. Their accounts were verified by researchers checking the childrens' remembered details, conversations, etc.

Also, I was born remembering the inbetween life, a past life, and coming to earth. My sister did also.

“I don’t know” is also a perfectly fine and honest response.