An Evening About Meaning
On June 25th this year, I'll turn 42—a number that carries particular significance thanks to Douglas Adams's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, where it's revealed as the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Inspired by geneticist Manolis Kellis's approach to celebrating this milestone, I'm organizing an evening that explores what gives our lives meaning. I want to create space for the people in my life to think about and share their own answers to that impossible question: What is the meaning of life?
The evening will begin with a social hour, followed by a series of presentations in various formats—some pre-recorded, some performed live. Essays, poems, videos, music, readings from meaningful texts, or something entirely your own. After the presentations, we'll celebrate with cake, music, and the kind of fun you'd expect at a birthday party. This is meant to be both meaningful and enjoyable.
I'm reaching out now—months in advance—because I hope this will spark ongoing conversations. The real gift isn't necessarily presenting something at the party; it's the time spent thinking about meaning, talking with friends and family about what matters, and exploring these ideas together. If that leads to something you want to share at the party, wonderful. If it just leads to good conversations, that's equally valuable.
How Are You Feeling About This?
Choose the option that best describes where you are right now:
I'm not sure this is for me—help me understand
You're uncertain about participating and want to know more about what this evening will actually be like
I want to participate—show me some ideas
You're interested in sharing something but could use inspiration or examples to get started
I'm ready—let's talk details
You know you want to participate and you're ready to share what you're thinking
What This Evening Is Really About
I appreciate you taking the time to consider this. Let me address what I imagine might be running through your mind.
What's the vibe going to be?
Thoughtful and warm, not performative or judgmental. This isn't about impressing anyone or being profound for the sake of it. It's a room full of people who care about each other, sharing honestly about what matters to them. Think of it more like an intimate gathering among friends than a lecture hall.
Do I have to share something deep or philosophical?
Not at all. "Meaning" looks different for everyone. For some, it's family. For others, it's creation, connection, beauty, service, discovery, or simply being present. Your answer doesn't need to sound like philosophy—it just needs to be honest.
What if I'm not creative or good at this kind of thing?
This isn't about being "good" at anything. You could read a passage from a book that moved you. You could speak for two minutes about a moment that changed you. You could share a song that captures how you see life. Or you could simply attend and listen. There's no wrong way to participate.
What if I'm just not comfortable sharing?
That's completely okay. You're welcome to come and be part of the evening without presenting anything. Your presence matters, and sometimes listening deeply is its own contribution. There's no pressure to share if it doesn't feel right for you.
Can I participate even if I can't attend?
Absolutely. You could create a video, write something to be read by someone else, or record music that gets played during the evening. Participation and attendance are completely separate—do what works for you.
The truth is, I can't predict if this will resonate with everyone. But I'm hoping that those closest to me will feel safe enough to think about it, and if they're moved to share, that they'll feel supported in doing so.
Ideas to Get You Started
Here are some formats and prompts to help spark your thinking. Don't feel limited by these—they're just starting points.
Format Ideas
- Written piece: A short essay, poem, or reflection you can read aloud yourself, have someone else read, or share without reading at all
- Pre-recorded video: Record yourself so you can get it exactly right, or create a visual piece
- Music: Write or perform a song, share an instrumental piece, serious or playful
- Reading: Share passages from a book, poem, or text that captures your answer
- Live performance: Speak from the heart in the moment, perform something, create something visual
- Something else entirely: If you have an idea that doesn't fit these categories, go for it
Prompts to Spark Thinking
If you're not sure where to start, consider one of these questions:
What moment or experience fundamentally changed how you see meaning in life?
If you could tell your younger self one thing about what actually matters, what would it be?
What brings you back to yourself when you feel lost?
What do you hope to leave behind or contribute to the world?
When do you feel most alive, most connected, most yourself?
What's a truth you've learned that you wish more people understood?
Remember: there's no right answer, and this doesn't have to be polished or perfect. The goal is honesty and connection, not performance.
Let's Make This Happen
I'm excited you're ready to share something! Let's talk about what you're thinking and how we can make sure the evening works for everyone.
Share Your Thoughts
I'd love to hear where you are with this idea. There's no commitment required—this just helps me understand how to shape the evening.
Let's Plan Your Contribution
Excited to hear what you're planning to share! This will help me coordinate the evening.
Thanks for Considering It
I appreciate you thinking about this. Not everyone will feel called to share something, and that's completely okay. Let me know about the party itself.