“What gives life purpose and meaning?”

This question haunted me throughout my teens and twenties. It’s a quiet hum in the back of your mind during class, a persistent whisper on late-night walks, and a daunting void when faced with life’s countless choices.

I asked everyone—teachers, friends, strangers on trains. The answers were either absent, confused, or dismissive: “You’ll understand when you’re older.” But I didn’t want to wait. I needed a rational answer now.