This article, 42, and the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything is just a coincidence. Really.
Last night I thought about “meaning“.
I was invited to a black-tie event last night, as companion to Ms. Ace, and I was surrounded by many powerful, overachieving individuals from all walks of life.
People from business, academia, diplomatic and government circles from several countries. Guests flown in from overseas. Champagne. A jazz band. Fine dining. Convivial conversations and banter. A Scottish piper. Flower arrangements.
Everything was planned to the smallest detail in a luxurious and tasteful design.
Ms Ace was bubbly, charming and very beautiful. I am lucky to be married to her. She is a gem.
The event was a birthday. The birthday of a successful man respected by the community. A man celebrated for helping others and for setting up charities for the disadvantaged.
And I had a disturbing thought.
Very fancy people in a luxurious party, far away from reality.
I was transfixed.
Where is the meaning in all this?
Am I the only one to feel a little bit disturbed by all this display of wealth and luxury?
Or is it because of the display of wealth and luxury, that you can attract sponsors and donors to fulfill charitable goals? Like the wealthy patrons in medieval Florence.
Maybe the meaning is in this moment.