The Ultimate Question

What's the ultimate question that has become so cliche that you no longer look intelligent for asking it, but rather you look like someone who wants to be intelligent and cover up their mental and philosophical shortcomings?

Simple, "What is the meaning of life?"

This website explores the question on a serious level, and even gives out a $10,000 prize for a "truly inspiring" answer. A cliche question brings so many cliche answers. Some of the most cliche are, "To give your all to others / the world", "To recognize a higher power in life", or "To be the best you can". Personally, while these answers seem full of insight and wisdom, to me they seem a little flat. There aren't any teeth in them. Which brings me back to the question, "What is the meaning of life?"

I used to think the meaning of life was balance. You had to appropriately balance every aspect of your life and in the balance was the meaning of life. Between family, friends, work and play was the meaning. Between spiritual growth, mental acuity and physical fitness was the meaning. Now, I'm not so sure. What does life mean? What is the intention of life?

I thought we had this whole discussion wrapped up when Curly from City Slickers stuck up his index finger, and especially when Mr. Warren published Purpose Driven Life, and now this guy is giving ten grand away to revisit the whole conversation.

Any words of insight here? What does it all mean???