It's pretty egotistical to think that the universe was built to give us a purpose. We're part of the universe, situated squarely between the biggest and the smallest. If there is a grand design, we are part of it, not its beneficiaries. Now consider this: we have the uncommon ability to ponder purpose and meaning. We can find purpose and meaning in nearly anything, perhaps even create it.

Take it a step further. Our perception probably filters the universe heavily. Through this filter, we become one of the architects of the universe. Look at how we have changed our world. Our thoughts and actions help to sculpt the narrative of existence. Just by thinking about a better way to do things, for example, we help to redefine the cosmos, or at least, our small corner of it. We are a part of the universe that gives it meaning.

There is hope in this thought. No longer is the question, "What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything?" viewed in the same way. We can not claim that we are the only progenitor of universal meaning, but we certainly are one of them. That is tremendous responsibility, one that makes us useful and critically important in the grand scheme of things. It's also a clue to our potential future: if we are one of the purpose-defining elements of the universe, then the setback of scale is probably only temporary.

Think big: you are the universe.