by I’ve never read Douglas Adams’s humorous science fiction novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but it’s been recommended to me more than once. I’ll put it on my list.
Apparently, a supercomputer takes millions of years to calculate the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.” And finally arrives at a number: Forty-two.
If you find this unhelpful, the computer explains why…
The problem is no one knew what the ultimate question actually was–so of course the answer “42” seems like nonsense. A different computer is needed to calculate the question.
Having good questions is as important as having sound answers to those questions. An important part of the growth process is ever-refining our best questions–trading them in for even better questions–and with them, better answers. So often, Our Lord answers a question with a question–challenging the questioners’ assumptions and nudging them in a better direction.
And offering Himself as the answer.