The Quest for Truth as the Raison d'être of Human Existence — A Philosophical Inquiry from a Cosmological

Introduction
Why do humans live? This question has been explored by countless thinkers, scientists, and religious figures from antiquity to the present day. Yet, a definitive answer remains elusive. This essay, from a cosmological viewpoint, argues that the scientific pursuit of truth is potentially the only meaningful endeavor when addressing the fundamental questions of "what is meaning?" and "does life have meaning?"
1. What is "Meaning?": Personal vs. Cosmic Meaning
Many people set goals in life like "wanting to be happy" or "achieving their dreams." However, these are merely temporary satisfactions derived from the brain's reward system, and from a cosmic perspective, their meaning is limited.
Conversely, questions like "does the universe have meaning?" or "why does life exist?" inquire about universal values that transcend the individual. The pursuit of answers to these questions is a challenge to humanity's collective intellect. Therefore, the scientific quest for truth, unlike mere personal satisfaction, is an endeavor that probes the very essence of existence.
2. The Value of Scientific Inquiry Compared to Other Activities
Some might argue that the creative acts of musicians or artists also hold meaning. However, these are expressions confined to an individual's inner world and do not lead to an understanding of the universal structure of the external world. In contrast, science unveils the laws of nature, approaching the very way the world is. This makes it potentially the only means by which meaning, or its absence, can be empirically verified.
3. Is Inquiry Meaningless?: Counterarguments and Redefinition
One might think, "If it were proven that the universe has no meaning, then inquiry would become meaningless." However, inquiry is essential even to prove the fact that there is no meaning. Furthermore, "knowing that something is meaningless" can itself be a purpose of intellectual activity; thus, a meaningless outcome can still be considered valuable.
Moreover, the point at which a proof of meaninglessness is complete would signify a state where all objects of inquiry have vanished, the ultimate limit of thought. Until such a state is reached, inquiry continues to hold value.
4. Viewing Humanity as a Collective Intelligence, "Intelligence A"
If we consider humanity as a single collective intelligence, "Intelligence A," it's natural for this intelligence to seek meaning. The pursuit of personal meaning at an individual level holds value only insofar as it aligns with Intelligence A's quest. Actions that excessively prioritize entertainment or the pursuit of fame, however, could be seen as noise deviating from Intelligence A's purpose.
Conclusion
From the above, it can be concluded that the fundamental human endeavor is to seek a universal answer to the question, "does meaning exist?" — that is, the pursuit of truth. Even if the ultimate conclusion is that meaning does not exist, the very process of confirming this holds intrinsic value. Therefore, a life lived without the pursuit of truth, relying solely on entertainment or material wealth, can be considered essentially meaningless from a cosmological perspective.