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# The answer to life, the universe and something
- URL: https://vaughan.ai/blog/the-answer-to-life-the-universe-and-something/
- Published: 2016-02-23T02:02:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-07T23:21:04.000Z
- Author: Vaughan Fergusson
- Tags: Life, Self Improvement, Nothing Is Impossible, #medium-import

Today I turn the wisest age. 42\. At the age of 42 I should possess all the wisdom to know [the answer to life, universe and everything](https://www.google.co.nz/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&es%5Fth=1&ie=UTF-8&ref=vaughan.ai#q=the+answer+to+life+the+universe+and+everything).

![](https://vaughan.ai/content/images/2026/11/3257d0093529.jpeg)

Well, OK. Here it is:

Optimise your life for joy. This comes from people and experiences, not things.

That’s it.

On people — surround yourself with people who like you for you, who don’t constantly judge you, or try and change you, and who take you as a whole. The good and the bad. They are the best people. That’s not to say you shouldn’t develop as a person and strive to be a better you, but also appreciate that the you you are right now is also pretty good. Because it is you. You can stress about the things you are not, and the expectations others have for you or you can enjoy the joy of the now and who you are.

On experiences — life is full of joyous moments if you notice them. The sunrise, a water gun fight, good company over a fine meal, star gazing, a hug or a walk in the mountains. Experiences create joyous memories which you will have forever and these are even better shared with those awesome people who like you for being you.

Life is far too short to pine for the things you don’t have or worry about the things you are not.

It only took me 42 years to figure that out.