As people age, they realize that meaning and purpose are personal rather than externally imposed. Youth often lacks discernment, making individuals vulnerable to meaning-mongers who exploit their insecurities with prepackaged ideologies. Rejecting these influences is crucial for developing authentic purpose, demanding critical thinking, self-exploration, and personal autonomy. By questioning authority and embracing uncertainty, individuals can construct a meaningful life grounded in personal experience, ultimately leading to genuine contentment.