memory is hazy. in the original radio broadcast, there is much to do made about "the answer". those seeking learn that the answer to "life, the universe, and everything" is 42 and they realize it makes no sense. they are told that the answer makes perfect sense if they ask the right question. they commission the mice to run another computer study to derive the question. the program is terminated prematurely when the Volgons (?) destroy Earth 5 minutes too soon, which was the impetus that began Ford Prefect's adventures, and his discoveries of the true purpose of the earth and all it contains.
My recollection is that we never do learn the question, and therefore are left with an answer that is totally meaningless, even if it is "the answer". I've always enjoyed the delicious irony of hearing people throw out "42" as the answer, wondering if said speaker understands that without knowing the proper question, the "answer" indeed is meaningless. in my student days there was an apocryphal story making the rounds about the philosophy professor whose final consisted of one question: "why?" the only A was given to the student who answered "because!" if only router configurations were so open ended.... Chuck -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2001 8:37 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: where exactly is the equipment replicated ? [7:26243] 42 is the answer to the life, universe and everything (Hitchhikers Guide BBC TV, Radio and book) but what is the question???? ;-) Rah Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=26411&t=26243 -------------------------------------------------- FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
