> ...you think photons exist devoid of the ability to do so within themselves?

What does this even mean? They're particles, they do not have agency, intention, consciousness, etc. So, Yes they are devoid of that ability.

> If you only look for things with empirical scientific evidence good luck understanding our place or role in the universe or the meaning of life. It will not be found through the scientific process.

I would argue it is *ONLY* through empirical scientific evidence that we can understand our place in the universe and the meaning of life. If you allow your mind to be cluttered with a bunch of spiritual hokum you can end up believing things that aren't true. I want to believe as many true things as possible and as few false things as possible. REAL science is the best way to accomplish that goal. Sometimes the best scientific answer is "I don't know", and I get that answer is a bit unsatisfying.

Finding meaning _in your_ life is very different than the meaning of life though and it's up to each individual to figure it out. You only have 1 life to do so, make it count.