There is either no meaning in anything, or meaning in everything.

Meaning, without knowledge is always localised.

Meaning with knowledge is always shared.

That's why Religions are shared, but faith is not.

If there is a meaning to the Universe, we are not destined to know it.

If there is a meaning to humanity, it is likely we will discover it.

Until then, we make a best guess.

In the mean time, walking an inevitable path, such as all the paths I've mentioned, fire, atomic energy, genetics and now AI is not even a choice.

Individuals can choose not to participate, countries can choose not to participate. But if the path is illuminated, somebody, someday will walk that path.