The Qwertyrash Blogs

In Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the computer is asked for the meaning of life. It eventually answers “42″.

Douglas Adams claims this was a figure simply plucked out of the air. Despite this, many have hypothesized on why he chose 42. I among them.

I do not believe it was random or accidental. Rather I believe it was a clear decision but not a conscious one, instead a sub-concious one. To explain though, I need to first explain why I believe he chose 42.

In the story, the computer says “6×9=42″. On the face of it that appears wrong as 6×9=54. BUT 54=42base13. That is 4x13+2=54. Base is the counting system - eg we use base 10

Now, 4×13+2 becomes significant. What is a set that perfectly matches that? A deck of playing cards has 4 suits of 13 cards each plus 2 jokers (one red and one black). i.e. 54 cards.

If you’re thinking ahead, you’ll already be seeing the power of the subconscious.

Imagine Mr Adams tapping away on his typewriter, the story of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy slowly evolving. As a writer he will have many ideas either in his head, or scratched out in a notebook. One of those ideas is that the question of the meaning of life will be raised. That might be the only notation or idea at this stage eg “Remember to include something about the meaning of life”

What’s happened though? The idea has entered his subconscious. He never has to think about it again because his subconscious is quietly working out the answer for him. Now don’t tell me you’ve never used that technique before, that you’ve never “slept on it”.

Imagine the inner workings of his subconscious on this problem….

Hmmm… He wants the meaning of life. What do others say? Life is like a deck of cards, you have to play with what you’re dealt? Too predictable. Cards? 54 in a full deck. 4 suits plus 2 jokers… 42 in base 13… 6×9=54… hmmm? so 6×9=42base13. Now you’re on to something. I like that little twist 6×9=42. Ok, when he asks, the meaning of life is 42.

Very very possible. Quite probable even.

Now I did raise this for a reason. As this example demonstrates, there is much power in handing something over to your subconscious to solve. I am working on problem at the moment - some plays on words - and I’m stuck. So I read the list of words, and am now going to forget about it. Leave it to my subconscious. Feed it and leave it to do its job.

Hopefully when I get back to it, I will have my own “42 moment”.

Often we try to solve bigger problems by conscious thought - especially in writing “What should I write here?” etc etc etc. Next time trust your subconscious.

Try it yourself - it worked so well for Douglas Adams, he didn’t even know it! Will you have a “42 moment” too?

writing tipsmeaning of life42

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