"...I am at a rough estimate, thirty billion times more intelligent than you. Let me give you an example. Think of a number, any number." [said Marvin]
"Er, five" said the mattress.
"Wrong," said Marvin. "You see?"

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In the book, the answer 42 was a correct answer to a corrupted question (what is six times seven?). But what if the answer is still applicable? Marvin gave it away.
"Think of a number, any number" and the only correct answer is 42. I kind of like to imagine that it is symbolic for the absurdity of the universe and how there really is no possible way to figure out any of the ultimate questions.

And thus, 42 is the number of absurdity.

Tags: absurdity, everything, life, universe