What is the ultimate question?

Well, probably the most obvious ultimate question for humans (that has any practical application) would be, "What should I do with my life?"

Marvin's Question

Another possibility as to the Ultimate Question is presented in the third book, Life, the Universe and Everything. Often complaining about having a "brain the size of a planet", (this would presumably be necessary to work out the Question, as the Earth was created for this purpose according to the series, and is also, quite appropriately, the size of a planet) and once stating that he can see the Question on Arthur's brainwaves, it is possible the "paranoid android" Marvin may know the Question. If this is true, it is possible that it may be given in the following paragraph, taken from Life, the Universe and Everything where Marvin is speaking to the mattress, Zem:

"...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?"

Given the situation, and other small clues which an enthusiast should read the book to discover, it is quite possible that "Think of a number, any number." is the Ultimate Question, with the correct answer being "Forty Two". This would be quite ironic given that this is, in fact, not a question.

The search for the Ultimate Question:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Answer_to_Life,_t...

'why are we here' cannot be the ultimate question as it is the initial question, pondered by every human that has or ever will exist. it is the asking of this question, (wondering if there is any purpose or meaning for our existence) that defines our "consciousness" and distiguishes us from all the other animals on earth. when we think we know the answer to this question, we miraculously have the ability now to answer all questions about everything! which leaves "when will i die" as the only possible ultimate question. when we are humble enough to admit that there is no deeper purpose to our existence, we become aware that our existence, in itself IS our purpose, and every question we ask, however mundane it may seem, is equally important in helping us understand the true nature of our existence as long as we get the true answer. the ultimate question then becomes, quite simply, "what is the ultimate question?". as i have not answered the question of the purpose of my existence, nor had the fortitude to admit that their is no purpose other than the fact that i do indeed exist, i am left to ponder in my crippling analytical mind the absolute zenith of ultimate questions, in all of its crowning glory, which is "why do we even care?".

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake INGREDIENTS: * Biscuits: * 2 cups all-purpose flour * 1 tablespoon baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 3 tablespoons sugar * 1 stick butter, chilled * 2/3 to 3/4 cup half and half, milk, or cream * . * Filling: * 1 quart strawberries * 1/3 cup sugar * . * 1 1/2 cups whipping cream for topping, or non-dairy whipped topping PREPARATION: Rinse the berries under cold water; drain well. Hull and slice the berries; place in a bowl. Sprinkle with the sugar; cover and let stand at room temperature for about 1 hour. Whip the cream (sweeten with 2 or 3 tablespoons of sugar, if desired) until it holds a soft peak.Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Set rack at center level. In a food processor (you can use a pastry cutter or fingertips) combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar and pulse to mix. Cut butter into about 8 pieces and add to the mixture. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, but with few pea-size chunks of butter left in the mixture. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and make a well in the center. With a fork stir in the cream or milk, just until dough is moist. Be very careful not to overwork. The dough doesn't have to hold together well at this point. Let the dough stand for a minute. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Fold the dough over on itself (knead) 2 or 3 times, until it is holding together and is less sticky. Gently pat the dough into a 6 by 12-inch rectangle about 3/4-inch thick and cut into 8 (3-inch) biscuits with a floured round cutter. Transfer to a buttered foil-lined cookie sheet. Brush on a little milk or cream and sprinkle tops with some sugar, if desired. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until risen and golden brown. Remove to a platter and split each biscuit horizontally with a serrated knife. Butter the hot buscuits then top with about 1/3 cup of berry mixture. Replace the tops and top with a tablespoon or so of berries. Serve with whipped cream for topping. Serves 8.

i think that perhaps the ultimate question is different for everyone therefore there is no ultimate question except in your own mind

either that or we are spending way too much time searching for the ultimate question when in fact we should be living our lives instead of questioning it

wow i managed to confuse myself for a second then!

i'm not sure what the ultimate question is , but i saw you gave the "ultimate answer" to a pretty important question,[what are the qualities of a man w/ high conscience?]. short , to the point ,accurate and pretty complete.... are you a man of high conscience?.... ok, i'll give this one a shot..."how does one achieve true happyness?" i think this is an important question[ if not the ultimate question ] because everyone in everything they do [ wherether they know it or admit it ] is seeking happyness.

Here is the ultimate question according to the Hindus:

<what is the one things, which knowing, all becomes known?>.

I gotta add to Kitty and just say I can give you the equation to answer your question: The Ultimate Question = x, and x=42. Don't forget your towel.

It's contextual. Will it have practical application? Will it solve a puzzle of mankind? Will it save you here & now?

Dr. Who - (to lier & truthful robots, guarding safe & non-safe passages) "If I were to ask your counterpart which door to choose, what would he answer?"

How can America put up with Bush and his goons for two terms?

That's the ULTIMATE question.