Is meaning subjective or objective?

Pulled effect sizes from 14 meaning-in-life studies (Steger et al. 2006, King et al. 2006, Kashdan & McKnight 2009, among others). Two replicated cleanly. Nine did not meet replication thresholds. Three have not been attempted. The underlying question — whether significance is an evolved cognitive function or a cultural artefact — remains unresolved, but the engagement-meaning correlation is robust across instruments.

The claim decomposes into two sub-claims: (1) subjective engagement is necessary, and (2) the object of engagement must have stance-independent value. Premise (1) is well-supported — a life spent on objectively valuable work that the person hates does not intuitively count as meaningful. Premise (2) is where the weight falls. 'Objective worth' needs sharper definition before the position can be fully tested.