Right, that makes sense. So that definition of "meaning" would be purely subjective meaning. It's meaning that is self-determined. In your example, maybe an e

Right, that makes sense. So that definition of "meaning" would be purely subjective meaning. It's meaning that is self-determined. In your example, maybe an extra-universal future being might be able to read an echo of our impression on the timeline. That's dreaming of an idea that might make a hint at a sense of purpose. But that is what I don't find that fulfilling at all. What I deeply desire is evidence-based objective meaning, and knowing that you and I and everyone else is truly important and valuable and that the choices we make shape eternal reality. So that is what I see as the qualititative difference between subjective meaning (meaning purely determined by the subject) and existential meaning (one's existence having an eternal value). Also, yes the dog would have existential value because it would contribute to the eternal effect. In fact, if there is an Eternal One then love and respect for everything he has designed becomes very important and things made from atoms would carry existential value beyond the physics alone. As a side note, if there is an Eternal One who cares to be known, then he would have to communicate himself and provide evidence for his existence. (And Yes, I do believe that evidence actually exists and I believe it is very good: it fills my heart with hope and deep meaning as I face the problems of this temporary life.) Anyway, I appreciate the dialog and I hope it is somehow useful for you. Thank you for taking the time to think through it with me.