"'productive' life" by definition requires meaning, how else you will measure its productivity? so the moment when you start thinking how productive you are you kinda invent the meaning of life.





When you actually have a strong meaning of life it paradoxically provides you with more liberty because now you do not care that much about what will happen to you, but focus on your goal. Instead of preserving your own existence you actually do something that gives more fun and satisfaction. even if this also comes at the cost.



But of course, in reality, existence is meaningless and beings whose existence is meaningless are usually known as gods so if you are Christian this gives you easy way to understand how God feels.