[He actually has to take a moment to consider that; as always, he doesn't seem shaken by the question - whether he's just even-tempered to a fault or someone that's very, very good at poker is difficult to tell for the time being. But he does want to give the question due consideration; he owes this individual that much, at least.]

I wouldn't say it's meaningless, not with the way the world is now. Not with the way everything ties together, the way everything works. It shapes us, doesn't it? That's the point that's usually meant to be made when questions like this are asked, and I get it. I know know things like that have shaped me, at least.

As for without purpose... That's not exactly it, either.

[Mm.]

What we believe is that it doesn't have to be this way. Suffering doesn't have to be a part of the eternal plan that's laid out for us. We deserve better. So do you.

I think the word we're looking for is "needless", rather than "meaningless."