When friends ask me how old I am, I always tell them, “42.”

That might seem odd since I’m chronologically 80, but 42 is much more than just a number to me. It’s a symbol, a sentiment, and, in many ways, a personal mantra. At my birthday parties, I make sure to have banners proudly proclaiming, “Happy Birthday, Neil, on the 38th anniversary of your 42nd birthday.” Even my recent stress test results, which revealed a heart age of 43, couldn’t quite shake my steadfast attachment to being forever 42. This number has a multitude of reasons for its special place in my life, and I’d like to share why.

The Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything

For many, 42 immediately conjures up Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. In this beloved book, 42 is humorously presented as the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything—calculated by a supercomputer after 7.5 million years of computation. This whimsical association has given 42 an iconic status in popular culture, and I’ve gladly embraced it as a guiding light for my outlook on life: embrace the absurd, the profound, and the possibility of infinite answers.

Mathematical Mystique

The beauty of 42 extends into mathematics:

• It’s a pronic number, the product of two consecutive integers (6 × 7).
• It’s a Harshad number, divisible by the sum of its digits (4 + 2 = 6, and 42 ÷ 6 = 7).
• In base-13 mathematics, 42 is represented as 33, adding another layer of symmetry and intrigue.

These mathematical quirks might seem abstract, but they contribute to the allure of 42 as a number filled with hidden connections and patterns.

Cultural and Scientific Significance

The cultural and scientific connections to 42 are equally fascinating:

• In Japan, 42 is considered unlucky because it can phonetically sound like “shi ni,” which means “to die.” This stands in stark contrast to its life-affirming associations in other contexts.

• 42 degrees is the critical angle for light to refract and create a rainbow, connecting the number to natural beauty and wonder.
• In astronomy, Messier object M42 is the Orion Nebula, one of the most stunning regions of space visible to the naked eye.

• Donated blood only lasts 42 days, making the number a vital part of medical science and life-saving efforts.

A Legacy in Sports

Jackie Robinson, the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, wore the number 42. His courage and resilience resonate deeply, and the number has since been retired across all MLB teams. For me, this adds an element of historical and cultural significance to my personal connection with 42.

Dominoes and the Magic of 42

Interestingly, 42 is also the best possible score in the trick-taking domino game aptly named “42.” Played with a standard double-six domino set, the game—often referred to as the “national game of Texas”—derives its name from this maximum point total. A single hand in the game consists of 35 points from specific scoring dominoes and 7 points from winning each of the seven tricks, for a total of 42 points. This connection between the number 42 and the game of dominoes adds another layer to the number’s unique significance, blending cultural tradition with numerical intrigue.

Pop Culture Appearances

The number 42 also makes a cameo in popular films, such as Finding Nemo. In the movie, Dory and Marlin are on a mission to 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney, to find Nemo. This address has become memorable for fans of the film and further showcases how the number 42 continues to pop up in surprising and meaningful ways.

Personal Connections and Philosophy

On a more personal note, I’ve embraced 42 as a symbol of youth, vitality, and curiosity. It reminds me to approach each day with the same energy I felt decades ago. My birthday celebrations—complete with banners referencing the “anniversary” of my 42nd birthday—serve as joyful reminders of this mindset.

Even my recent stress test results, which pegged my heart age at 43, feel like a humorous cosmic nudge. I’m one year past my “perfect age,” but the sentiment remains: age is, ultimately, a state of mind.

Embracing 42’s Deeper Meaning

In The Hitchhiker’s Guide, 42 isn’t the answer itself but a playful prompt to ask better questions about life and its meaning. For me, 42 is a metaphor for staying curious, open, and vibrant. It’s a reminder that life’s answers aren’t always straightforward—but they’re always worth seeking.

So here’s to 42: a number that’s funny, profound, mathematical, cultural, and deeply personal. It’s not just a number I’ve chosen to live by; it’s a celebration of life’s mysteries, joys, and infinite possibilities. And as long as I’m around, 42 will always be the perfect age.