The history of philosophy shows us how this search has jumped the rails. It also shows us why so many men today are in despair. This is merely the logical downward spiral of Nietzsche to total despair. Though most men would not put it in quite such despondent terms, many would identify. I once felt such a profound lack of meaning myself.
Many men quail at life because it seems hopeless.
They slog along in frustration, emptiness, and confusion, sensing their lives don't matter. That's not true, of course. When God breaks upon a man, He deposits into his soul a river of eternal life, meaning and purpose. And God has called us to take this message of redeeming love to them. The story is best understood by spanning three eras.