Life, Consciousness, and Existence Quotes in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

The vast majority of the universe is composed of dark matter. The fragile balance depends on things we'll never be able to see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. Life itself depends on them. What's real? What isn't real? Maybe those aren't the right questions to be asking. What does life depend on? (15.140)

This question is posed by a fictional version of Stephen Hawking, but it sounds like something he'd ruminate on, doesn't it? Does life have any meaning at all? Isn't all meaning just something we humans cook up to explain why things are the way they are?