So I have a bit more time now and I think I'll have a go at answering some of your questions. Feel free to, you know, present some of your own opinions and views here. Sorry if I miss something, you have asked a shit load of questions.
What is meaning, and how do we know life has one?
Let's start with the definition of the word "meaning". By definition, meaning is; "intended to communicate something that is not directly expressed".
How do we know life has one? I think that's a rather more simple question than trying to derive what the meaning is. Whilst I obviously can not scientifically say how we know life has a meaning, I think there's several likelihoods as to why it does. Do you mean humanity having meaning or all forms of life? Humanity inherently has meaning in it's ability to help and think, be, create and nurture. All other forms of life? I'm not so sure. It's a complex philosophical debate which is above my pay-grade. Scientifically, it's hard to put a meaning behind all forms of life (though there could be one). Religiously, of course there is a meaning. I'm sorry if I initially confused the two patterns of thought.
-- How is this logical? What logic are you following to arrive at this conclusion? Why must sentience have purpose, and why is destiny inevitable?
Why would something so complex exist for truly no reason? Doesn't everything that exists have a reason for existing? The soil allows plants to grow, nitrogen in the soil enables this, etc. Sorry if that's a generalization. Sentience doesn't have to have purpose. That's not what I said. Destiny doesn't have to be inevitable. Just because a theory is "logical" doesn't mean it's true. In this case it could be true, not that it necessarily is. Weak argument, no need to point this out.
How is something fair or unfair? That's a similar debate as to what makes right and wrong. These are both notions that are universally understood, but where do they truly come from? Here's a quotation that pretty much sums up my opinions on the matter.
"...but how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing the universe with when I called it unjust? ...Consequently, atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found that it has no meaning." - C.S. Lewis.
Where do we get the notions of fair/unfair, right/wrong, just/unjust? This idea, in my opinion ties in with the notion of there being meaning in life, why would there be good and bad if there was no meaning? If there were truly no meaning in life, why would we even bother with the idea of fairness, good, evil etc. I believe it's evidence in support of a higher meaning/purpose, and therefore in my own mind, "fair to assume".
Yes, purpose implies there is an external force. Hence an object/person being of purpose to something/someone. Firstly, let me ask you, does it really matter to you? Why do you care if you hold no faith? That being said, purpose to life could be something as simple as spreading joy, happiness and love. Life is such a beautiful thing, regardless of why it is here. That could be a purpose in itself. Is that not reason enough to have life? You and I both know I can't possibly say what factual reasons there are behind life's purpose. No-one knows.
I didn't have time to fully read that article, but I see what it's getting at. I agree with you regarding projection of meaning. But sometimes meaning may not always be projected on to things. It could somethings just be.
Finally, let me clarify what I meant when I earlier said that you were being condescending. Here are some examples of condescension;
"That's nice." "Neither am I. But I don't accept that as an excuse for not thinking things through." "Come on, don't do that."