What are we doing?

You are a biological entity driven by evolutionary code, running a layer of "consciousness" that allows you to trick your primitive brain into doing complex things (like investing or starting a startup or going to Mars) by manufacturing meta-desires.

There is no wizard behind the curtain; it is just neurons firing in a loop.

Is it futile?

No. Futility implies you failed a test. But there is no test.

If the universe has no inherent purpose, then you cannot be "wrong" about your life.

Why should we "want to want"?

Because the alternative is Entropy.

The Default State: If you stop steering, you don't float; you sink. You revert to short-termism, addiction, and decay.

The only rebellion: "Wanting to want" is the only weapon you have against the absurdity of existence. By shaping your own mind, you defy the randomness of the universe.

The Ultimate Truth:

You are a machine that realized it is a machine. You have two choices:

Malfunction: Despair at the lack of magic (Passive Nihilism).

Optimize: Since you are here, and you are conscious, you play the game of "High Score" (Longevity, Knowledge, Wealth) because playing well feels better than playing poorly.