Life compared to a building is a classic analogy.
The ancients went right to the foundation and asked what the building was built on. The house built on the solid foundation stood the storm. The house built on the sand fell in the storm. That is beautiful, but scary if you don't know what you are building or why you are building it.
On a national level, nations are challenged on the foundations they were built on. After overthrowing a regime the new regime knows that they are building a nation and they know why, but not really how. The how is something we can't always be sure of because things will change as we go along.
On a personal level, the "what" is obvious (my life), but implies also what kind. I would say a fruitful life. I don't always agree with Confucius, but in the following quote I do:
“If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years educate children.”
Why is the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
I heard the answer is 42.
42 is always the answer, it is known.
I think people fail to clarify their why and so what they (try to) build, the directions and actions they take, are not backed by the right attitude and are already sitting upon a wobbly foundation; generally speaking of course. Understanding what and why helps one focus on the how and down that path is a better future.
Thanks for your intelligent response.
Thank you for good questions^^