When we look at Nature and Playtime, we tend to see it as random. We keep looking for "meaning" in things, but when Nature shoots blindly in the dark (random mutations), it is seeking voids to fill and resources to use (natural selection). When it 'plays', it finds uses. Usefulness; not meaning. It doesn't have to mean anything when a thing is useful. If it is net useful (a species that contributes more than it consumes), that thing will persist.

Humans created 'reasons' after Nature gave us useful lives and too much brain in our counterweight. Then we cut ourselves off from the environment that spawned us and became all Judgey about it.

Playtime is useful time. Kittens learn to pull their punches by playing with siblings.

We are meant to move and learn and seek usefulness; we are not supposed to compete for a chance to sit in the floaty chairs and watch the world pass by. We are capable of cooperating and playing while being useful. We are not supposed to just let bullies demand that we compete at all costs (war, business, etc).

We can live without competition, but we have to be smart enough to realize where competitive play gives way to abuse.

"People do shit. They have reasons for doing shit; in that order." -Dave Maleckar