Final answer:
Leo Tolstoy believed that meaning in life comes from each person's contribution to history and the collective human experience, with all individuals playing vital roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Leo Tolstoy, we find meaning in life by participating in the collective human experience and contributing to the greater narrative of history. Tolstoy suggests that every person, from the lowly squire to the great lord, has an essential role in the unfolding of historical events, as highlighted in his novel War and Peace. This idea resonates with contemporary discussions about the quest for a "good" life and our shared human values amidst societal changes and differing worldviews. The collective endeavors to understand life, carve out personal identity, and navigate societal standards arguably create a collective fabric of human existence that gives our lives meaning.