Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities!…
““Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? 4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. 6 The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. 7 All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. 8 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage reflects on life's futility, repetitive cycles, and the lack of lasting fulfillment in human endeavors under the sun.
In simple terms: Life feels repetitive and empty.
Key Takeaway
Accept impermanence and seek meaning beyond material toil.
Themes
impermanence
existentialism
wisdom
humility
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
philosophical
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual study
- philosophical discussion
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Ecclesiastic literature
philosophical reflection
cyclical nature of life
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you find meaning despite life's cycles?
- What lasting values can you cultivate?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook moments of joy and purpose found in everyday experiences.