The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002.
Ecclesiastes
(i-klee-zee-AS-teez) A book in the Old Testament containing the reflections of a philosopher known as “the Preacher.” “Vanity of vanity saith the Preacher,… all is vanity,” where the word “vanity” indicates that striving is in vain, because death comes to all, and “there is no new thing under the sun.” He believes that our character and achievements do not affect our fate. “The race is not to the swift nor to the strong.” He concludes that one should enjoy the good things found in life until death brings oblivion. The argument and tone of this book are very unlike those of the other books of the Bible. (Seenothing new under the sun, A time to be born and a time to die, andVanity of vanities; all is vanity.)
