Does anything exist about which someone might say, "Look at this! Is this new?" It happened ages ago; it existed before we did.

So I dedicated myself to learn about wisdom and knowledge, and about insanity and foolishness. And I discovered that this is also like chasing after the wind.

Then I examined all of my accomplishments that I had brought about by my own efforts, including the work that I had labored so hard to complete and it was all pointless, like chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained on earth.

So I came to be in despair about everything I had accomplished on earth.

For he has absolutely no knowledge what will happen, since who can declare to him when it will come about?

At least the living know they will die, but the dead know nothing; they no longer have a reward, since memory about them has been forgotten.

Do not curse the king, even in your thoughts. Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom. For a bird will fly by and tell what you say, or something with wings may talk about it.