That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Is there a thing of which it may be said, "Behold, this is new?" It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us.

I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the king's successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

For of the wise man, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, since in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool!

That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.

Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.