“For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”

— Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth), Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 (KJV)

About Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth)

Hebrew wisdom book traditionally ascribed to King Solomon. Scholars debate its authorship and date.

“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.”

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”

“Accepting the absurdity of everything around us is one step, a necessary experience: it should not become a dead end.”

“You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.”

“Something the heart must have to cherish, must love and joy and sorrow learn.”

“Sorrow is knowledge: they who know the most must mourn the deepest o'er the fatal truth.”

“Men may live fools, but fools they cannot die.”

“Either knowledge is not to be attained at all, or if at all, after death.”