1
The world is a kaleidoscope. Everything dazzles around, but it all comes to nothing.
Sometimes someone says: “I found something new.” But when you look, it is truly old. There is nothing new in this world.
I, Qoheleth, was president of Eldorado. I took it upon myself to mummify wisdom. What a bad idea: it is unrewarding. Nobody is willing to compensate you for accomplishing something like that.
But, anyway, I was wealthier and smarter than anyone else, so I figured that I might as well do what nobody else could ever do; thus, I tried being fat, and then I tried being thin; and then I tried being sane, and then I tried being mad. It was all a wash. My verdict: Not worth it. You’re basically chasing after the wind.
2
So then I tried being happy, and I tried being sad; but neither of those ways seemed quite right to me either. I also tried being rich and poor. Nothing moved me much.
3
There is a time for everything. A time for winning and a time for losing. Just let be: the readiness is all.
Eternity always awaits us, so nothing really matters. Eat and drink, if you like.
As for morality, good people and evil people both die. And nobody resurrects from death; but everyone’s atoms get recycled into fresh forms of life that have no recollection of their previous existences. So, for epicurean reasons, live harmoniously.
4
Because of all the oppression that there is in this world, it is better not to be born. But if you must receive life, then it is better to be aborted as early as possible.
Entrepreneurialism, mercantilism, competition: All are annoying.
The financialization of everything is the main problem.
5
Relationships and solitude both have their pluses and minuses.
Speech and silence also both have their appeal. Dreams are nice, unless they are nightmares. All of these things are mostly harmless and meaningless.
Superfluous talk is amusing. I am partial to chatterboxes; but just the ones who can listen and respond to questions.
Wealth should be shared with all. Everyone, including the rich, will be happier that way.
6
Fools make out the best in this world, because ignorance is bliss.
7
Maintain a good reputation, if possible. But don’t sweat it: frankly, it is probably not an option.
Be slow to anger and quick to forgive. At least try. And if you fail, forgive yourself; then try again.
I find wisdom alluring. Same for the arts.
8
No one can control doom. You have no idea when you might die. However, as Whitman says, there really is no death. So, life never ends; but at any moment one might lose one’s memory, which is one’s identity. For this reason, do not invest too much care in your present self.
9
All events are governed by pure chance.
The best thing in the whole wide world is friendship. And marriage is a subsection of friendship.
10
Money does not end up with who deserves it. Neither does fame. Neither do offices of power. So, never trust affluence, popularity, or authority.
11
Again, share your wealth. You never know when misfortune will occur.
12
Enjoy youth while you possess it; it vanishes rapidly.
Cherish any delight that you encounter. The future is an endless search for fleeting pleasures.
§
Write many books, and read many books.
That is all.
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