How to Find Meaning in Life: For Dummies

         So at last we say goodbye to the Amal. In Perakim ה-ו, the Amal gives his last words on the purpose of work. In Perek ה Pasukim יב-טז, he states that he found a new injustice in the world- people hold on to their money, but eventually lose it and have nothing to give to their children. And of course he can't possibly continue without saying something is Hevel, so he decides that since you die with nothing, like you were born (naked and penniless), what is the point of your effort?

         Unfortunately, here is seems like the Amal has abandoned his noble pretenses of trying to rid injustice in the world- he is now focused on himself= BAD. But is he trying to say that you should just enjoy things because you die anyway? Perhaps like....the Neheneh??!?!?! *gasps*

         In the next few Pasukim it seems like he is, in fact, coming to agree with the Neheneh. TRAITOR!!! In Pasukim יז-יט he timidly approaches these ideas, saying "maybe I should just eat, drink, and enjoy what G-d gave me.." Although this does seem exactly like what the Neheneh was saying, it is a little different. The Neheneh said that since we have no control, he might as well enjoy. The Amal is saying that he should just enjoy because you cannot take your work with you. However, will he accept this philosophy??

         In Perek ו Pasukim א-ו, the Amal comes to a grim decision- the fact that he can't be perfect or take his money with him is worse than never having been born. In other words, I can't have everything, so I might as well never have been born.

         In Pasukim ז-יב he finally comes to his cheerful conclusion. Since he is going to die and he can't accomplish everything, he doesn't want to live. How uplifting! In the beginning, he found that since he as the king couldn't get rid of injustice, no one could, and now he is saying that (surprise, surprise) הכל הבל!

        Now I kind of just want to knock some sense into the Amal. He needs to listen to himself and realize how stupid he sounds! I found an article on wikiHow labeled "How to Find Meaning in Life". While reading those 8 steps, I realized how helpful these tips would be for the Amal. Step Number 4 especially. It states "Seek without purpose", and underneath it says that knowledge is not a destination, but a journey. It also says that human knowledge is not perfect, but we know enough to come to conclusions, so don't despair. I really wish they had internet during Kohelet's time!!

Link to full article: http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Meaning-in-Life