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Editor's comment

Here is an expression of a cyclical world-view. It envisions no progress in the world. The periodicity of nature is mirrored in the birth, growth and death of human life.

Since in generation after generation no change from the toil, misery and pain of life were discernable, their world-view was one of world-weariness and doleful resignation.

 

The Old Testament - Ecclesiastes [200 words]

The words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.
What profit hath man of all his labour wherein he laboureth under the sun?

One generation goeth away, and another generation cometh;
the earth abideth forever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun
goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he ariseth.
The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north;
it turneth about continually in its circuit, the wind returneth again to its circuits.

All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full;
unto the place whither the rivers go, they go again.

All things are full of weariness; man cannot utter it:
the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
That which hath been is that which shall be,
and that which hath been done is that which shall be done;
and there is no new thing under the sun.

Is there a thing whereof men say “See this is new”?

It hath been already in the ages which were before us.