The Book Ecclesiastes and Pessimism: Drawing Wisdom from Our Toils

‘Thirst for wisdom’ drives human beings in the past, at present and in the coming future. In the history we could witness thoughts of wisdom of various times were collected together and named as wisdom literature. These literatures focus the practical aspects of how one should live, moral concerns through reflection on human experiences and to form a society filled with justice, righteousness, and equality. We also find in Bible wisdom books. Kings, priests, prophets and teachers were authors of these books. The book of Ecclesiastes observed the natural world as well as human’s life experience and shared some practical applications for people to live their daily lives. Many claims Ecclesiastes as a book of pessimistic thoughts. Nevertheless, a philosophical enquiry about the teachings of the book could unveil the optimistic teachings which is dealt with.