After surveying the boring rut of life (Eccl. 1:1-11), and the depressing inability to straighten out our crooked world (1:12-18), Solomon took some time to chase the popular diversions associated with pleasure, only to discover that the pursuit of happiness is a wild goose chase without a goose (2:1-11). He then continues his search for meaningful life in wisdom and work, or getting smart and getting things done – our equivalent to getting a degree and a good job. But, he is confounded by the great obstacle to life – namely death. Life is simply very hard to grasp when death stands in the way.