11. There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
12. I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this severe burden has God given to the sons of man to be afflicted with.
14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and like grasping the wind.
15. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is lacking cannot be numbered.
16. I communed with my own heart, saying, Lo, I have come to greatness, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17. And I set my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is like grasping the wind.
18. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increases knowledge increases sorrow.