² I said of laughter, “It is madness!” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” ³ I thought deeply about how to cheer my flesh with wine—letting my heart guide me with wisdom—and how to grasp folly, so that I could see what was worthwhile for the sons of men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

⁴ I increased my possessions. I built myself houses and I planted myself vineyards.