Qohelet's hatred of his labor, recognizing that he must leave his works to another who may destroy or mismanage them, introduces the anxiety about legacy and succession. All the accomplishments of the present generation prove contingent on the wisdom and virtue of successors; one's life's work can be squandered by a fool. This concern expresses a deep human vulnerability: we cannot control the future use of our labors, nor can we ensure that our works endure or are appreciated by posterity.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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