Vanity of Vanities

“Vanity of vanities”, says the Preacher, “vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” ’

“To those who are entering the church of the mind and are wondering at the contemplation of the created things, the Word says, ‘You must not think that these things are the final goal that has been stored up for you by the promises – for they are all vanity of vanities in comparison with the knowledge of God himself. For just as medicines are vain after one’s health has been completely restored, so, too, the meanings of the ages and worlds are vain after one has knowledge of the Holy Trinity.’”

Evagrius, Scholion 3 on Ecclesiastes