Sweet is the light and beautiful for the eyes to see the sun. Even if a man lives many years, let him enjoy them all, and think of the dark days, which will be many: all that happens is vanity. Enjoy your youth, young man, and let your heart rejoice in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and the desires of your eyes. (…) Drive melancholy out of your heart, drive pain away from your body, because youth and black hair are a breath.
You know what we just read? The Old Testament! 🙂 (Ecclesiastes 11, 7-10).
The unknown author, who wrote under the pseudonym "Qoheleth", was singled out as a hedonist because he was in stark contrast to the law and tradition of the time. His invitation to enjoy youth and life before they vanish into thin air is truly sobering and unique in the entire Bible.