The prolific Russian author Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) explores the key themes of vanity and the meaninglessness of existence. A young lawyer finds himself in solitary confinement after accepting a bet, and has nothing but time to read every great book written by man. Yet in the end, he realizes that everything will be swallowed by death. The only guarantee is that you will die be completely forgotten. All the pleasures, wealth and prestige you could ever have will amount to nothing. Ecclesiastes has a similar premise, but unlike Chekhov, offers two solutions designed to work in tandem: (1) Work hard and appreciate what you have, and (2) be thankful to God, and remember Him all your days.