You may not speak Latin, but you likely recognize this phrase from the Book of Ecclesiastes. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, it’s often translated as: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” A stark reminder that all human pursuits—however noble or grand—are fleeting. They are mist, vapor, without lasting substance unless anchored in the Divine.
I’ve had countless conversations with senior leaders and successful entrepreneurs, and a theme that comes up often is this idea of “giving back.” They feel blessed, fortunate—and they want to share their wealth, wisdom, and time with those who’ve had less. They speak of finding purpose and meaning in this act of generosity.
And yet, they have unknowingly fallen into the oldest of traps—the ego trap.
Most don’t realize this. They keep digging, deeper and deeper, into a pit they can’t even see.
Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.
The moment you think you are doing something—or should be doing something, or can do something—to “help others,” that’s your ego whispering sweet nothings in your ear. It’s your ego binding you to itself with a halo of righteousness.
Step back. Look at the cosmos. Billions of galaxies. Billions of stars within each of these galaxies. All of it moving in an elegant, precise, minuet across unimaginable distances and eons of time.
Some Higher Power—call it God, or call it the Universe—brought all this into being. That same Power brought you into being. And it’s entirely capable of managing your life without your constant interference.
This notion that you are the doer is the root of your discontent. Because if you are doing something, then perhaps you could be doing something else that might bring better results. And so arise guilt, regret, longing, anxiety, and the endless cycle of “what ifs.”
That, in a nutshell, is where suffering begins.
So, here’s the shift: Realize that you are not the doer.
Life is unfolding. Let it. Be grateful you’re a part of this exquisite, mysterious dance. And surrender to it.
The Good Samaritan never stopped to think, “Ah, yes, I am being a Good Samaritan.”
Be like that.
Peace!
