To some, the Old Testament prophet’s belief that there really is no purpose to life seems obvious. Doing anything, in other words, is sheer vanity, it will get you nowhere in the end.
To others, “vanity” is when you say “I had better make myself a little more presentable for this meeting.” In other word, your vanity has kicked in.
But what the word has to do with our bathroom was still a mystery to me when my wife mentioned that one of the vanity drawers was stuck. I have learned by now that vanity is the piece of furniture in the bathroom that holds, primarily the washbasin and faucet.
I can’t think of anything more prosaic than a washbasin. But “vanity” it is and I cannot change that. So far so good. But then came the day when we needed a new washbasin. In the showroom of washbasins utter boredom rules. Used to rule, I should say, for a fresh wind has blown thru this department. There was one item that stood out. Picture the pyramids of Giseh. Now turn them upside down. That’s is how this novel basin was constructed. A friend has such a unit installed. You feel as if your washing your hands in a funnel.
So far, however, her unit has stood the test and I should not complain because even large buildings have been constructed on the upside-down principle. One of them the library at UC San Diego. And that still stands.
Yet, said the Prophet, it still is all vanity. I give up. Let him have it!