The Unseen Vanity of Possession

Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 speaks of a man who has been given wealth, riches, and honor, but cannot enjoy it himself: "A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease." The vast cosmos above represents this unattainable wealth — beautiful and awe-inspiring, yet distant and untouchable. The man represented by these riches cannot partake in the warmth of the fire or the companionship it brings, emphasizing the idea that material wealth without the power to enjoy it is indeed vanity.  

The fire and the people around it symbolize true wealth, which lies not in material possessions but in the shared moments of life. While the night sky holds the promise of grandeur, the simple, humble fire provides warmth and sustenance, reminding viewers that the riches of life are best experienced through human connection and shared experiences. The figure that owns the wealth — symbolized by the distant stars and cosmic beauty — is left out of this community, as his material possessions bring no real joy or satisfaction.  

In real life, this biblical wisdom offers a reminder that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake often leads to a hollow existence. No matter how much one accumulates, if there is no power to enjoy it — whether due to isolation, illness, or lack of purpose — it becomes meaningless. The art visually contrasts the grand, cosmic beauty (symbolizing unreachable wealth) with the warmth of the fire (representing human connection and simple joys), driving home the point that true wealth is found in what can be shared and enjoyed in the present moment.  

The lines from Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 urge reflection on the vanity of accumulating wealth without purpose or the ability to enjoy it. It warns of the "evil disease" of focusing solely on material gain, which often results in strangers or others reaping the benefits of one’s labor. The art, with its striking balance between the cold, distant beauty of the universe and the warm, immediate presence of the fire, teaches that the most valuable riches are those that can be experienced and shared. It encourages people to reflect on what truly brings fulfillment, and to seek wealth in relationships and meaningful experiences rather than in distant, unattainable possessions.