As we enter the maze of life seen through the Teacher’s eyes, our own vision becomes quickly shrouded in an eery fog: hebel (meaninglessness, vanity, futility, illusory). Life “under the sun” is often confusing, frustrating. The teacher begins leading us through the maze, introducing us to the big picture of his sermon, and then showing us the first three dead ends: achievement, wisdom, and folly. These three points will become focuses throughout his whole discussion, but for now he’ll just hit on them. Is there any hope in a life under the sun? Thankfully, the Teacher allows two rays to shine through the fog.