Disillusionment is a recurring theme, particularly evident in Solomon's experiences as he sought meaning and satisfaction through various pursuits. Solomon's attempts to find fulfillment through entertainment, work, and alcohol left him with a hollow feeling, as his motivations were worldly and self-centered. This disillusionment led him to conclude that pleasure for pleasure's sake and work for work's sake were futile, as they did not align with God's selfless-centered universe. The self-centered approach dominant in Satan's world pulls individuals toward disappointment, emptiness, and death, often culminating in depression. Solomon's disillusionment with life's pursuits under the sun ultimately led him to recognize that true joy and meaning could only be found by centering one's life on God and making choices that align with His wisdom and commandments.

Disillusionment is a recurring theme in the narrative. The song "Is That All There Is?" by Peggy Lee expresses a sense of disillusionment, questioning if the experiences of life are all there is. Similarly, the U2 song "The Wanderer" featuring Johnny Cash reflects disillusionment with worldly pursuits, leading to a turn towards religion as a last resort. These examples illustrate how life's pursuits can lead to a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Ecclesiastes is not a happy book. It shows strong streaks of pessimism, weariness, despair, and disappointment with life. These themes are so prevalent that scholars believe it was written by someone unconverted, reflecting the reasoning of a natural man. If Solomon wrote it, it appears to have been during a low spiritual point in his life, perhaps when he was old and reflecting on what he considered a failed life. The book's general theme is how to get the most out of life while carrying something worthwhile through the grave. However, the book's focus on temporariness, vanity, futility, and meaninglessness contributes to its generally depressing and negative tone. Life, without the right reason for living, is futile and vain, offering little to anticipate except occasional moments of well-being from family, religion, art, work, money, or even folly.