Final answer:
The wisdom literature, according to Bullock, addresses existential questions about living a 'good' life, tackling themes that are philosophical in nature and concern humanity's search for meaning and moral guidance. These timeless questions have evolved from ancient beliefs in following divine will to today's diverse perspectives on ethics and morality.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Bullock, the wisdom literature sought to answer existential questions related to how to live a "good" life. These questions pertain to issues that are deeply philosophical and concern the essence of human existence and moral conduct. Wisdom literature spans across various cultures and time periods, reflecting the human quest for meaning and understanding in life.
Classic philosophical questions often find themselves intertwined with literature, such as "Is there a best way to live?" or "Are ethics an expression of the divine, or are ethics better understood separate from divine authority?" The ancient Greeks, for instance, believed in following the gods and accepting one's fate, while post-1800 Western cultures referenced obedience to God's commandments. Today, however, with diverse philosophies and the questioning of objective truths, there is less consensus on what constitutes a 'good' life.
In exploring wisdom literature, we encounter the universal themes of literature that resonate across cultures, reflecting ongoing human concerns about ethics, morality, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Questions such as "What does it mean to be an insider or an outsider?" or "How do our personal experiences shape our view of others?" reveal the continuing relevance of wisdom literature to contemporary readers.