The Maxims of Ptahhotep

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The Maxims of Ptahhotep or Instruction of Ptahhotep is an ancient literary work assembled during the sixth dynasty, ca. 2350 BC, and attributed to Ptahhotep, a vizier under King Isesi of the Egyptian Fifth Dynasty.[1] It is a collection of maxims and advice on human relations that are directed to his son. The work survives today in papyrus copies, including the Prisse Papyrus which dates from the Middle Kingdom and is on display at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. There are considerable differences between the Prisse Papyrus version and the two texts at the British Museum.[2]

In the introduction the author explains the reason for writing the instruction, namely his having reached old age and wanting to pass on the wisdom of his ancestors who had, in his words, listened to the gods.[3] The Maxims are conformist precepts extolling such civil virtues as truthfulness, self-control and kindness towards one's fellow beings. Learning by listening to everybody and knowing that human knowledge is never perfect are a leitmotif.[4] Avoiding open conflict wherever possible should not be considered weakness. Justice should be pursued and in the end it will be god's command that prevails.[5] Some of the maxims refer to one's behaviour when in the presence of the great, how to choose the right master and how to serve him. Others teach the correct way to lead through openness and kindness. Greed is the base of all evil and should be guarded against, while generosity towards family and friends is praiseworthy.[6] Rise in the social order should be accepted as a gift from god[7] and could be preserved by accepting the precedence of one's superior.

[edit] References

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:
  1. ^ Nicholas Grimal, A History of Ancient Egypt, 1992 Blackwell Publishing, p.79
  2. ^ M. Lichtheim, Ancient Egyptian Literature, Vol.I, p.61
  3. ^ Lichtheim op. cit. p.63
  4. ^ Françoise Dunand, Christiane Zivie-Coche, Gods and Men in Egypt: 3.000 BCE to 395 CE, Cornell University Press 2004, p.148
  5. ^ Lichtheim op. cit. p.65
  6. ^ Lichtheim op. cit. p.68
  7. ^ Lichtheim op. cit. p.72

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