The Maxims of Ptahhotep

Ptahhotep was the name of a 24th Century (BCE) vizier ( minister) and philosopher. He was vizier to an Egyptian king in the fifth dynasty of Egypt. His items of wisdom are written as a father's advice to his son and cover many areas.  A copy of the manuscript , the Prisse Papyrus , is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The Egyptians wrote various forms of poems, satires, and what are called Instructions in Wisdom. These were sets of maxims directed to the living, and they illustrate some of the humanistic values of ancient Egyptian society. The maxims were formed into a connected sequence by inserting them into a letter from a father to his son. This format lasted for millennia and was used by the 16th Century (CE) Spanish writer Cervantes.

In Public

He who uses elbows is not helped

Conduct

Don't be proud of your knowledge.
Consult the ignorant and wise;
The limits of art are not reached,
No artist's skills are perfect;
Good speech is more hidden than greenstone,
Yet may be found among the maids at the grindstones.

Friendship

As ill will comes from opposition,
So goodwill increases love…

Humility

If you are poor, serve a man of worth…
Do not recall if he was once poor,
Don't be arrogant towards him
For knowing his former state;
Respect him for what he has earned,
For wealth doe not come by itself
His gain, he has gathered it himself