The collection / 30 fragments

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Passages, proverbs, and questions carried across the ages.

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01c. 1800 BC

Be thine heart overflowing; but refrain thy mouth. Let thy conduct be exact while amongst nobles, and seemly before thy lord, doing that which he hath commanded. Such a son shall speak unto them that hearken to him; moreover, his begetter shall be favoured. Apply thine heart, what time thou speakest, to saying things such that the nobles who listen declare, 'How excellent is that which cometh out of his mouth!'

Ptahhotep (traditional literary attribution) / quote

02c. 1800 BC

Carry out the behest of thy lord to thee. How good is the teaching of a man's father, for he hath come from him, who hath spoken of his son while he was yet unborn; and that which is done for him (the son) is more than that which is commanded him. Forsooth, a good son is of the gift of the God; he doeth more than is enjoined on him, he doeth right, and putteth his heart into all his goings.

Ptahhotep (traditional literary attribution) / quote

03c. 1800 BC

The cautious man flourisheth, the exact one is praised; the innermost chamber openeth unto the man of silence. Wide is the seat of the man gentle of speech; but knives are prepared against one that forceth a path, that he advance not, save in due season.

Anonymous (Instruction for Kagemni) · Ancient Egyptian / quote

04c. 1800 BC

If thou sit with a company of people, desire not the bread that thou likest: short is the time of restraining the heart, and gluttony is an abomination; therein is the quality of a beast. A cup of water quencheth the thirst, and a mouthful of melon supporteth the heart. A good thing standeth for goodness, but some small thing standeth for plenty. A base man is he that is governed by his belly; he departeth only when he is no longer able to fill full his belly in men's houses.

Anonymous (Instruction for Kagemni) · Ancient Egyptian / quote

05c. 1800 BC

If a man be lacking in good fellowship, no speech hath any influence over him. He is sour of face toward the glad-hearted that are kindly to him; he is a grief unto his mother and his friends; and all men [cry], 'Let thy name be known; thou art silent in thy mouth when thou art addressed!'

Anonymous (Instruction for Kagemni) · Ancient Egyptian / quote

06c. 1800 BC

Be not haughty because of thy might in the midst of thy young soldiers. Beware of making strife, for one knoweth not the things that the God will do when He punisheth.

Anonymous (Instruction for Kagemni) · Ancient Egyptian / quote