Literature Of Old Kingdom Egypt Served - 2052 Words

The â€Å"Instruction† literature of Old Kingdom Egypt served as a means to educate and guide its audience in an artistic manner. These texts were highly regarded by ancient Egyptians, as some of their greatest writers wrote instruction literature. Most of these texts were also administrative, and therefore intended to be read by a large audience. The contents of these texts included themes of personal morality, personal behavior, social norms, strategic behavior, and general advice about life. As a patriarchal society, the ancient Egyptian authors were not as concerned with instructions for women, but rather, how men should treat women. Today’s American culture has granted women many more liberties; however, cultural norms still deem the man†¦show more content†¦Regardless, the texts shed some light on the cultural values of their intended audience. The introduction of the instructions clarifies why Ptahhotep thought it was necessary to write instructions for the people, â€Å"for no one is born wise† (Simpson, 131). Following a narration, Ptahhotep begins by addressing his son. Among the first instructions, silence and moderation are seen as important aspects of Ma’at, or the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, and honor. Ptahhotep then discusses how to deal with nobility as well as the proper treatment of a son, a wife, relatives, and friends. The instructions conclude with discussion of more political aspects of ancient Egyptian life, including how to deal with noblemen and how to act as a nobleman, which Ptahhotep was likely concerned with since he was an official. One statement of note is Ptahhotep’s advice that one should â€Å"Follow [their] heart as long as [they] live† (Simpson, 135). At first glance, from an American perspective, the statement comes across as quite idealistic and modern: Ptahhotep seems to advise young people to follow their emotions. However, it is important to note t hat ancient Egyptians did not associate emotion with the