The Instruction of Ptah-Hotep and the Instruction of Ke'Gemni / The Oldest Books in the World

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

30508

Title

The Instruction of Ptah-Hotep and the Instruction of Ke'Gemni / The Oldest Books in the World

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents the world's oldest extant books, the Instructions of Ptah-Hotep and Ke'Gemni, translated from ancient Egyptian texts. These didactic works offer timeless wisdom on ethics, governance, and conduct, bridging the gap between Eastern philosophy and Western understanding.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by Battiscombe G. Gunn, this volume presents two of the oldest surviving books in the world: *The Instruction of Ptah-Hotep* and *The Instruction of Ke'Gemni*. Dating to approximately 3550 BCE and 3000 BCE respectively, these texts offer profound insights into the ethics, manners, and political realities of Ancient Egypt, standing as the earliest extant specimens of literary art. *The Instruction of Ptah-Hotep* serves as a father's counsel to his son, written by a vizier under King Isosi. It functions as a guide for the young prince, covering the ethics of argument, proper conduct for guests, and the duties of leadership. Ptah-Hotep emphasizes humility before the wise, forbids causing fear among men, and asserts that riches come through effort rather than sloth. The text advises on the treatment of servants, the dangers of envy, and the necessity of truth and charity. It portrays the ideal leader as gracious and just, noting that overstepping laws leads to punishment while giving to those in need brings prosperity. The work also details the proper etiquette for dining and receiving guests, illustrating a sophisticated social code. In contrast, *The Instruction of Ke'Gemni*, authored by a vizier's son, offers a darker perspective on the perils of power and the fickleness of fortune. It recounts a terrifying palace conspiracy where the author's own servants attempted to assassinate him. This narrative illustrates that friends may not remain loyal during misfortune. Ke'Gemni advises rulers to keep subordinates at a distance, avoid familiar dependents, and recognize that misfortunes can strike unexpectedly. The text warns that those who cause fear or rely too heavily on intimate allies are vulnerable to betrayal. The volume concludes with an appendix containing *The Instruction of Amenemhet*, a testament from a king of the Twelfth Dynasty detailing his assassination attempt and his achievements. Together, these works stand as the earliest specimens of literary art, offering timeless insights into the human condition that remain relevant across millennia. They reveal the elemental passions of the unchanging soul of man, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern understanding.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Philosophy
• Essays