The Maxims of Ptahhotep with Hieroglyphic Text and Explanation
In the 25th century BCE, during Egypt’s Old Kingdom, a high official named Ptahhotep, whose name means the peace of Ptah, composed a series of ethical teachings intended to guide young officials in wisdom, leadership, and personal conduct. Known as The Maxims of Ptahhotep, this work stands as one of the earliest recorded texts of moral philosophy in human history. Though written over four millennia ago, its core values: patience, justice, humility, and integrity remain deeply relevant today.