In 2414-2375 BC, Ptahhotep wrote The Maxims of Ptahhotep. The Maxims are conformist precepts extolling such civil virtues as:
- TruthfulnessSelf-control
- Kindness towards one's fellow beings
- Learning by listening to everybody
- Knowing that human knowledge is never perfect
- Avoiding open conflict wherever possible should not be considered weakness
- The importance of justice and morality
Some of the maxims refer to one's behaviour when in the presence of the great, how to choose the right master and how to serve him. Others teach the correct way to lead through openness and kindness. Greed is the base of all evil and should be guarded against, while generosity towards family and friends is praiseworthy. From: Ancient Egypt encyclopedia
Confucius (551–479 BC) was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher whose philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity.
You might think you’re polite, but there’s a lot of etiquette obstacles out there to trip up on. We try to guide you over them instead...