Reference no: EM13229701

Egypt: Many written records survive in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Some of the most interesting surviving ideas survive on the sides of Egyptian temples and pyramids. Consider these words of wisdom: The best and shortest road towards knowledge of truth [is] Nature. For every joy there is a price to be paid. If his heart rules him, his conscience will soon take the place of the rod. Exuberance is a good stimulus towards action, but the inner light grows in silence and concentration. Not the greatest Master can go even one step for his disciple; in himself [the disciple] must experience each stage of developing consciousness. True teaching is not an accumulation of knowledge; it is an awaking of consciousness which goes through successive stages. People bring about their own undoing through their tongues. If one tries to navigate unknown waters one runs the risk of shipwreck. Leave him in error who loves his error. Every man is rich in excuses to safeguard his prejudices, his instincts, and his opinions. To know means to record in one's memory; but to understand means to blend with the thing and to assimilate it oneself. There are two kinds of error: blind credulity and piecemeal criticism. Never believe a word without putting its truth to the test; discernment does not grow in laziness; and this faculty of discernment is indispensable to the Seeker. Sound skepticism is the necessary condition for good discernment; but piecemeal criticism is an error. Love is one thing, knowledge is another. An answer brings no illumination unless the question has matured to a point where it gives rise to this answer which thus becomes its fruit. Therefore learn how to put a question. Understanding develops by degrees. There grows no wheat where there is no grain. The only thing that is humiliating is helplessness. Questions: Based on these philosophical and religious sayings, what can we tell was important to the Egyptian people? Does it seem to be a product of their history or culture? What elements of their leadership and administration might have encouraged these ideals? Write at least 150 words considering what these wise maxims tell us of Ancient Egypt.