37 Pieces of Ancient African Wisdom that still Work
What are the 37 pieces of ancient African wisdom that still work after 4,400 years?
The 37 Maxims of Ptah-Hotep:
1: Speak with Humility
Don't flaunt your knowledge. Instead, talk to both the wise and the ignorant with respect.
Skills are limitless, and everyone has something to offer.
Let your words be as rare and precious as a gem.
2: Learn from the Wise
When facing someone wiser, listen humbly and refrain from arguing.
Don't let anger cloud your judgment. Embrace humility; it defuses disagreements.
3: Speak Against Injustice
Don't stay silent when you witness wrongdoing, especially from those within your circle.
Speak out against evil, and your courage will earn you respect and honor.
4: Avoid Disdain
Never look down on others, regardless of their status.
Treat everyone with respect, even those considered lowly.
Resist the temptation to belittle, for true strength lies in restraint.
5: Lead with Integrity
Leadership demands grace and adherence to truth.
Uphold justice, for deviating from it brings downfall.
Seek prosperity through righteous means, not through greed.
6: Do Not Create Fear
Inspire through kindness, not intimidation.
True power lies in generosity, not in instilling fear.
Live with kindness, and abundance will naturally follow.
7: Show Respect
When in the presence of a superior, show gratitude for their hospitality.
Avoid arrogance and excessive scrutiny.
Let your actions reflect respect and gratitude.
8: Be Honest and Diplomatic
As a messenger, convey the truth faithfully without inciting conflict.
Avoid twisting words or sowing discord.
Integrity is paramount, regardless of rank.
9: Cherish Family
Value family bonds and refrain from envy or strife.
Embrace each person's unique destiny, for true wealth lies in family love and harmony.
10: Serve Wisely
Learn from the wise, and honor those who've risen in rank.
Riches come from diligence, not laziness.
Prosperity rewards those who strive.
11: Follow Your Heart
Live authentically, without sacrificing your inner desires.
Respect your time and prioritize your well-being.
Pursue wealth without losing sight of inner peace.
12: Nurture Future Generations
Guide your children with love and discipline.
Support them in walking the path of righteousness.
Uphold family values, for they shape the future.
13: Act with Diligence
Fulfil your duties promptly.
Respect the order of proceedings, for success comes from disciplined action.
14: Cultivate Love
Prioritize love and empathy in all interactions.
Let your actions inspire goodwill and admiration.
Love builds bridges, while selfishness breeds contempt.
15: Communicate Honestly
Report truthfully and openly, without concealing facts.
Seek resolution in dialogue, welcoming sincere communication.
Transparency strengthens trust.
16: Lead by Example
Exemplify the rules you set, and govern with fairness.
Avoid favoritism and maintain high standards.
Leadership demands integrity and consistency.
17: Listen with Compassion
Show empathy to those who seek your help.
Encourage open dialogue and strive to understand their needs.
Compassion fosters trust and cooperation.
18: Preserve Dignity
Respect boundaries and avoid compromising others' dignity.
Uphold friendships by abstaining from immoral acts.
Integrity in more important than fleeting pleasures.
19: Reject Greed
Guard against envy and greed, for they breed strife and misery.
Contentment leads to peace and prosperity.
True wealth lies in virtuous deeds, not material gain.
20: Embrace Generosity
Share without expecting to receive.
Praise holds more power than coercion.
Generosity creates love, while selfishness invites disdain.
21: Honour and Support Your Partner
Cherish your spouse and provide for their needs.
Nourish your relationship with kindness and understanding.
A happy home thrives on mutual respect and care.
22: Respect Your Employees
Treat your employees fairly and generously.
Their satisfaction reflects your stewardship.
Neglect breeds discontent; kindness leads to loyalty.
23: Reject Wrath
Avoid indulging in anger or listening to inflammatory speech.
Respond with composure and wisdom.
Rash actions only lead to regret.
24: Cultivate Humility
Listen more than you speak.
Silence often holds more wisdom than speech.
Approach debates with humility, for true understanding requires restraint.
25: Lead with Wisdom
Balance authority with compassion.
Speak with confidence but remain open to input.
Control your temper, for harsh words only invite conflict.
26: Create Peace
Promote harmony by easing burdens and resolving conflicts.
Turn enemies into allies through kindness and understanding.
Love conquers hostility.
27: Support and Guide
Offer guidance and support to those under your care.
Their success reflects your leadership.
Earn their trust, and they will honor you with loyalty.
28: Impartiality in Leadership
As a leader, remain impartial and just.
Avoid favoritism or bias, especially in matters of judgment.
Uphold fairness to inspire trust and respect.
29: Forgive and Forget
If you've forgiven someone, don't revisit their past mistakes.
Grant them the opportunity to move forward without reminders of their faults.
30: Guard Against Avarice
Wealth should not consume your heart or define your worth.
Share your blessings generously, for prosperity is fleeting.
Be a steward, not a hoarder.
31: Honour Your Superiors
Respect and support your superiors, for their well-being impacts yours.
Avoid conflict with those who hold authority over you, for harmony sustains peace.
32: Exercise Self-Restraint
Especially regarding desire.
Avoid indulgence and maintain discipline, for virtue leads to lasting fulfillment.
33: Test Your Friends
Assess the character of your friends through meaningful interactions.
Don't rely on hearsay, instead, engage directly to discern their true nature.
Cherish those who prove trustworthy.
34: Radiate Positivity
Embrace optimism and spread positivity wherever you go.
Generosity of spirit leaves a lasting impression, even without grand gestures.
Let your kindness define your legacy.
35: Value Reputation
Cultivate a good reputation and maintain integrity in your dealings.
Reputation is more valuable than riches and can open doors to prosperity and respect.
36: Be Virtuous
Address vices to nurture virtue.
Root out wrongdoing to preserve goodness.
Disagreement is not unfortunate; it's an opportunity for growth and improvement.
37: Show Compassion
Extend compassion to those in need, even if they've erred.
Offer support and guidance to help them find their way.
Compassion heals wounds and restores dignity.
**These have been reworded in modern English and are not direct
translations**
