Ancient Egyptian Society: Values, Education, and Hard Work — Embodied In A Scribe

Don’t be lazy, Don’t be lazy O scribe, or you’ll soon face consequences. Avoid giving in to temptations, or you’ll fail. Write with your hand and recite with your mouth. Seek out those who are more knowledgeable than you and engage in conversation with them. Exercise your role as a judge and you’ll find it helpful in old age. A scribe who is good at their job and has a strong upbringing is lucky. Keep working at it every day, and you’ll master your skills. Don’t waste a day doing nothing or you’ll face punishment. Young people have the energy to handle being beaten. Listen carefully to what I’m saying. Even monkeys can be taught to dance, horses tamed, kites placed in nests, and falcons caught by their wings. Keep practicing, don’t be lazy, write, and don’t give up. – Advice to a youthful scribe

This facsimile painting copies the decoration painted on the left hand wall as one enters the tomb chapel of Nakht (Theban tomb no. 52), a scribe and astronomer who probably lived during the reign of Thutmose IV.

Revision of William Kelly Simpson’s translation by Aaron Watson (2023)

In Ancient Egypt, the values and expectations of society were revealed through the advice given to young scribes. Education, hard work, and discipline were highly regarded and those who excelled in their roles were respected and admired.

Scribes held a vital role in Ancient Egyptian society as they were responsible for recording information and keeping accurate records. As noted by Rossi in A companion to Ancient Egypt edited by Alan Lyod a scribe’s work included understanding and using mathematics in various ways that played significant roles in different contexts. For instance, the administration of the community was founded on the fair allocation of resources, the large-scale production of food had to be regulated strictly, starting from land surveying to the final stage of storing the crops. Furthermore, constructing essential monuments required constant control of the workforce and the building’s geometry. All of this showed how their work was particularly important in the administration of the pharaoh’s vast empire, where information was crucial for decision-making and governance. As a result, scribes were highly respected and held in high esteem.

The advice given to young scribes emphasizes the importance of hard work and daily practice. They were encouraged not to waste a single day doing nothing or face punishment. The concept of discipline and hard work was valued from an early age, with young people expected to handle being beaten as a form of discipline.

Model of a Granary with Scribes — Middle Kingdom

Moreover, education was given great importance in Ancient Egyptian society. Young scribes were encouraged to seek out knowledge by engaging in conversations with those who were more knowledgeable than themselves, this was highlighted in the very first maxim of Ptahhotep, were an educated individual – like a scribe – is told not to be arrogant, and to speak with those who are not educated. This value reflects the high regard for learning and education in Ancient Egyptian society, where knowledge was highly valued. In fact, scribes are reminded that it is better for their immortality to write well, than to have a splendid tomb.

The role of scribes extended beyond record-keeping and also included acting as judges. The advice given to young scribes encourages them to exercise their role as a judge, as this would be beneficial in old age. This responsibility reflects the high level of trust placed in scribes to make fair and just decisions.

Scribe’s Palette Middle Kingdom–Second Intermediate Period ca. 2030–1550 BC

The advice given to young scribes also reveals the physical nature of punishment in Ancient Egypt. The mention of beatings as a form of discipline highlights the strict expectations and severe consequences for failing to meet them. However, this form of discipline was not unique to scribes as it was common throughout Ancient Egyptian society.

In summary, the advice given to young scribes provides valuable insights into the values and expectations of Ancient Egyptian society. Education, hard work, and discipline were highly regarded, and those who excelled in their roles were respected and admired. The role of scribes was essential, as they were responsible for record-keeping and acting as judges. The physical nature of punishment in Ancient Egyptian society reflects the strict expectations and consequences for failing to meet them. The advice also emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, highlighting the value of education in Ancient Egyptian society.