Ma'at as Ethical & Social Order
Tell the truth, judge fairly, protect the weak — for Egyptians, this was the order of the universe.
Beyond cosmic order, ma'at named the way people ought to live with one another: truthfully, fairly, with self-control and concern for the poor, the widow, and the powerless. The wisdom texts and the ideal biographies of officials present 'doing ma'at' as the heart of a good life — judging justly, speaking honestly, not taking bribes. This social ethics is one of ancient Egypt's most striking legacies.
Key passages(5)
He says: Give your ears, hear the sayings, Give your heart to understand them; It profits to put them in your heart, Woe to him who neglects them! Let them rest in the casket of your belly, May they b
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So act accordingly! and your share of the cargo will be what you seize, at every embankment. It is known: and every man in your environment is corrupt. none sleeping whom you roused, uneducated whom y
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Kissing the ground for the foremost of those in the west and seeing the beauty of Upwawet by the chamberlain Intef. He says: 'As to this grave, I build it in the necropolis of Abydos, this island to w
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Royal seal-keeper and sole companion, leader of the city and grand vizier Kay says: 'I am a well-born man, strong and wise, who sees to his city for eternity, who brought it on the course of restorati
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<"v"> Prince regent, count, royal seal-keeper, overseer of the administration, deputy of the treasurer, Sehetepibre, justified, says: 'I built this grave, which was consecrated after its place had bee
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