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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.
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