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8
Wisdom and Power
It is those who work who produce food. If the household goes hungry, its foundations are weakened. The Loyalist Teaching
I am truly a dignitary with a great heart, Sweet-natured and friendly. I am neither negligent nor lazy. It was my heart which gained me my high office, It was the way I acted and lived that put me in the first rank. I am a being of worth created by God. Stele of Rediou-Khnum
Pharaoh
The Pharaonic institution is the perfect way to govern. Merikare
He who rules over the Two Lands is a wise man. As Master of the nobility, Pharaoh cannot be an ignorant man. He was already wise at his mother’s breast, Since God has chosen him from millions of men. Merikare
The companions of Pharaoh are the Gods. Merikare
Pharaoh is unique and Pharaoh is efficient, There is none like him. His projects follow the steps of the ibis. His insights are those of a master of knowledge. He rejoices in justice, Thanks to Ptah, the heart is gladdened. Group Statue of Horemheb and Queen Mut-Nedjemet, Museum of Turin
The language of Pharaoh is what directs him, steering the ship of righteousness. Texts of the Pyramids, 1306c
Thanks to Pharaoh, who turns the ignorant toward wisdom, the common people can surpass the great, and the last become the first. The Teaching of a Man to His Son
Pharaoh is a vital power. His word is prosperity. He creates that which is. He who respects his life will not commit evil actions, He whom Pharaoh loves will become an honoured being. Sehetep-Ib-Re
Ra, the divine light, has placed Pharaoh on the earth for ever. In order to judge men and satisfy the Gods, That he might execute justice and shun evil. Pharaoh sacrifices to the Gods and gives offerings to the immortals. Assmann, Maat, p.117
Pharaoh is he who increases wealth and knows how to give. Pharaoh is the lord of joy. He who rebels against him would pull down Heaven. Merikare
Become brothers in your heart with His Majesty. He is the creative spark that lies in our hearts. His eyes see everything. He is the divine light thanks to whose rays we can see. The Loyalist Teaching
Pharaoh is subsistence, His mouth is food. The Loyalist Teaching
Pharaoh is the canal which governs the flow of the river, The cool room where man finds rest, The rampart on the walls of heavenly metal, The refuge whose power is constant, A haven of peace which shelters the man menaced by his enemies, The shelter in the time of flood, Cool, fresh water in the blazing heat, A dry and warm place in the winter, The mountain that blocks the wind and storm, The power which stops the enemy at the borders. Hymn to Sesostris III (Kahun Papyrus)
Pharaoh has united the heavens. Pharaoh has built the city of God as was his duty. Pharaoh has become the Trinity. Texts of the Pyramids, 514
Pharaoh is charitable through the works that he does for the Gods by building temples and fashioning their images. Amada Stele
O ye who dwell on this earth, Pay tribute to the Pharaoh, That you may live. Guard his work, Protect what he commands. This deed will be beneficial to he who does it, He will be venerated, loved by his God. He will thus be complete. His bearing will be perfect throughout his life. Relief of Metjetji
Pharaoh, your eyes are the eyes of the Gods, It is you who gives light to the whole country, Who disperses the darkness for the human race. Brooklyn Papyrus II
The Art of Government
For men, God has created leaders capable of leading, supports to strengthen the backbone of the weak. Merikare
Powerful is he whose nobles are great. Powerful is the Pharaoh whose servants are competent, Venerable is he who is rich in noble beings. Merikare
Grant your ministers the necessary importance To carry out your commands. Those who are at ease in their work will never be partial, Since they have wealth and lack for nothing. An impoverished man will never conduct himself righteously, And as for those who say: ‘Oh, if only I was rich!’ They will never know how to be just, Since they will favour those who will grant them their desire. Merikare
If you are a guide in charge of a large number of people, Look for any occasion to display efficiency, So that your way of governing may be without fault. Ptah-Hotep
Never let an ungodly or a mediocre man give orders to people. Ankh-Sheshonk
God leaves town when it is governed by a bad ruler. Ankh-Sheshonk
When Ra, the divine light, is angry with a country, law, justice and values break down and fools take the place of wise men. Ankh-Sheshonk
Have no confidence in your brother, Know no friends, Do not have intimates, There is nothing useful in that. Since a man has no friends on the day of misfortune. Amenemhat I
Power is exercised thanks to intuitive knowledge. Texts of the Pyramids, 300
Let a leader not brag about being a powerful man, Since there is no power without the presence of Amon, the hidden God. It is He who makes the weak strong. Stele of Piankhi
Do not use the power of God for yourself, As if neither destiny nor fate existed. Amenemope
If you are powerful, Act so that you may be respected, As a function of knowledge and calm language. Do not give orders unless circumstances demand them. Ptah-Hotep
Do not use force. If you do, force will be used against you. Papyrus in the Louvre, 2414
Do not boast of your strength. That would be to be unaware of what will happen And what punishment God will inflict. Kagemni
The crocodile makes no noise. However, one fears him for a long time. Amenemope |
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