Quotes from Ptahhotep

Be cheerful while you are alive.

Do not be arrogant because of your knowledge, but confer with the ignorant man as with the learned…. Good speech is more hidden than malachite, yet it is found in the possession of women slaves at the millstones.

Follow your desire as long as you live and do not perform more than is ordered; do not lessen the time of following desire, for the wasting of time is an abomination to the spirit…. When riches are gained, follow desire, for riches will not profit if one is sluggish.

Teach him what has been said in the past; then he will set a good example to the children of the magistrates, and judgment and all exactitude shall enter into him. Speak to him, for there is none born wise.

One who is serious all day will never have a good time, while one who is frivolous all day will never establish a household.