Maxims of Ptahhotep: 37 Ancient Rules for Wisdom and Power

37 Rules for Life from Ancient Egypt's Wise Vizier

Set down by Vizier Ptahhotep in c. 2300 BCE, this is humanity’s oldest guide to leadership, speech, and character. Browse the rules below or click any card to explore and print.

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THE MAXIMS OF PTAHHOTEP · c. 2300 BCE

Character & Humility

Seek Endless Wisdom

RULE #01 OF 37

“Learning has no final horizon; no master ever reaches total perfection.”

Ptahhotep advises that knowledge and skill have no final ceiling. True wisdom includes the humility to learn from anyone, noting that good speech can be found even among craftswomen at the grindstone.

The Maxims of Ptahhotep

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37 Rules for Life from the Wise Vizier

The Maxims of Ptahhotep (c. 2300 BCE) • The world's oldest guide to leadership, speech, and character

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