Stetson Jore’s Reviews > The Instruction Of Ptah-hotep and The Instruction Of Ke'gemni: The Oldest Books In The World > Status Update

Quarrelling in the place of friendship is a foolish thing.

When he hath told thee his past life, he hath made an opportunity that thou May either be ashamed for him or be familiar with him. Be not reserved with him when he openeth speech, beither answer him after a scornful manner. Withdraw not thyself from him, neither interrupt him whose matter is not yet ended, whom it is possible to benefit.

Great is Truth, appointing a straight path; never hath it been overthrown since the reign of Osiris. One that oversteppeth the laws shall be punished. Overstepping is by the covetous man; but degredations bear off his riches. Never hath evil-doing brought its venture safe to port. For he saith, ‘I will obtain by myself for myself,’ and saith not, ‘I will obtain because I am allowed.’

Not what he was, but what he should have been.

Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us. There is no remembrance of former things; Neither shall there be any remembrance of things to come with those that shall come after.