Typically, philosophy students are taught that philosophy began in ancient Greece with Thales of Miletus. Aristotle also regarded Thales as a key founding figure in the Greek tradition. However – spoiler alert – it seems that philosophy actually began in ancient Egypt with Ptahhotep.
Ptahhotep was an Egyptian vizier (a high official) from the 5th Dynasty of Egypt, in the late 25th century BC.
What is Ptahhotep known for?
Ptahhotep’s claim to fame is the so-called ‘Maxims of Ptahhotep’, a set of instructions for his son or successor. This is known to be the earliest collection of Egyptian wisdom literature of considerable size. The instructions emphasise the importance of leadership, social propriety, order and justice, drawing on the influence of Ma’at, who was the Egyptian goddess of truth, justice, morality and order.
The idea behind these instructions was to pass on wisdom only attainable through experience to young men without experience. I think this somewhat ageist view of wisdom and knowledge is something that you see in several African societies today, which locks the young out of holding political office. But it is amazing to see young people in Africa stand up for their rights, challenge their governments and endangering their lives to protest for change. For example, check out the protests that are currently happening in Nigeria and Namibia. Before I get too sidetracked, thankfully, one value that Ptahhotep did stress was listening. Maybe if these politicians start to take young people seriously and listen to us, we will get real progress.
Some of Ptahhotep’s maxims
If you are a leader, take responsibility in the matters entrusted to you, and you will accomplish things of note…
If you are a man of authority, be patient when you are listening to the words of a petitioner. Do not dismiss him until he has completely unburdened himself of what he had planned to say to you.
Take advice from the ignorant as well as from the wise, since there is no single person who embodies perfection nor any craftsman who has reached the limits of excellence.
Be a craftsman in speech that thou mayest be strong, for the strength of one is the tongue, and speech is mightier than all fighting.
And my personal favourite:
Be cheerful while you are alive.
Has the fact that philosophy might originate in Africa surprised you? Let me know in the comments or via private message.