The Instructions of Ptah-Hotep 


Proper Conduct for the Powerful

If you be powerful, make yourself to be honored for knowledge and for gentleness. Speak with authority, that is, not as if following injunctions, for he that is humble (when highly placed) falls into errors. Exalt not your heart, that it be not brought low. Be not silent, but beware of interruption and of answering words with heat. Put it far from you; control yourself. The wrathful heart speaks fiery words; it darts out at the man of peace that approaches, stopping his path.

Back to the AAA Encyclopedia, The Instructions of Ptah-Hotep  Forward to "Be Moderate in All Things"