NOTE: I will ask
the “China
Answer TWO of the
following:
Q1: Much of this
work is devoted to “instructing the ignorant in knowledge and in the correct
method of perfect speech, which will be beneficial to the listener but of no
use to the neglectful” (257). According to these maxims, what is “perfect
speech,” and how can one master the art of speaking? Does “perfect speech”
change depending on who is speaking (high class, low class)? Or is it a
universal law/art?
Q2: Though these
maxims teach us a lot about how Egyptians viewed morality and conduct, they
also reveal much about women in the ancient world. What role did women play and
how were they viewed by the “wise men” of the kingdom? What ‘dangers’ did women
pose to ‘virtuous’ men?
Q2: Though
Ptahhotep claims that speech is important, even more important is the art of
listening. According to the Epilogue, “As for the fool who does not listen,/He
can do nothing./He sees wisdom in ignorance,/usefulness in harmfulness” (273). Why
do you think Egyptians placed such importance on listening, and what else might
listening consist of besides simply hearing others speak?
Q4: Are there
parts of the maxims that seem contradictory or simply confusing? Could someone
really follow all of these as a whole? Or do you feel they were meant to be
read in part, or simply for the reader to take the parts he most desired? (and
if so, what might these say about rules of conduct in general?)
1. According to the maxim's, perfect speech is knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. Knowing when to be silent (the second maxim), and when to speak up (the fourth maxim) is also crucial for it as well. Knowing right from wrong and applying it where it is needed (First through third), and above all trust in god (fifth maxim). It goes a lot more in depth that could take me a page or 4 to go through, but I'll save that for class. Overall, an understanding of right vs wrong and knowing what to say when and where is the way to perfect speech.
ReplyDelete2. Apparently, women are corruptive, and will take everything from the man if he lust's or approaches them. But she also one to be "spoiled" giving them everything you can, clothing them, feeding them well, making sure they stray from power, since it can cause her to lust after more and more, because "her eye is tempestuous when she scrutinizes"(pg 265). Overall, the woman should be pampered and loved and respected, but she cannot be lusted after or given power, her place "be made to stay in your house if you restrain her"(pg 265).
Joshua Willis
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Q3: I observe their focus on listening as an extension of their fixation with speaking , or using the "mouth", properly. The idea that to be heard and to communicate was an essential part of society, a foundation for the formation of greater ideas and collaborations. Further, I feel it is an expression of power. That the idea during these early ages that a person and their words were what created structure, created and controlled armies and individuals was a relatively new concept. Power up until the formation of society was simply who led out of instinct and who was the strongest. Listening was more that just hearing spoken words of course, it was obeying the set laws and the people who constructed those laws. To listen was to allow society to mold one into a form it deemed appropriate.
Q4: There are segments of these maxims that certainly seem out of place, with wildly shifting tones at times. A great deal of these could be utilized today, with very modern and accurate methods for dealing with people on many different level. Most seem morals and generous even, then we get to dealing with women and the structure changes entirely to treating women like wild animals that can never be truly tamed. It reads strangely in that regard. However, there is certainly an underlining theme of acquiescence and obedience, of generosity and kindness. A great deal of passivity pepper in as well. There is a disjointedness as well for the classes, it appears to me that typically speaking a man should focus on his station and not even consider rising above it. Could a man follow all of these? Certainly, if his life is wild and varying and he finds himself in all of these carious situations and conditions. I find the overall message, mentioned in almost all of the maxims, to be "leave the thinking to the elders". The bulk of the work seems to be a typical push for docility and reinforcement of control.
Q1: So many of them seem to indicate that silence is a virtue. Don't speak at all. You can't just say whatever you want, no matter who you are.
ReplyDeleteQ2: Listening might consist of seeking to understand. To learn from the speech of others. Reading the written works of others. Reading influences speech. Reading assists in learning. Each reader brings their own perspective to the work - interpreting it in new and different ways that could be useful.
Q4: There are several contradictory instructions; follow your heart, don't follow your heart… love your wife; contain her… don't be silent, lest you be rebuked… pretty much the entirety of the twenty-fourth maxim… It makes me wonder if the translation hasn't missed some vital part. Assuming the translation is perfect, it makes me think that either there were several minds at work behind the maxims or several writers. Perhaps these maxims which were handed down through oral tradition for so long lost some context with which the reader could understand the differences between the contradictory advice; perhaps each maxim was more specifically directed toward an individual and his/her situation and not meant as a general directive or instruction? Or perhaps the impossible nature of the ideal is created to highlight the gulf between the rulers, or gods, and the average person.
Q3: They Egyptians placed a lot of importance on listening because they believed in listening and holding your tongue to try and understand what the other person is trying to say clearly. Another thing listening to what someone says rather than hearing them say it is so you can understand the context and carry out the conversation.
ReplyDeleteQ4: Many of the maxims tell the reader to stay silent but the maxims as a whole are about teaching the reader the "perfect speech" which is in itself a contradiction. I do not believe anyone could follow all of the maxims because some do contradict each other, but I do believe someone could learn from them and use them in parts when they are needed for a constructive or more meaningful conversation.
Tanner Lyon
Q1: The maxim's talk about the "perfect speech" being able to listen and not jump to conclusions. Its also about know what to say and when to say it. They also say that just because you have power you should listen first than if it is necessary you can say something.
ReplyDeleteQ2. Goos listener also come from reading, if people read they will become better listners. Other reading say that if you are able to talk about thing with knowledge behind it. Reading helps people speech
chloe wigington
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