Quote by Ptahhotep: “If you are a leader, be patient when you listen to the pleas of a supplicant.”

This wisdom for leaders stresses the importance of empathy and patience. It suggests that a good leader must listen carefully and thoughtfully to those who seek help, even if they are of lower status. This approach fosters trust and ensures fairness, making leadership more effective and just.

As a vizier, Ptahhotep understood the responsibilities of authority. His maxims provided guidance on governance and moral conduct for those in power, advocating for justice and compassion towards common people, which was vital for maintaining the stability and legitimacy of the Old Kingdom.

Ancient Egyptian vizier who served under Pharaoh Djedkare Isesi during the Fifth Dynasty, around 2400 BCE. He is credited with composing The Maxims of Ptahhotep, one of the oldest surviving works of moral philosophy in human history. He is regarded as one of the first named authors in recorded history.