Quote by Ptahhotep: “Do not repeat slanders, nor listen to them. They are a hateful thing.”

This quote advises against engaging in gossip or spreading rumors, highlighting the harmful nature of such actions. It teaches the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding negativity, recognizing that malicious speech can cause significant damage and create a toxic environment for everyone involved.

In the ancient Egyptian court and daily life, reputation and social harmony were crucial. Ptahhotep's maxims sought to guide individuals towards ethical conduct, emphasizing the damaging effects of slander and the importance of maintaining respectful interactions to uphold social order.

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.