Wisdom From The Ancients

Wisdom From The Ancients

By:

Anas Hamshari

Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Bibliotheca Exotica

All rights reserved

The author reserves full rights to document and publish the entire contents of this book.

Parts of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, only with the express written permission of the author and/or publisher.

ISBN-13: 9798530980091

Table of Content

Wisdom From The Ancients

Copyright

Table of Content

Foreword and Disclaimer

Why Study the Ancients?

Disclaimers

Book Structure

A Word To The Wise

Writer’s Acknowledgement

The Last Of The Ancients

Conclusion

Wisdom From The Ancients

MEET THE ANCIENTS: AKHENATON

MEET THE ANCIENTS: HOMER

Happiness & Content

MEET THE ANCIENTS: HESIOD

MEET THE ANCIENTS: SOLON

Philosophy, Wisdom, Deep Thought, & Self-Knowledge

MEET THE ANCIENTS: AESOP

MEET THE ANCIENTS: LAOZI

MEET THE ANCIENTS: SUN TZU

Personal Development & Growth

MEET THE ANCIENTS: CONFUCIUS

MEET THE ANCIENTS: PYTHAGORAS

Health & Wellness

MEET THE ANCIENTS: AESCHYLUS

MEET THE ANCIENTS: PINDAR

Relations

MEET THE ANCIENTS: PERICLES

MEET THE ANCIENTS: EURIPIDES

Law, Order, & Justice

MEET THE ANCIENTS: SOPHOCLES

MEET THE ANCIENTS: THUCYDIDES

War, Politics, Society, & Governance

MEET THE ANCIENTS: HIPPOCRATES

MEET THE ANCIENTS: XENOPHON

MEET THE ANCIENTS: PLATO

Leadership & Management

MEET THE ANCIENTS: ARISTOTLE

MEET THE ANCIENTS: DIOGENES

Hardships & Tribulations

MEET THE ANCIENTS: MENCIUS

MEET THE ANCIENTS: ZHUANGZI

Planning, Strategizing, & Tactics

MEET THE ANCIENTS: CICERO

MEET THE ANCIENTS: PUBLIUS SYRUS

MEET THE ANCIENTS: PLINY THE ELDER

Money, Trade, & Wealth

MEET THE ANCIENTS: SENECA THE YOUNGER

MEET THE ANCIENTS: PLUTARCH

MEET THE ANCIENTS: EPICTETUS

People, Prejudices, & Notions

MEET THE ANCIENTS: TACITUS

MEET THE ANCIENTS: MARCUS AURELIUS

Sundries

THE LAST OF THE ANCIENTS: BOETHIUS

Finale

Bonus Content I. Last Words

I. An Akkadian Father’s Last Words To His Son

II. Ahikar Passing On His Wisdom

III. An Ancient Man’s Last Words

Bonus Content II. Wisdom from the Egyptian Ancients

I. Wisdom From The Sebayt Of Ptah-Hotep

II. Wisdom From The Sebayt Of Ke’gemni

Introduction

Adagia

III. Wisdom From The Sebayt Of Amenemhat

IV. Wisdom From The Sebayt Of Dua-Kheti (The Satire of the Trades)

V. Wisdom From The Sebayt Of Ani

VI. Wisdom From The Sebayt Of Kheti

VII. Wisdom From The Sebayt of Amenemope

Introduction

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXV

Chapter XXVI

Chapter XXVII

Chapter XXVIII

Chapter XXIX

Chapter XXX

Colophon

VIII. Wisdom From The Sebayt Of Ankhsheshonqy

Introduction

Adagia

IX. Wisdom From The Anonymus Sebayt

Introduction

Sb’yt

X. Wisdom from Ipet-Isut

Introduction

From the Outer Temple

From the Inner Temple

About Bibliotheca Exotica

References

Foreword and Disclaimer

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, the Forgiving, the Almighty, the One and Only Creator of all things which we are aware of and unaware of; Creator of all what is seen and all that is unseen, as well as the unforeseen. Praise be to Him Who created the heavens and the earth and made the darkness and the light. Praise be to Him to whom gratitude for one of His favors cannot be paid save through another favor from Him, which necessitates for the giver of thanks for His past favors to repay it by a new favor which in turn, makes it obligatory upon him gratitude for it. Praise be to God, for if even eighteen thousand generations of mankind were to try together strenuously, they would not even attain a fraction of His utmost greatness, which is as He has described Himself within the Holy Qur’an and above what His creatures can attribute to Him. I praise God, the Exalted in Might and Power and Supremity even further with such praise as is obligatory on account of His kindness and the might of His Majesty. I continuously ask the help of the Almighty God; the help of one save in whom there is no power or might at all. I also ask for His guidance, the guidance whereby no one who takes refuge in it will ever be led astray. I give thanks, and further praises for the Almighty and continuously ask for His blessings; the blessings that can be observed, the blessings that are bestowed in disguise, or bestowed unconsciously, or bestowed without our awareness or acknowledgment, as well as the blessings that are hidden or kept away from us for our unforeseen benefit. I also give thanks to Him for showing me the light towards the path of knowledge and for granting our ancient forefathers the ability to document their learnings for us to intercept and comprehend; may He bless us with the ability to carry on this delightfully arduous task without hesitation or external hindrances except by which He wills whenever He wills it. I also give thanks to Him for the awareness of one’s duty and obligations in thanking Him at all times, whether they be good times or bad, for He is man’s only refuge. Furthermore, I ask Him - the One and Only Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them and around them, with the pleading of one who confesses himself in a state of servitude, and who knows that none but He can forgive his offense and save him from it - for His Mercy and forgiveness for whatever offense which I have already committed and for what I have deferred; I also seek the Merciful’s forgiveness if I unconsciously write anything that angers Him in any way. Last but certainly not least, I give further thanks to Him for granting me the opportunity to share an endless amount of invaluable knowledge to all mankind through means of literary compositions, and for the patience, time, and effort that it takes to authentically compose such works for the benefit of all. I bear witness that there is no God but one God alone, who has no associate, partner, affiliate, or relative (except for his relation as the Creator and Overlord of all His creations) whatsoever, and that Muhammad – peace, and blessings be upon him - is His servant and Apostle, and the Seal of the Prophets, who was blessed with the undying task of sharing His Message - the Message which God proclaims and reaffirms His Oneness to all His creation - to all of mankind as one of the greatest mercies to all of His creation on this earth.

WE EXTOL ANCIENT THINGS, REGARDLESS OF OUR OWN TIMES

VETERA EXTOLLIMUS RECENTIUM INCURIOSI

- Tacitus

In our present age, humanity grapples with a pervasive pandemic that infiltrates every corner of our existence: Indecency, miserliness, vulgarity, arrogance, absolute corruption, kleptocracy, narcissism, political tyranny, social tyranny, and economic tyranny. These vile afflictions, among countless others, plague our world with their destructive force. It is a mere glimpse into the ocean of indecencies when we witness a banana affixed to a wall, masquerading as a valuable work of art and commanding an exorbitant price. Such instances serve as reminders of the many forms of moral decay that infest our societies.

Wisdom From The Ancients emerges as a treasure trove, encapsulating invaluable pieces of wisdom that beckon readers to embark on a transformative journey of enlightenment. The teachings of the past offer us a profound opportunity to educate ourselves. Just as experiential learning shapes our growth, imbibing the wisdom of yesteryears holds equal significance.

Why Study the Ancients?

It is through the pursuit of knowledge that we stand a chance to break the cycle of abhorrent historical patterns. Before delving into any trade or subject, humanity must first grasp the fundamental essence of decency and morality. In many Eastern cultures, young children are instilled with moral values from the earliest stages of their education, ensuring that these principles form the bedrock of their character. The wisdom of the ancients serves as the foundation upon which we can cultivate dignified principles, guiding us throughout our journey on this earth.

Within the pages of this remarkable book, one encounters a rich tapestry of excerpts and quotes spanning the ancient world. From the majestic land of the Pharaohs to the sagacious Sages of the distant East, from the audacious thinkers and liberal minds of the Aegean to the potent monarchs of civilization’s cradle, from iron-fisted emperors to selfless hermits who embraced the freedom of solitude - each voice carries weight and substance. It is my solemn commitment to ensure that each and every one of these voices resounds in the ears of those seeking wisdom.

Moreover, while it may be tempting to compile volumes upon volumes bemoaning the noxiousness of our contemporary societies, it behooves us to remedy this calamity by reintroducing the teachings of the Ancients. Instead of attempting to summarize countless philosophical treatises, I opted for a more captivating approach - an offering of succinct and profound quotes. These concise yet strikingly effective fragments encapsulate the essence of timeless teachings, serving as beacons to illuminate our path toward a better world.

Disclaimers

I do not agree or disagree with any of the written quotes in this book. I’ve taken the liberty to jot down several variables of translated quotes from notable ancient figures so that a reader can interpret it in whichever way they want. Once they comprehend the meaning behind those words, it is up to them whether they wish to approve of it or not. When interpreting something, I always like to examine past cases and compare them with present ones. I always keep in mind that what I think is what it is and is not what it is because someone says it is. The Almighty granted me a mind of my own, and so I have every right to judge and analyze data according to my perceptions.

It is not my intention to insult or offend any gender, race, ethnicity, culture, or persons of position through the quotes mentioned in this book. I personally regard people individually and not collectively; I judge someone based on my repeated interaction with them and not based on their appearance, reputation, stereotypes, prejudices, references from other people’s perceptions, or even first impressions which I have perceived. Every free mind deserves the right to speak regardless of how sharp or wicked the words are. In our times, sincere minds have been stifled by accusations of racism just so that the speaker can discontinue their expression of their version of the truth. That can only point towards the sincerity and validity of the accused’s words.

Regarding the subject matter covered, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. This publication is meant as a source of valuable information for the reader; however, it is not meant as a substitute for direct expert assistance. If such a level of assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Quotes that may sound controversial, skeptical, or even outrageous (in the eyes of some) are nothing, more or less, but a point of view from the mind of an ancient figure. I believe we should comprehend that speculatively and analyze the reasons behind these statements, and then we should compare it with the situation in our world today from a wide range of different angles and perspectives. Nothing is said or done without there being a good reason for it being said or done so. If you or I were held against our God-given right to reiterate any form of historical context, then it would only prove that these contexts have some truth behind them.

Certain notional quotes on genders, races, and whole populations seemed aggressively contemptuous; a lot of these notions were stated by notable Roman figures, while other shrewd notions on gender (among other) issues were said by all sorts of ancient figures from across the ancient world. When the reader studies each notion, they can then identify truth from falsities throughout each context. Regarding gender issues, I tried to pick out quotes that depict the strengths and the flaws of men and women rather than just point the flaws or the strengths of one gender only.

I took it upon myself to slightly adjust some of the grammar, spelling, and general vocabulary of many quotes in this book. I made the context as comprehendible as possible to the reader, whether they are slow readers, slow learners, dyslexic, or even non-fluent English speakers.

This is a work of nonfiction. No names have been changed intentionally; no characters invented intentionally; no events fabricated deliberately.

The content of this book is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease (in the case of health/medicinal quotes), nor grant the reader any level of success that may be experienced by following certain advice and strategies contained in certain passages. Any advice found in any quote whatsoever throughout this book is merely coincidental as the author wished to diversify the varieties of historical contexts and narratives; therefore, the reader is fully responsible for any result obtained from following any advice found in this book.

All of the terms god and gods have been changed to idolatrized and idol or idols due to the falsehood of these idolatrized figures and as a show of respect and fear towards the One True God (He Who has no affiliates or partners). Furthermore, Sentences or lines that contain [...] indicate that the original tablets or manuscripts have been lost or destroyed. [....] indicates that a wider section has been lost or destroyed.

Book Structure

The initial chapters of this extraordinary book have been meticulously arranged, guided by my own discernment of the wisdom categories that I believe are essential for individuals to assimilate. However, it is vital to acknowledge that each reader possesses a unique mind and personality, granting them the autonomy to prioritize and explore the chapters in any sequence they deem appropriate.

I firmly hold the conviction that true contentment lies in embracing what one possesses, enabling satisfaction to permeate every circumstance in life. Once happiness is attained and firmly established, individuals gain mastery over their minds, embarking on a profound journey into the boundless realm of philosophy - a realm where meanings defy confinement, expanding endlessly. Through this expansion of the mind, one embarks on the profound task of self-discovery, delving deep within to unravel their true purpose in life. By intimately knowing oneself, individuals can then progress to the arduous but rewarding practice of self-improvement. Taking charge of their lives, they are compelled to maintain a state of excellence in both mind and body. Only when one achieves a state of holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social spheres, can they wholeheartedly engage in the study of a vast array of wisdom, spanning diverse topics.

The organization of specific quotes within designated chapters is primarily driven by my personal perception of their inherent meaning, even if it may seem peculiar for a particular quote to find its place in one chapter or another. As a reader and fellow wanderer of the mind, I encourage you to interpret these quotes in whichever way resonates with you. There are no limits to the imaginative capacities of the human mind; therefore, allow your thoughts to traverse the vast oceans of multifaceted meanings.

While each quote finds its home within a chapter relevant to its general subject matter, those quotes without a specific focus have been thoughtfully situated in the final chapter titled Sundries. Within this collection of excerpts and quotes, you will encounter not only humorous quips and personal narratives but also an amalgamation of miscellaneous quotes that may appear unrelated to the profound teachings of the ancients - teachings that this book aspires to deliver to its readers.

Please bear in mind that the quotes I personally consider to be the greatest are not arranged in any particular order. I have purposefully scattered them throughout each chapter, allowing the captivating and intuitive ones to be discovered anywhere within the chapter’s bounds. This deliberate arrangement ensures that the chapters remain vibrant and immune to monotony, captivating the attention of readers, including those with an inclination towards attention deficit disorder (CED.). In essence, treasures await discovery throughout the book, transcending the confines of beginnings, middles, or ends of chapters, beckoning readers to embark on a continuous quest for enlightenment.

A Word To The Wise

Let it be known to the reader that the advice imparted within these pages holds its true worth only when put into practice. Mere words, however profound, remain dormant until they are embraced and applied in one’s life. Only then can their value be fully realized, revealing their transformative power. Moreover, as the reader embraces the practicality of a given piece of advice, it becomes imperative to nurture and evolve this newfound wisdom, ensuring its adaptability to the ever-changing currents of existence. Each individual possesses their unique approach to navigating change, and thus, it is essential to seek one’s own path rather than attempt to mimic others, lest one be left with unsatisfying or unforeseen outcomes.

While it may appear that the ranks of wise individuals have dwindled in our present era, I maintain the belief that a select few still walk among us. Yet, they choose to remain silent, concealed from the public gaze. Were they to voice their profound insights, they would be dismissed as fools, for their rational, prudent, and flawless minds challenge the prevailing indecency, malevolence, and iniquity that dominate the majority of today’s inhabitants.

Writer’s Acknowledgement

Within these pages, some quotes provoke thought, while others ignite deep contemplation. Certain passages dazzle and captivate, evoking a sense of enchantment and wonder. I must acknowledge that several contexts draw inspiration from the wisdom of ancient figures, particularly during the Greek Classical Age and the Roman era, who laid the groundwork for pearls of wisdom and profound ideas. While numerous scholars and philosophers of antiquity sought to explore their own interpretations of life’s

mysteries, it is worth noting that many historical figures echoed the words of their predecessors. In most cases, I have chosen to cite the earliest recorded reference, honoring the origins of these timeless truths.

As Pliny the Elder stated:

In comparing various authors with one another, I have discovered that some of the gravest and latest writers have transcribed, word for word, from former works, without making acknowledgment.

The Last Of The Ancients

As the tides of time swept ceaselessly forward, two figures emerged as the closing voices from the era beyond the 5th century CE They were Attila the Hun and Boethius, standing as sentinels at the precipice of a bygone age. Attila, a formidable force, cast a shadow of devastation upon the Roman Empires, particularly the Western realm. Even before his destructive path, the land had been marred by the waves of mass migrations. With the collapse of the Hunnic Empire, a power vacuum ensued, paving the way for Gothic tribes to engage in a tumultuous struggle for dominion across central and southern Europe. It is thus imperative to include Attila’s quotes, for he embodied military genius during the very existence of the Roman Empire.

Boethius, although living in a time following Attila’s reign, was hailed by esteemed scholars such as Lorenzo Valla as the Last Roman and the Last Classical Philosopher. He stood as the vanguard of scholastic philosophers, a lineage that embraced critical philosophical analysis within the Latin Catholic theistic curriculum. This school of thought held sway over the medieval European universities from the 11th to the 17th century. Boethius, a remarkable polymath, was also the final torchbearer of bilingual Romans who had immersed themselves in the profound philosophies of both Aristotle and Plato. His translations of their ancient Greek works into Latin stood as a beacon of wisdom in the Latin world. They served as the last vestiges of enlightenment until the arrival of the Renaissance, which would emancipate the Western world from the shackles of darkness and usher in an era of free thought.

Thus, Attila the Hun and Boethius, the last of their kind, occupy a poignant space in history, embodying the closing chapter of an epoch overshadowed by cataclysmic shifts and transformative progress in mankind’s history.

Conclusion

Lastly, it is paramount to acknowledge the profound impact of Diogenes the Cynic, whose life served as living testament to the potential outcome when individuals are granted unparalleled freedom. His existence epitomized what I fondly refer to as Absolute Freedom, an unfettered state where constraints cease to exist.

MEET THE ANCIENTS:

AKHENATON

1380 BCE – 1336 BC

Akhenaton was a Pharaoh of Egypt (18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom)

In defiance of pharaonic naming traditions, he changed his name from Pharaoh Amenhotep IV to Akhenaten to represent the new monotheistic religion in Egypt: the worshipping of the sun god, Aten; Akhenaten translated into English: Living Spirit of Aten

Polytheism to monotheism: He imposed new aspects of Egyptian religion and reformed it by establishing the belief in one God by the name of Aten; Akhenaton removed many of the old [idols] from inscriptions and tablets; furthermore, he closed many of the ancient temples, in a move that angered both civilians and priests alike. Aside from reforming Egypt’s religion, Akhenaton also reformed the art world during his reign; artists depicted people more on how they actually looked rather than the traditional presentation of people with "ideal" faces and perfect bodies

His main wife, Queen Nefertiti, was considered the most beautiful woman to ever exist at the time (according to a well-preserved sculpture of her). Her position as queen gave her a lot of power as she ruled alongside him, eventually becoming the second most powerful person in Egypt

He built a new city called Akhenaten (named Amarna by modern archaeologists) in 1346 BCE to honor Aten. The city even became Egypt’s capital during his entire reign as pharaoh as it housed his royal palace and the Great Temple of the Aten

After his death, later pharaohs removed his name from the list of pharaohs because of going against the traditional [idols] of Egypt

MEET THE ANCIENTS:

HOMER

Circa 800 BCE – 701 BC

Homer was an ancient Greek poet from Ionia, located on the central part of the western coast of Anatolia

His epic poems "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" pioneered the foundation of ancient Greek literature for centuries to come

Modern scholars believe that he was a blind bard, compiling his stories orally, then reciting them out of memory. Many of the stories in Homer’s works point towards certain made-up characters that are believed to indicate him describing himself; i.e., Demodokos, a blind minstrel in The Odyssey

Homer’s style of storytelling was more of ballad-style poetry rather than the typical cultivated poetry style as with later poets such as Virgil and Ovid

His entire facial complexion was based on the speculative theories of how he might have looked like, based on the interpreted descriptions of the characters he indicated in The Odyssey and The Iliad

The way he structures his writing is by starting from the middle, then filling in the beginnings and endings based on what he remembers

To this day, Homer’s exact dates of birth and death, as well as his birthplace, are still in debate

Happiness & Content

Happiness is an unrepentant pleasure.

Socrates

If what you have seems insufficient to you, then though you possess the world, you will yet be miserable.

Seneca the Younger

Failing to understand the workings of one’s own mind is bound to lead to unhappiness.

Marcus Aurelius

If any be unhappy, let him remember that he is unhappy because of himself alone. For God hath made all men enjoy felicity and constancy of good.

Epictetus

Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

Lao Tzu

Happy the man who has been able to learn the causes of things.

Virgil

Call no man happy until he is dead.

Solon

Happiness depends upon ourselves.

Aristotle

He who is of calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden.

Plato

A quiet-hearted person awakes with a smile on his lips and an eagerness in his heart for the day ahead.

Yijing

If your desires are not great, a little will seem much to you, for small appetite makes poverty equivalent to wealth.

Democritus

Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind and has given up worrying once and for all.

Ovid

The secret of happiness is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.

Socrates

True happiness is to enjoy the present. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.

Seneca the Younger

Happiness comes to them who bring happiness to others.

Zoroaster

He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus, one should discard attachment to be happy.

Chanakya

Happiness is the possession of the excellence proper to us and the power subservient to it.

Xenocrates

Learn to be pleased with everything; with wealth, so far as it makes us beneficial to others; with poverty, for not having much to care for, and with obscurity, for being unenvied.

Plutarch

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim, and end of human existence.

Aristotle

Happiness is not fame or riches or heroic virtues, but a state that will inspire posterity to think in reflecting upon our life, that it was the life they would wish to live.

Herodotus

... that the truly contented man is not the possessor of vast riches. The crown of happiness goes to the person who has the skill to gain money fairly, use it honorably, and not mistake gold for a god of power and light.

Xenophon

The day, water, sun, moon, night - I do not have to purchase these things with money.

Plautus

A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.

Alexander the Great

There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.

Epictetus

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

Marcus Aurelius

Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.

Gautama Buddha

We must, therefore, pursue the things that make for happiness, seeing that when happiness is present, we have everything, but when it is absent, we do everything to possess it.

Epicurus

"For what prevents us from saying that the happy life is to have a mind that is free, lofty, fearless and steadfast - a mind that is placed beyond the reach of fear, beyond the reach of desire, that counts virtue the only