He is given credit for composing what has been acclaimed ‘The oldest book in the world’. It is the oldest writing of instruction that has remained intact. The name of the book is The Instruction of Ptahhotep.
The book begins with an explanation of why Ptahhotep wrote this treatise; he stated that he was getting old and feeble and he wanted to retire from his job.
The heart of Ptahhotep’s manuscript consists of thirty-seven principles that define and more importantly, justify certain forms of behavior as being moral.
Ptahhotep was the oldest son of an unknown king. He had the opportunity to become King himself but chose to commit himself to the Priesthood instead.
Ptahhotep of ancient Egypt
