The idea of living a good life is a theme that is evident in many different texts. Whether they are modern or ancient texts, the requirements of living a good life is seen in several different forms throughout the years. Depending on the text, there are different guidelines that can lead to a life that is considered good. The Precepts of Ptah-Hotep states that one has to be moral and practice good behavior. He or she should be humbled. Be a Scribe states that one has to be a leader and pursue a career that will lead to wealth and recognition. The Precepts of Ptah-Hotep and Be a Scribe address distinct ideas of what it takes to live a good life, although the concept and overall themes of the pieces appear to be similar. While The Precepts of Ptah-Hotep seems to believe how one acts will determine a good life, Be a Scribe describes recognition as living a good life.
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We dream of growing up and having the dream life we have always wanted. We dream of being successful. Although the Precepts of Ptah-Hotep describes living a good life as being morally good, Be a Scribe states that we must be successful in order to live a good life. Be a Scribe states, “Do you not recall the life of the unskilled man? His life is not known” (Gilbert and Reynolds). This quote is stating that in order to have a good life, you have to make a name for yourself. That is the way to be successful. Success leads to a good and steady lifestyle. According to Be a Scribe, success is defined by recognition. We cannot be unknown in the community: our name has to be worldwide if we wish to live a comfortable and “good” life.
Be humble. When we are appointed to a newfound level of power, it is easy to let that power get to our heads. We may become arrogant and cocky because we are in charge and in a position of power. However, this is not good. If we become rich after we have been poor, we should be humbled because we know what it is like to have been poor. We should not allow the power to cause us to become boastful. The passage states, “If you have learned about the peasant, you will not be able to be one.” This quote refers to human flourishing because humility is an important virtue that will to our
We dream of growing up and having the dream life we have always wanted. We dream of being successful. Although the Precepts of Ptah-Hotep describes living a good life as being morally good, Be a Scribe states that we must be successful in order to live a good life. Be a Scribe states, “Do you not recall the life of the unskilled man? His life is not known” (Gilbert and Reynolds). This quote is stating that in order to have a good life, you have to make a name for yourself. That is the way to be successful. Success leads to a good and steady lifestyle. According to Be a Scribe, success is defined by recognition. We cannot be unknown in the community: our name has to be worldwide if we wish to live a comfortable and “good” life.
Be humble. When we are appointed to a newfound level of power, it is easy to let that power get to our heads. We may become arrogant and cocky because we are in charge and in a position of power. However, this is not good. If we become rich after we have been poor, we should be humbled because we know what it is like to have been poor. We should not allow the power to cause us to become boastful. The passage states, “If you have learned about the peasant, you will not be able to be one.” This quote refers to human flourishing because humility is an important virtue that will to our