Moments in history!

Ever wonder about our ancestors' early sense of manners?

Around 2500 B.C., "The Instructions of Ptahhotep" (sometimes called "The Maxims of Ptahhotep," or "The Precepts of Ptah-Hotep") was the Emily Post of the day - if Post had been grand vizier under the pharaoh Isesi, that is. There is some question as to when the wisdom of Ptahhotep (or Ptahhotpe or Ptah-Hotep) was recorded, and there are discrepancies between a papyrus version and texts of the instructions at the British Museum.

That said, the basic idea is clear: this is a collection of ancient advice given to young men who wanted to get ahead in life. Important topics include ignoring rumors, proper leadership, and taking the high road:

• "Do not repeat any extravagance of language; do not listen to it; it is a thing which has escaped from a hasty mouth. If it is repeated, look, without hearing it, toward the earth; say nothing in regard to it."

• "Inspire not men with fear. Let one provide sustenance for them in the lap of peace; it will then be that they will freely give what has been torn from them by terror."

• "If you are powerful, respect knowledge and calmness of language. Let not your heart be haughty, neither let it be mean."

• "If you desire that your conduct should be good and preserved from all evil, keep yourself from every attack of bad humor. When a man has established his just equilibrium and walks in this path, there where he makes his dwelling, there is no room for bad humor."

• "Grumble not over your own affairs."

• "Let your countenance be cheerful during the time of your existence."

Sometimes the best advice is old advice! More moments in etiquette history to come!