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Follow your desire as long as you live and do not perform more than is ordered; do not lessen the time of following desire, for the wasting of time is an abomination to the spirit... When riches are gained, follow desire, for riches will not profit if one is sluggish.

— Ptahhotep The Maxims of Ptahhotep (-2350)

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More quotes by Ptahhotep

Do not be arrogant because of your knowledge, but confer with the ignorant man as with the learned. For knowledge has no limits, and none has yet achieved perfection in it.

The Maxims of Ptahhotep (-2350)

One who is serious all day will never have a good time, while one who is frivolous all day will never establish a household.

The Maxims of Ptahhotep (-2350)

Truth is great and its effectiveness endures.

The Maxims of Ptahhotep (-2350)

Do not repeat slander; you should not hear it, for it is the result of hot temper.

The Maxims of Ptahhotep (-2350)

Be a craftsman in speech that thou mayest be strong, for the strength of one is the tongue, and speech is mightier than all fighting.

The Maxims of Ptahhotep (-2350)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Ptahhotep (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.