"Public school education was known in ancient Egypt as from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom (2052-1778 BC). Before then, the education and training of children was almost entirely the responsibility of fathers. School teachers were civil service officials who had previously trained as scribes.
"There was a school textbook entitled 'Kemit'. Used for teaching reading and writing, it came into widespread use in the New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC). Other subjects such as mathematics, sculpture and painting, geography and sport, were also taught at school . Discipline in the classrooms was strict, as the following passage from 'Papyrus Lansing,' a 20-Dynasty document , attests: 'Because you beat me on the back, your teaching entered my ears.'...
"'A stupid son, badly reared by his father, is a statue of stone. A son who remembers what he is taught, and has a strong desire to learn, has a splendid destiny; his character will help bring blessings upon him. When the learner's attitude is hostile, no instruction can succeed. He who heeds a first reproach is spared a second. If a child's character is wanting, it is because he is disobedient. Thoth, the great god (of writing) , gave the world the whip, to help educate fools. A child who steers clear of scandal will never be hit a regrettable blow. No child dies from a beating given by his father's hand.'...
"It is the duty of parents to teach children the system of social ethics inscribed in the educational curriculum. This was based on the philosophy of Maat, a combination of Truth and Justice, which was supposed to regulate social behavior, thus assuring success and prestige in individual life....
"Pharaonic education based on the philosophy of Maat, also made a significant contribution to the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization."
P. 570-571, "In Praise of the Intellectual Life," AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY :THE PHARAONIC PERIOD (2780-330 BC) by Theophile Obenga (2004)

Wednesday, February 21, 2018
EDUCATION IN ANCIENT EGYPT
"Public school education was known in ancient Egypt as from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom (2052-1778 BC). Before then, the education and training of children was almost entirely the responsibility of fathers. School teachers were civil service officials who had previously trained as scribes.
"There was a school textbook entitled 'Kemit'. Used for teaching reading and writing, it came into widespread use in the New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC). Other subjects such as mathematics, sculpture and painting, geography and sport, were also taught at school . Discipline in the classrooms was strict, as the following passage from 'Papyrus Lansing,' a 20-Dynasty document , attests: 'Because you beat me on the back, your teaching entered my ears.'...
"'A stupid son, badly reared by his father, is a statue of stone. A son who remembers what he is taught, and has a strong desire to learn, has a splendid destiny; his character will help bring blessings upon him. When the learner's attitude is hostile, no instruction can succeed. He who heeds a first reproach is spared a second. If a child's character is wanting, it is because he is disobedient. Thoth, the great god (of writing) , gave the world the whip, to help educate fools. A child who steers clear of scandal will never be hit a regrettable blow. No child dies from a beating given by his father's hand.'...
"It is the duty of parents to teach children the system of social ethics inscribed in the educational curriculum. This was based on the philosophy of Maat, a combination of Truth and Justice, which was supposed to regulate social behavior, thus assuring success and prestige in individual life....
"Pharaonic education based on the philosophy of Maat, also made a significant contribution to the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization."
P. 570-571, "In Praise of the Intellectual Life," AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY :THE PHARAONIC PERIOD (2780-330 BC) by Theophile Obenga (2004)

