Teaching of Amenemope currently housed in the British Museum
Amenemope was the ancient Kemetic author of "The Instruction of Amenemope," probably composed during the late New Kingdom (1300– 1075 BCE). Amenemope promoted the philosophy of manners, etiquette, and success in life. Without a proverb to guide and instruct, amenemope believed the human being was devoid of experience and wisdom and could not learn properly. His philosophy is presented in a series of proverbs or analects that captures his day's knowledge and wisdom. He believed that a good society was based on the ancestors since they had established the proverbial wisdom. It should be noted that many parallels have been drawn between portions of Amenemope's work and the Hebrew Book of Proverbs. Some scholars have argued that the Book of Proverbs depends partly upon Amenemope's work, while others have argued the reverse. 11