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Do not tell lies against your mother, the magistrates…

“Do not tell lies against your mother, the magistrates abhor it. The descendant who does what is good. His actions all emulate the past. Do not consort with a rowdy. It harms you when one hears of it. If you have eaten three loaves, drunk two jugs of beer, and the belly is not sated, restrain it!…” quote by Miriam Lichtheim
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““Do not tell lies against your mother, the magistrates abhor it. The descendant who does what is good. His actions all emulate the past. Do not consort with a rowdy. It harms you when one hears of it. If you have eaten three loaves, drunk two jugs of beer, and the belly is not sated, restrain it! When another eats, don't stand there, beware of rushing to the table!””

Miriam Lichtheim

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advises moral conduct: avoid lying, associate with the virtuous, practice self‑control, and show humility.

In simple terms: Live ethically and modestly.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humility and self‑discipline.

Themes

ethics self‑control humility

Mood

reflective didactic

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • community meetings
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

ancient wisdom social conduct

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can these ancient teachings guide modern behavior?
  • What situations test self‑control today?
A Different Perspective

Modern contexts may interpret advice differently.

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