Customer Reviews

Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt (African Studies: History, Politics, Economics and Culture)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, this book is well worth reading as a fascinating and serious attempt to get to grips with the ancient Egyptian concept and practice of Ma'at - not just as a historical exercise but with a view to showing its relevance to modern life. Maulana Karenga firmly believes that the practice of Ma'at offers credible social and personal advantages in the 21st century, and is very persuasive without trying to over-simplify the issues or overlook the enormous changes in human society since then. It is an openly African-centred approach to Egyptian studies, and as such draws in fresh and compelling insights and analogies.

There are some disappointing aspects to the treatment, though. In numerous places the author seems so keen to promote Ma'atian principles over others that the arguments are overstated or simplified, or straw-man positions set up to represent secular or religious positions. One feels that from time to time the wrong things are being compared! For example, simplistically-stated positions of Christian theology are set up against specific Egyptian texts and found wanting: however, Christian theology has to cope with difficult texts in the Biblical tradition as well, and is a more complex and flexible system of thought than he gives it credit. On a similar vein, Egyptian texts are almost entirely drawn from the Wisdom tradition rather than the whole gamut of Egyptian thought: suitable comparisons would be with the Hebrew wisdom tradition which frequently has quite a similar focus. The differences seem to be exaggerated so as to make Ma'at come out on top more easily!

I would have like to see a greater attempt to tackle "difficult" texts and so present a more rounded picture of Egyptian ethics. For example, the Declarations of Innocence "I have not killed... I have not commanded anyone to kill" are explored at some length. However, the Pharaohs, on one level the exemplary individuals in society, clearly conducted wars and recorded their warlike exploits without (apparently) feeling a contradiction here. A more balanced exploration of the ways in which the Declarations of Innocence could be upheld in apparent conflict with actual lifestyle would have been an excellent addition to the book.

That said, I would repeat my initial thought: the book is well worth reading, being both insightful and provocative as an open-ended invitation to join the Ma'atian journey. The author would, I believe, much rather people read and engaged with the book - even if they felt it lacking in places - than overlooked it.

I literally have hundreds of books many of which are great but this book honestly needs ten stars. I get quivers when I think about the pain staking scholarship that went into this book. This book travels into domains unventured. It inaugurates a new 4th phase of Egyptology. It left the authority of Egyptology saying we have alot to learn from traditional African cultures, signing the praises of Karenga. Ironically Karenga is like the teacher and Assmann the authority who is made to look like the student as his works are corrected. So many people need this book. Spirituality, Philosophy, History, Culture and revealing knowledge that has been locked away for millenniums. Diffinetly for all those who wish to be conscious.

This is an amazing book about Maat. It goes into real detail about Maat,leaving no stone unturned. If you want to truly study Maat--this is the book to get. It's a little long but very informative. It's worth the purchase.

This is one of the most sigificant books in millenniums. Please have faith in what I am saying this book is before its time!!!!!!!!!