Anonymous, The Dialogue of a Man with His Ba (c. 1938–1759 B.C.E.)—This philosophical text describes a man debating suicide with his own soul. It gives a clear indication of Egyptian belief in a soul and the consequences of suicide. The text breaks off before the end so the result is not clear.

Anonymous, The Eloquent Peasant (c. 1938–1759 B.C.E.)—In this philosophical study, a corrupt official falsely imprisons a farmer. The farmer's pleas for justice amount to a treatise on maat ("right conduct").

Anonymous, Teachings for Merykare (c. 2130–1980 B.C.E.)—An unnamed king writes advice for his son, the future king Merykare of the Tenth Dynasty. Perhaps the oldest of the royal instructions, it is directed to the enemy of the Theban family that reunited Egypt in the Middle Kingdom.

Anonymous, The Teachings of a Man for his...