Similarities Between Egypt And Ancient China

Throughout mankind’s elaborate history, the concept of social rank has been a primary aspect in almost all-known civilizations. Some may argue that societal order is necessary for civilization to flourish within an organized system of class; however, there are others that see this structure to be harmful to the growth and progress of human beings. In ancient Egypt and China, there are two documents that shed light of this concept; the “Be a Scribe” document found in Egypt, and “The Book of Songs” from China. Both recordings entail descriptions of social life in both countries as well as the benefits and struggles of different social classes. This will be a brief analysis of comparisons, differences, and an overall view of both countries’ societal aspects according to their respective documents.
One example is the assumption of hierarchy within each society. Numerous passages from Egypt’s “Be a Scribe” text depicts the life of a scribe appearing to be far more luxurious and superior compared to those who take on other occupations. According to the text, it is claimed that being a scribe is “…worth more than an inheritance in Egypt, than a tomb in the west.” Other professions that were mentioned in the text were work-inducing and dangerous to the well-being. An example of this the depiction of the washerman which states, “The washerman’s day is going up, going down. All his limbs are weak, [from] whitening his neighbor’s clothes every day, from washing their linen.” In China’s “Book of Songs”, a sense of hierarchy is also present; however, it’s more subtle than the “Be a Scribe” text. One poem from the “Book of Songs” is about peasants lashing out against corrupted landlords by comparing them to rats, and hoping for a better future. While the comparisons between both countries are present, there are some major differences between the two