The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Ep. 379: Egyptian Philosophy with Chike Jeffers (Part Two)
Nov 17, 2025
Chike Jeffers, co-author of the Africana section of the History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps podcast, delves into ancient Egyptian philosophy. He explores the significance of silence as a virtue in leadership and the divine principles of justice embedded in Egyptian thought. The conversation touches on moral lessons from dining etiquette and the relationship between virtue and social hierarchy. They also discuss the compelling tale of the Eloquent Peasant, highlighting systemic corruption and the downfall of moral order. Finally, Jeffers unpacks profound ideas about the afterlife and social restoration.
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Episode notes
Use Silence Strategically
- Practice silence as a strategic virtue: speak only when you have a solution or are summoned.
- Let others expose themselves; silence preserves self-control and often wins disputes.
Order And The Mot Sustain Justice
- The texts assume cosmic order (mot) ensures wrongful schemes fail and justice returns.
- That metaphysical optimism underpins advice to avoid reactive speech and trust long-term order.
Silence As Epistemic And Ethical Strength
- Ptahhotep links silence to epistemic virtue: silence lets you learn what you must to speak well.
- Self-control reduces the weight of social rank; virtue can trump status in disputes.
