Reference 1 (below)
System of Values
A value system was important to the ancient Egyptians in much the same way that it is today. In fact, many of the values of our modern society were present in the Egyptian system. What is perhaps different is the exact relevance that the ancient Egyptians gave to their value system. Certainly, the value system had both a secular and religious side. On the religious side, then, as in many religions today, one was judged upon death for his or her actions during life, and either condemned to be a member of the damned or the blessed.
However, a system of values was also important for social order, just as it is today, and then as well as now, a criminal system was also available to punish offenders during their lifetime for certain offenses.
Somewhat different was the matter of Ma'at, a personified concept of truth, balance and order. An individual could violate Ma'at by his actions, but so too could the nation as a whole. In this regard, the king was always responsible for maintaining Ma'at on behalf of the country, usually by maintaining and supporting the cult centers, fending off foreign powers and in general by maintaining the system of values, for example, removing corrupt officials. The ancient Egyptians believed that failure to maintain Ma'at, as a country, could result in divine intervention, when the Egyptian gods provided only low Nile floods, and thus famine, enemy incursions or even complete chaos within the country.
This notion of a national Ma'at is not lost to us today. Many people of religion continue to believe that a nation's fortunes are dictated by their adherence to both good deeds and a general belief in God. Biblically, there are more than a few examples of states finding the wrath of God due to a lack of values.
We know of the ancient Egyptian system of values from wisdom text, wall engravings, particularly autobiographies, and from various religious sources
Reference 2 (below)
The pupils were also instilled values like good manners, morals, self-control and adjustment to their society. From early childhood the ancient Egyptian was taught the value and importance of living with Ma´at on all levels of life.
2007-01-19 08:52:44
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answer #1
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answered by The Answer Man 5
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Family is valued VERY highly in the Egyptian culture. Especially the first-born Son. Additionally, the exchanging of gifts is highly-regarded among middle-class and higher. It is considered more than "rude" not to accept a gift. It is even more "rude" not to give a gift of equal or greater value back to the "giver" !
For more info, see the country study sheet provided by the U.S. Marine Corps. I've provided the following link...hope it helps you !
http://library.usmc-mccs.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi/mReiyUSzE4/314400041/9
2007-01-19 08:44:21
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answer #2
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answered by Dude98328 2
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values as in things they liked (such as honesty, and kindlyness)
2007-01-19 08:38:18
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answer #3
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answered by kittenlova 3
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